Jobs requiring an MBA: A comprehensive guide

Earning a graduate degree is a helpful means to expand your professional prospects and take the next step in your current job. It can also provide you with an opportunity to start a completely new career. A master’s in business administration (MBA) is one of the most versatile and marketable graduate degrees available because it provides key management knowledge and skills in a wide variety of business disciplines, including:

• Strategy
• Innovation
• Finance
• Business intelligence
• Analytics
• Marketing
• Consulting

An MBA provides a competitive edge, equipping professionals to advance within their organizations, earn higher salaries, and strengthen their leadership abilities.¹ It also offers specialized knowledge that helps graduates stand out in the job market.

The combination of hard skills (accounting, marketing, and finance) and soft skills (leadership and creativity) needed to manage and run a business helps MBA graduates rise above others as the most desirable hiring candidates.

This post will explore several jobs that require an MBA degree and highlight exciting career paths for graduates. Whether you're pursuing leadership roles or specialized positions, an MBA opens doors to a wide range of professional opportunities.

Long-standing MBA careers that attract a high number of graduates include:

These areas may involve investment banking, underwriting for governments and corporations, and, financial services such as commercial banking, insurance, and private equity and wealth management. These are competitive fields; an MBA can increase your ability to get promoted or land a job at a prestigious firm. In 2018, around 15 percent of MBA graduates were hired in investment banking and finance, making it one of the most popular choices for candidates with this degree.²

Companies hire MBA graduates to help them discover new and innovative ways to resolve challenges. These consultants offer unique perspectives, using quantitative and qualitative problem-solving skills. A successful consultant must also be good with people and adept at giving presentations.

The ongoing growth of technology in marketing has required the industry to adapt. As digital marketing continues influencing customer decisions, the field needs professionals who can combine traditional marketing principles with new skills. This area of emphasis provides a variety of career choices, with marketing positions available in almost every industry and at companies of all sizes.

MBA graduates can help businesses run efficiently by unifying people from disparate departments. This often requires a multi-disciplinary approach to understand all the functions of an organization. The ability to gather and interpret data, and work with employees and high-level management, are essential in an operations or business management role.

The healthcare industry is increasingly complex, requiring administrators to manage and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams of clinical and non-clinical staff. For clinical employees who want to move into administrative positions but lack business experience, an MBA can provide the training necessary to ensure career advancement.

High-level leadership positions are also available in large organizations for those without a clinical background, but with education and experience in disciplines such as operations, IT, marketing, and regulatory/compliance. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that healthcare management jobs will grow by 29 percent over the next 10 years, and an MBA can help you stand out from other applicants in this rapidly growing field.³

Technology is shaping the current business landscape and will continue to play a significant role in every business in the future. In 2016, the tech industry recruited more MBA candidates than any other industry, surpassing consulting and banking/finance.⁴

Tech giants such as Amazon, Apple, and Google provide a range of careers for MBA graduates, attracting them with perks including high compensation, work-life balance, and entrepreneurial and innovative cultures.⁵ Some of the older tech companies, such as Microsoft, Dell, and Oracle, are also attracting a large number of graduates, while other MBA graduates choose to work for technology startups. The latter may not offer the same compensation levels as more established technology companies, but they can provide the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a growing organization.

The tech MBA hiring trend looks likely to continue, with Amazon recently announcing two new headquarters outside New York City and Washington, DC, and planning to hire 50,000 people—including many in high-level management positions—between the two locations.⁶

As of March 2019, almost 775,000 businesses in the U.S. had been operating for less than one year.⁷ Many entrepreneurs decide to become their own bosses, finding significant fulfillment and passion in starting their own companies. The risks of starting a business are certainly higher than those in working for someone else, but the rewards can be significant: In 2019, over 55 percent of the 2,604 billionaires in the world were self-made.⁸

We don’t yet know how the events of 2020 will affect small businesses and startups in the long term, but an MBA can provide a breadth of knowledge and skills that are essential for running one—including in marketing, finance, accounting, data analytics, operations, and management.

One of the biggest benefits of an MBA is the broad and diverse educational foundation it provides. It can prepare you for more traditional jobs requiring MBA skills or help you land work in a new or growing industry or area of focus. MBA graduates are increasingly in demand in these fields, among others:⁹

Roles: Sustainability Manager, Innovation Strategist

In today’s business environment, the demand for sustainability-focused roles has grown significantly. Companies are under increasing pressure to adopt environmentally conscious practices, and MBA grads with an understanding of corporate sustainability are well-positioned to drive these initiatives. As a sustainability manager, you'll work on integrating green strategies into everyday operations, ensuring that businesses meet regulatory requirements while enhancing their public image. Alternatively, as an innovation strategist, you'll explore cutting-edge solutions to sustainability challenges, helping companies remain competitive by aligning environmental goals with business growth.

Importance: The growing focus on sustainable business practices across industries highlights the role MBAs play in leading organizations through transitions that benefit both the environment and the bottom line. The intersection of innovation and sustainability is key, enabling businesses to evolve while minimizing their environmental impact.

Roles: Supply Chain Analyst, Logistics Manager

As digital retail continues to dominate the marketplace, the importance of supply chain management has never been greater. E-commerce giants like Amazon rely on efficient, tech-driven supply chains to maintain competitive advantages, while smaller businesses are also investing in optimized logistics to remain agile. MBAs trained in supply chain analysis and logistics management can expect high demand, particularly in the digital space, where supply chains must be adaptive and resilient.

Industry: The increasing demand in digital retail and e-commerce has transformed supply chain roles into critical functions for business success. MBA graduates equipped with skills in logistics, data analytics, and operations management are sought after to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve delivery times.

Roles: Business Analyst, Data Scientist

The ability to harness data for business decisions is a highly valued skill in modern industries. Business analysts and data scientists use analytics to interpret vast amounts of data, turning it into actionable insights that drive profitability, strategy, and efficiency. MBAs with a specialization in data analytics or business intelligence are critical in supporting businesses to remain competitive in a data-driven world.

Skills: Data-driven decision-making and the use of business intelligence tools are at the core of these roles, providing businesses with insights that enhance operations, marketing efforts, and customer experiences. MBA grads with these skills are highly sought after for their ability to interpret complex data and drive informed business strategies.

Roles: University Administrator, Academic Advisor

Higher education presents an intriguing career path for MBA graduates, offering opportunities to shape the academic landscape. As a university administrator, MBA grads can influence policies, oversee programs, and contribute to the strategic development of educational institutions. Academic advisors, meanwhile, work closely with students, helping them navigate their academic journey while improving retention rates and overall student satisfaction.

Benefits: Working in higher education allows MBA grads to make meaningful contributions to educational institutions and policies, impacting future leaders and learners. These roles provide personal fulfillment through the opportunity to support students and influence positive change in academia.

These expanding fields provide jobs for MBA graduates that emphasize leadership and strategic thinking. Whether focusing on corporate sustainability, data analytics, or the growing field of digital retail, an MBA opens doors to high-demand positions across diverse industries. MBA programs equip business professionals with the skills necessary to navigate complex challenges and seize emerging opportunities in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

An MBA can also help you change careers entirely. In some cases, you may not be planning a new career when you start graduate school, but exposure to new industries and opportunities may help you find something you are passionate about and choose to pursue after graduation.¹⁰

While many MBA graduates pursue traditional career paths like finance, consulting, and marketing, there are a variety of alternative opportunities that leverage the diverse skill sets developed during an MBA program. These paths allow MBA grads to make a difference in sectors outside of the corporate world, applying their leadership skills and strategic thinking to the public sector, non-profit organizations, and more.

Roles: Policy Analyst, Public Administration Manager

MBA graduates are increasingly finding opportunities in the public sector and government, where they can apply their skills in strategic planning and policy development. Policy analysts conduct research to evaluate and recommend strategies for government programs, while public administration managers oversee daily operations, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively. These roles often involve managing large teams, developing policies, and ensuring that programs meet their intended goals.

Skills: Leadership, strategic planning, policy development

In the public sector, leadership roles are crucial for driving initiatives that benefit communities and manage public resources. MBAs in this field must be adept at critical thinking, implementing policies, and improving efficiency while navigating the complexities of government processes.

Roles: Non-Profit Director, Development Manager

The non-profit sector offers meaningful career paths for MBA graduates who want to drive change while working for mission-oriented organizations. As a non-profit director, MBA grads are responsible for managing staff, overseeing fundraising efforts, and ensuring that the organization’s mission is being fulfilled. Development managers focus on generating resources to sustain the organization through grants, partnerships, and donations.

Impact: Driving mission-oriented organizations

Non-profit organizations require leaders who can balance their passion for social causes with the business acumen to keep their organization thriving. MBAs bring the ability to track progress, manage finances, and set strategic goals that keep non-profits aligned with their mission while adapting to changing circumstances. This sector also offers the opportunity to work across various industries, such as health care, education, and environmental conservation.

To secure jobs requiring an MBA, it's crucial to effectively communicate your leadership skills and business expertise. Here are key tips for acquiring jobs with MBA requirements:

Emphasizing MBA skills and experiences

When applying for roles, highlight the soft skills and technical expertise gained through your MBA program. These include critical thinking, leadership roles, and content strategy development, along with specialized skills in areas such as venture capital, human resources, and healthcare field management. Be sure to emphasize projects where you conducted research, managed teams, or implemented strategies that improved operational efficiency.

Tailoring to specific job roles

Customize your resume and cover letter for each application, focusing on the most relevant aspects of your MBA that align with the job’s requirements. For example, if applying for a senior director position, highlight your experience with leadership roles and managing complex projects. For roles in the healthcare field, discuss your knowledge of non-clinical functions and your ability to recommend strategies for improving patient outcomes.

Importance: Leveraging MBA networks, joining industry groups

Networking is essential for advancing your career after earning an MBA. Take advantage of networking opportunities provided through alumni associations, MBA programs, and professional organizations. Joining industry-specific groups allows you to connect with business professionals in your field, stay updated on the latest industry trends, and explore potential job openings.

MBA graduates should actively engage with professional organizations and attend events that will expand their network. Building strong relationships within these communities can lead to referrals, mentorship, and valuable insights for advancing your career goals.

Importance: Staying updated with industry trends, pursuing certifications

Even after earning an MBA, it’s important to stay engaged in continuous learning to remain competitive in the job market. Many fields, such as health care and technology, evolve rapidly, requiring business leaders to keep up with the latest trends and innovations. This can involve pursuing additional certifications, attending workshops, or enrolling in short-term courses to expand your expertise.

By demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning, you'll show potential employers that you’re proactive and willing to invest in your professional growth. This dedication can help you land higher-salary positions and stay ahead of others in your field.

Whether you're seeking a higher salary, aiming for leadership in the healthcare field, or exploring new industries, positioning your MBA strategically on your resume and leveraging networking opportunities can help you stand out and achieve your career goals. An MBA not only equips you with a strong foundation in business principles, but it also gives you the tools to succeed across a wide range of sectors.

An MBA can open up opportunities for positions with more responsibility and higher pay. The highly-ranked online MBA from the University of Kansas provides the skills and experience you need to redefine your career.¹¹

As you consider this transformative path, take a moment to explore how KU's program can shape your future. Discover the supportive community at KU and the resources available to you as a student. Learn more about the admissions process and what it takes to join this esteemed program.

To take the next step, schedule a meeting with a KU admissions outreach advisor today.