A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate degree that focuses on the core functions of business such as finance, marketing, operations and management. It’s designed to build a strong foundation in business theory while also developing practical skills you can apply in real-world settings.
By earning an MBA, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of how organizations function and be prepared to take on leadership roles across a range of industries.
“An MBA is an application-based degree, preparing you for roles in all business functions,” noted Joseph Kimes, executive director of career services at Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business.
“Some of the key skills employers seek in MBA talent are soft skills such as the ability to communicate, navigating ambiguity and critical thinking. The key for an MBA student is integrating these technical and soft skills and showcasing that throughout your job search.”
9 in-demand career paths for MBA graduates
An MBA can open the door to high-growth roles across industries such as finance, technology, logistics, urban planning and more.
Below are nine top potential career paths for MBA graduates. Included is the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the median annual wage for the roles as of May 2024, and the projected growth in employment for these roles from 2023-2033.
- Financial advisor: Guide individuals in managing their finances by creating personalized plans for investing, saving and reaching long-term goals.
- $102,140
- Projected 17% job growth (Much faster than average)
- Financial manager: Lead financial planning and analysis to help organizations manage risk, track performance and make informed business decisions.
- $161,700
- Projected 17% job growth (Much faster than average)
- Information systems manager: Oversee a company’s technology systems by managing IT teams, implementing software solutions and ensuring systems run smoothly and securely.
- $171,200
- Projected 17% job growth (Much faster than average)
- Management analyst: Evaluate business operations to identify problems, improve efficiency and support better decision-making.
- $101,190
- Projected 11% job growth (Much faster than average)
- Transportation and distribution manager: Coordinate the movement of goods by managing logistics, delivery schedules and warehouse operations to keep supply chains running efficiently.
- $102,010
- Projected 9% job growth (Much faster than average)
- Marketing manager: Lead campaigns that promote products or services using market research to drive customer engagement and increase sales.
- $159,660
- Projected 8% job growth (Faster than average)
- Project management specialist: Manage projects by setting timelines, assigning tasks and keeping work on track to meet business goals.
- $100,750
- Projected 7% job growth (Faster than average)
- Human resources manager: Manage hiring, employee support and workplace policies to create a productive environment and ensure compliance.
- $140,030
- Projected 6% job growth (Faster than average)
- Urban and regional planner: Create land use plans and work with stakeholders to build sustainable spaces.
- $83,720
- Projected 4% job growth (As fast as average)
Wondering which career path is right for you? Setting a clear objective can help you make the most of your MBA.
“Setting a career goal is an important first step,” he said. “Taking time to reflect on what you’ve enjoyed, and not enjoyed, about previous roles or courses you’ve taken will help to illuminate career paths aligned to your skills. From there, recognizing the various routes to achieve that goal will create plenty of career paths.”
