As you evaluate your career progression to date and begin to set goals for where you want to be in the future, you may be considering a graduate degree program. An advanced degree is an investment in yourself as a professional, allowing you to develop in-depth industry knowledge and expertise that sets you apart from the competition in a crowded job market. 

For business professionals who are interested in leadership development and higher-level job opportunities, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is one of the most valuable and rewarding graduate degree programs. The MBA career paths available are virtually endless, making this a versatile and impactful degree to consider. 

How Can an MBA Help Your Career?

An MBA degree program is a graduate degree designed with business professionals in mind; it helps them develop advanced knowledge and insight into specific focus areas in order to become forward-thinking leaders and intuitive problem-solvers. The impact that your MBA has on your career will vary based on personal career goals and professional experience, but most MBA graduates find that this degree opens up opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential. 

Pursuing an MBA 

Choosing to pursue an MBA is a major decision — one that business professionals do not take lightly. As you consider available MBA career paths, you will want to evaluate your current professional obligations, ability to balance your coursework with your personal life and ability to finance the degree.  

Chair of Keiser University’s graduate business school and international business instructor Dr. Mattias Eggertsson expands, “If you’re thinking about the MBA, I think it’s an important part to go in and think about — are you really ready? Are you going to really want to do it?” 

MBA Specialization 

Most MBA degree programs provide you with an opportunity to specialize, allowing you to gain advanced knowledge in a niche aspect of business. It is ideal to select a university that offers the specialization options that appeal to you most and align with your professional goals. 

“I would think it is important to find what really drives you,” says Dr. Eggertsson. Your MBA degree program will be an intensive study in a specific subject area, so it is crucial to be passionate about the specialization you choose. 

Additionally, business instructor Dr. Armando Salas-Amaro notes that Keiser University Graduate School has a wide range of specialization options that students like to go into, with some specialization options including a Master of Business Administration in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration in Health Services Administration. 

Industry Focus 

The MBA program you select should also focus on the industry in which you are currently working or that you would like to enter. For instance, the Master of Business Administration in Marketing program offers advanced coursework that specifically relates to the marketing industry. 

Networking and Continuous Learning 

In addition to providing relevant coursework and opportunities for hands-on skill development, the MBA program allows students to begin networking with experienced industry professionals. Many MBA programs are anchored by faculty members who are leaders in their industry, enabling students to quickly expand their reach and grow their careers. 

To prospective MBA students, Dr. Salas-Amaro offers this advice: “Stay motivated, stay in touch with [your] instructor and stay in touch with [your] academic advisor because those are [your] champions.” 

In addition, Dr. Jeff Ritter — marketing concentration chair for Keiser’s business programs — notes that students can continue to grow their professional network in numerous ways. “Keep your eyes and ears open, try to build your own brand, connect with the marketplace, volunteer when you can with your local community organizations or entities that you’re interested in,” says Dr. Ritter. “Put yourself out there and be flexible, be patient, but stay hungry.” 

Benefit of an MBA Degree

According to the Harvard Business Review, MBA degree programs provide students with a vast range of benefits, including:  

  • Personal fulfillment 
  • Professional growth opportunities 
  • The possibility of a higher earning potential 
  • The chance to network within their industry 

Dr. Ritter explains, “Generally speaking, the MBA is almost required to advance into higher levels of responsibility or management in many organizations. If you’re serious about a business — about a career in business, entrepreneurship, leadership roles — I think it’s almost essential.” 

Keep in mind, though, that you do not have to have a bachelor’s degree in business in order to pursue an MBA degree. “The prerequisite to get into an MBA [program] is that you have a bachelor’s degree,” says Dr. Salas-Amaro. “Whether it’s in business or not, you can still apply.” 

The fact of the matter is that the MBA program is one of the best ways to begin climbing the corporate ladder. “You’re going to work your way up faster than somebody who does not have an MBA,” says Dr. Eggertsson. 

Value of an MBA Degree 

Pursuing an MBA degree does require an investment of your time and resources, but it is one of the most valuable investments you can make. “The market for an MBA is still very positive and strong,” says Dr. Salas-Amaro. “An MBA is going to give [you] the foundation, plus the standard that [you] need in business.” 

The MBA degree program provides students with the experience and insight necessary to develop as leaders and grow their careers. “Students need to understand that they need to start at the bottom, typically speaking. They need to roll their sleeves up, volunteer, do some of the difficult assignments,” says Dr. Ritter. “Leadership wants to see individuals who are willing to be engaged, volunteer — active, good team players, critical thinkers. It’s probably the quickest and most efficient way to start advancing your career.” 

Entry-Level Roles for MBA Graduates 

Depending on where you are in your career when you decide to pursue an MBA degree, you may find that you are most qualified for entry-level positions in business. Below are some of the career opportunities available to young professionals who pursue their MBA immediately after graduating with their bachelor’s degree: 

Business Analyst 

A business analyst is a professional who expertly uses data analytics to provide an organization with actionable insights based on the best available data. Business analysts often work closely with the leadership team to help them best understand how to leverage data and enact data-driven decision-making processes. 

Business Coordinator 

A business coordinator is an administrative professional who provides support to multiple departments, often focusing on tasks that improve operational efficiency between departments or offices. Business coordinators should be flexible and willing to take on any support tasks required by the organization. 

Project Manager 

According to the Project Management Institute, project managers are organized professionals who possess the skills and abilities required to lead a variety of projects. Project managers are hired across all industries to oversee projects and ensure that they move forward on time and under budget. 

Mid-Level Management With an MBA

Professionals with several years of industry experience and decide to pursue an MBA degree may be eligible for mid-level management positions. These are some MBA career paths for those with some professional experience: 

Management Consultant 

A management consultant has the experience and insight necessary to advise organizations on how they can improve operations, increase output and boost overall morale among employees. Management consultants may be employed by a consulting firm or may choose to pursue an entrepreneurial career in which they solicit their own clients, making this a versatile career for MBA graduates. 

Operations Manager 

According to Indeed, an operations manager is a mid-level professional who works in human resources (HR). An operations manager may be responsible for optimizing operations at a company, identifying ways to improve overall efficiency and developing effective HR policies and procedures. 

Senior Product Manager 

Senior product managers are business professionals who specialize in improving existing products as well as developing new products for a company to launch. Senior product managers may perform market research, design and develop new products, suggest ideas for upgrading products to enhance the consumer experience and evaluate financial data in order to increase profits from product sales. 

Senior Leadership Roles With an MBA

As you consider your career after MBA, it’s wise to think far into the future. For many, the MBA degree program can take them to new heights, even right up into the C-suite. Here are several executive roles that may be available to MBA graduates who align their educational experiences with their professional endeavors: 

Chief Operating Officer (COO) 

The chief operating officer, commonly referred to as the COO, is an executive at an organization responsible for overseeing daily operations at the company. The title for this position may vary based on the organization, with some corporations using the title “chief operations officer” or “vice president of operations.” According to Investopedia, the COO will report directly to the CEO, who is responsible for managing the brand and outward profile of the organization. The COO, on the other hand, focuses more heavily on internal operations, often overseeing administrative and organizational development. 

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 

The chief executive officer, or CEO, is the leader of an organization generally responsible for developing and overseeing long-term strategies that allow the business to meet its immediate and future goals. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), CEOs not only work to develop and implement organizational goals, but they also oversee the financial health of an organization. They serve as the head of the executive team, usually working closely with the chief operations officer and the chief financial officer (depending on the structure of the organization). 

Vice President (VP) 

Organizations tend to include vice presidents as part of their overall management team to help ensure the CEO has the departmental leadership support required to develop actionable long-term strategies. According to Indeed, vice presidents may have various roles or responsibilities depending on the organization or industry, but they often play a central role in the success of a company. 

Explore MBA Career Paths at Keiser University Graduate School

At Keiser University Graduate School, we believe that business professionals with leadership potential can leverage their knowledge and skills by investing in an MBA degree program. We offer not only a Master of Business Administration degree program and an accelerated Master of Business Administration degree program but also a range of specialized MBA programs for those looking to narrow the focus of their career after MBA. 

Contact a graduate admissions counselor today to learn more about earning an MBA and career outcomes.