4 Unusual Careers For An EMBA Graduate

While many people considering an EMBA prioritize advancement within their current industry, some candidates find themselves at a career crossroads. If you're ready for a change in your professional life, consider getting an EMBA to move into one of these unusual career paths.

Cybersecurity Analyst: Enjoy a Challenging Role in a Growing Field

According to Burning Glass Technologies Research, cybersecurity jobs are growing three times faster than all other IT jobs and demand by employers far outweighs supply. The consulting firm PwC's 2015 State of US Cybercrime Survey found that a record-breaking seventy-nine percent of survey respondents detected a security issue within their organizations in the past year. As many incidents go undetected, the real numbers are likely much higher.

Cybersecurity analysts know how to protect companies from attacks including internal unauthorized file access and external phishing schemes. They also identify and protect against malware and hackers, and speak knowledgeably about relevant software and hardware.

The cybersecurity market is expected to grow from $75 billion in 2015 to $170 billion by 2020, according to Forbes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the median annual analyst pay at $88,890 and rising. Plentiful, well-paying job opportunities make this career field well worth exploring.

Director of Wellbeing: Promote Positive Corporate Culture

Companies committed to employee retention seek directors of wellbeing to promote a positive corporate culture. As Wellsource states, the healthier an organization's employees, the more it saves on absenteeism and healthcare. These professionals identify and implement strategies like wellness programs which enable employees to be balanced, resilient, and effective. They also support training initiatives that improve workplace productivity and reduce health and safety risks. Common initiatives encourage employees to quit smoking, lose weight, or reduce stress.

Sometimes, employees are reluctant to change their behaviors, so directors of wellbeing must use the critical thinking skills they developed during their EMBA to match the right participation incentives to their organizations.

Payscale reports that directors of wellbeing can earn in excess of $80,000 per annum. An EMBA graduate's advanced qualifications should see them earning more than the average director of wellbeing.

Railway Administration: Work In an Important Transportation Field

Pablo Martin de Holan, speaking to Top MBA, noted that globalization and technology have fueled a little-known need for EMBA holders in the intermodal transportation sector. The rise of the global economy in the 1980s helped some parts of the world, which were previously poor, to invest in new railroad infrastructure while other international locations expanded their existing lines. This work has brought billions of dollars into the industry, according to Mr. de Holan.

The U.S. Department of Transportation will pay program analysts as much as $141,555. According to USAJobs, daily responsibilities may include improving policies and procedures, managing programs and audits, and developing both internal and external training systems. There are also opportunities for this type of administrative work around the world.

Luxury Car Aftermarket Manager: Care for High-End Motorists

In the world of luxury cars, a commitment to customers lasts long after they drive their vehicle away from the dealership. Satisfying the expectations of motorists driving high-end vehicles has become a unique career path for EMBA graduates, according to TopMBA. It states EMBAs typically find work in this field with organizations offering replacement parts, car accessories, service repairs, and other aftermarket products and services.

The Houston Chronicle reported that according to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, motor vehicle manufacturing executives make an average annual salary of $125,760.

The critical thinking, strategic decision making, and leadership skills an EMBA cultivates can be applied to a range of surprising professions. Where will your EMBA take you?

Sources:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/stevemorgan/2016/01/02/one-million-cybersecurity-job-openings-in-2016/#24f9d97f7d27

http://www.topmba.com/mba-programs/unusual-executive-mba-specializations

https://howtomba.com/careers-for-an-emba/

http://www.cityam.com/216562/looking-career-change-try-emba

http://www.mastersincommunication.org/33-unique-and-interesting-career-paths-with-a-masters-in-communication.html

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/430381900

http://burning-glass.com/research/cybersecurity/

http://www.pwc.com/us/en/increasing-it-effectiveness/publications/assets/2015-us-cybercrime-survey.pdf

Demand to fill cybersecurity jobs booming

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm#tab-5

http://wellsource.com/the-power-of-wellness-incentives/

http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Wellness_Director/Salary

http://work.chron.com/salary-auto-industry-executives-21175.html