Top 15 Best Jobs for MBA Grads

July 4, 2024

Whether you’re considering pursuing an MBA through an online degree program or are already studying for your degree, you might wonder where your education can take you once you graduate. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), administrator of the GMAT, reports that the current job market for MBA graduates is stronger than ever. According to their reporting, 86% of MBA graduates were employed by the time they finished their degree programs in 2022, up 6% from the previous year. This is excellent news for students seeking to advance their careers.

Are you currently pursuing your MBA or interested in going back to school? Below, we’ve highlighted some of the best jobs for MBA grads in a wide range of sectors.

Jobs for MBA Grads

According to research firm Universum’s 2021 World’s Most Attractive Employers report, job seekers rank stability, security, work-life balance, and the option to work remotely as some of the most desired job attributes. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, jobs that require regular travel now rank lower than they once did. Keeping that in mind, plenty of rewarding jobs are available for those with an MBA degree across several different industries.

Jobs in Tech

Google remains one of the most desirable companies to work for among MBA graduates, according to Universum’s most recent report. With major competition for top talent in tech, Google and other industry leaders, such as Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon, are angling to entice MBAs with progressive benefits packages and perks.

1. Computer and Information Systems Manager

Also known as information technology managers, these professionals manage, plan, and coordinate all tech-related activities within a company. They use computer systems to provide solutions that will meet technological goals in an organization. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer and information systems managers made a median annual salary of $159,010 in 2021. The BLS projects employment for the role will grow by 16% between 2021 and 2031, which is much faster than the national average of 5% for all professions.

2. Software Developer

Software developers create computer applications that control certain systems and networks within an organization. This involves designing, testing, implementing, and maintaining software that caters to the organization’s needs. Software developers made a median annual salary of $120,730 in 2021, according to the BLS. The field is projected to grow by 25% between 2021 and 2031, making it among the top jobs for MBA grads who value job security and stability.

3. Operations Research Analyst

Operations research analysts are technologically skilled at using mathematical and analytical strategies to identify and resolve issues in a company’s daily functioning. Collecting information via computer databases, customer feedback, and other methods, these professionals apply predictive modeling and statistical analysis techniques to find the right solution for a company’s unique issues. Operations research analysts made a median annual salary of $82,360 in 2021, according to the BLS. The agency predicts that positions for operations research analysts will grow 23% between 2021 and 2031.

Jobs in Business Management

A career in business management offers freedom of choice. MBA graduates can specialize in any of a number of industries, or they can begin as generalists and explore their options. These positions are popular launchpads for corporate executives and politicians.

4. Human Resources (HR) Manager

Human resources managers oversee recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new staff and help employees navigate benefits programs and company policies. HR managers earned a median annual salary of $126,230 in 2021, according to the BLS, which projects that the role will grow by 7% between 2021 and 2031.

5. Health Services Manager

Also referred to as health care executives or health care administrators, health services managers supervise the planning and direction of medical services in a hospital or other health care facility. These professionals ensure that the facility is in compliance with health care laws and regulations, and apply health information technology to provide optimal patient care. Health services managers also perform administrative tasks such as maintaining budgets and creating work schedules. The BLS reports that health service managers made a median annual salary of $101,340 in 2021. The role is projected to grow by 28% between 2021 and 2031, making it one of the fastest-growing jobs for MBA grads.

6. Business Operations Manager

Business operations managers plan, coordinate, and oversee a department’s or an organization’s daily functions. Developing policies, assisting in human resourcing efforts, and managing administrative staff are among a business operations manager’s responsibilities. The BLS includes business operations managers in its data for general and operations managers, who made a median annual salary of $97,970 in 2021.

7. Marketing Manager

Marketing managers oversee a company’s marketing efforts and brand messaging, including both traditional media and digital marketing such as email, pay-per-click advertisements, social media campaigns, and blogging. Marketing managers may supervise a team of graphic designers, analysts, copywriters, and business development professionals. This may be an appealing job for MBA grads who enjoy the creative process as much as analytics. According to the BLS, marketing managers made a median annual salary of $135,030 in 2021. The role is projected to grow by 10% between 2021 and 2031.

Jobs in Finance

The economic uncertainty of recent years has made finance a daunting field to pursue, but industry stalwarts like PwC, Morgan Stanley, and EY are reclaiming spots on the list of top choices for MBA grads. The massive scale and global reach of these companies give employees opportunities to move vertically and laterally, or to transition to management positions in other areas.

8. Financial Manager

Financial managers develop plans to meet their companies’ long-term financial goals. Typical duties include creating financial forecasts, analyzing business activity reports, and preparing financial statements. A financial manager also keeps a close eye on the market to identify trends and opportunities. According to the BLS, financial managers made a median annual salary of $131,710 in 2021, and the number of positions is projected to grow 17% between 2021 and 2031.

9. Financial Analyst

MBA graduates interested in investments may be drawn to a career as a financial analyst. These professionals provide financial guidance to their clients, making recommendations on stocks, bonds, and other investments. These analysts made a median annual salary of $95,570 in 2021 according to the BLS, which predicts 9% growth in the field between 2021 and 2031.

10. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Top executives in finance who hold titles such as CFO craft strategies and policies to help their organizations thrive and meet their bottom-line goals. Working directly with other executives who interact with the financial department, these professionals oversee an organization’s financial and budgetary activities. The BLS reports that CFOs, classified as chief executives, made a median annual salary of $179,520 in 2021. Employment of top executives is expected to grow by 6% between 2021 and 2031.

Jobs in Retail and Consumer Goods

This field allows MBA graduates to combine their business skills with their personal interests, from sports to food and beverages. Athletics giant Nike is a popular choice for its partnerships with top teams and leagues, technological innovation, and commitment to diversity in sports. Starbucks is not only the world’s largest coffee retailer and one of the most prominent global brands, it’s also known for its constant drive to innovate, which appeals to the ambitious entrepreneurial minds of MBA grads.

11. Sales Manager

Within the retail and consumer goods market, sales managers represent an organization’s sales team. They handle goal setting, data analysis, and training team members to ensure a company’s salesforce meets exceptional customer service standards and sales objectives. It’s among the potential jobs for MBA grads that may pay via a commission structure or include performance bonuses. Sales managers made a median annual salary of $127,490 in 2021, according to BLS data. Job growth is expected to be 5% between 2021 and 2031, as fast as the average for all occupations.

12. Public Relations (PR) Manager

Public relations managers are in charge of enhancing a brand’s consumer-facing image. They monitor advertisements, write and present press releases, review staff behavior and activities, and oversee all communications and contact with public entities. PR managers made a median annual salary of $125,780 in 2021, according to the BLS. The BLS also reports that the role of public relations manager will grow by 8% by 2031.

13. Purchasing Manager

Purchasing managers or buyers buy products and services for an organization. They evaluate suppliers, negotiate prices and contracts, and review the overall quality of the products and services offered. According to the BLS, purchasing managers made a median annual salary of $127,150 in 2021.

Jobs in Media

A smiling group of college graduates in gowns and mortarboards, holding their diplomas.

Multinational entertainment and media companies offer MBA graduates career opportunities in feature film, consumer products, news, video games, theme parks, travel, and television. The industry combines exciting business propositions and brands that consumers connect with on an emotional level.

14. Digital Media Strategy Manager

Digital marketing strategy managers create promotional campaigns to boost sales or raise awareness using social media and digital advertising. These professionals also negotiate advertising contracts, provide marketing-related advice, and maintain client relationships. Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers, including digital media strategy managers, made a median annual salary of $133,380 in 2021, according to the BLS. Positions are expected to grow by 10% between 2021 and 2031.

15. Marketing Research Analyst

Marketing research analysts study market trends and conditions for products or services. They monitor customer preferences to identify how companies can shift their focus, product, or branding to connect with their target market. Professionals in this role made a median annual salary of $63,920 in 2021, according to BLS data. The field shows strong potential for growth, with the BLS projecting employment opportunities will increase by 19% between 2021 and 2031.

Getting Your MBA at Washington State University

According to the 2021 Corporate Recruiters Survey Report by the Graduate Management Admission Council, 91% of employers expect to hire MBA graduates. Do you have what it takes to stand out from your colleagues?

Those interested in gaining new high-level management skills and learning business strategies to pursue one of the jobs mentioned above should consider a graduate degree. The Online MBA program at the Carson College of Business at Washington State University is curated to give you the tools you need to become a modern business leader.

The curriculum is designed specifically around online learning, so professionals can continue working while completing their studies. The faculty have years of experience as instructors in the online learning environment, giving you the confidence you need to pursue the program and succeed throughout your career.

We want to make sure you find value in the program. Beyond general coursework, you’ll study live business cases, examine strategic plans, and complete a capstone project based on real-world business scenarios.

Take the first step toward achieving your professional goals by pursuing an Online MBA at Washington State University.