A business administration (EMBA or MBA) degree is highly valuable for the career prospects it opens for people with professional degrees.
It is one of those timeless degrees that remain relevant and are always a safe career option. Moreover, considering the number of cross-over career options, this degree can help you transition from one career to another.
So, if you have decided to enroll in a business administration program, we’d say you made a wise choice.
This degree can help you improve your career prospects, but it can equip you with many skills you would have a hard time acquiring in other disciplines.
This includes managerial skills that stem from a deeper understanding of business operations and the ability to steer businesses toward growth.
Being a strategist is not merely about drawing an idealistic notion about business operations; rather, the approach needs to be grounded in practicalities. Therefore, you need a frame of mind to get there.
A business administration degree helps you with these skills.
While you have decided to pursue a business administration degree, we must caution you about one thing.
Before we get started on the career options, it is important to outline the effort you will need to put into your studies.
Regardless of whether it is a mba online program or an in-person program, it will be difficult, and you will find yourself overwhelmed and even exhausted at times. This is normal, but it should not discourage you.
You should focus on the larger goal you have set for yourself and try to make the most out of your education.
A business administration degree is half about the experience you are getting. So, you need to make sure that the experience is worth every penny you are paying for.
Besides, networking is an important component of business programs, and if you can do it well, you will be better off in the future.
Regarding the amount of effort you will need to put into your studies, you must strive for excellence and perform every task you are given with the utmost dedication.
Your goal is to learn and excel. Always remember this. Many people pass through business administration programs, but few make the most.
You want to be among that 1 percent so that by the time you graduate, you are confident about your abilities and are prepared for future tasks.
We have crafted this guide to lay down a few career options you can consider following your graduation. You do not have to decide right now, and you can take your time to figure out your interests.
Just make sure you do not delay it more than necessary. Once you decide which field you want to pursue, you can start working towards it immediately.
That will save you time, but it will also help you approach the program with more focus and determination.
1) Project management:
One of the most popular options for MBA graduates is project management. Your education equips you with the set of skills needed for this job.
If you firmly understand how businesses operate and how projects can be executed smoothly, you can perform well at this job.
Not only will you be able to channel your managerial skills at this job, but you will also be able to exercise your strategizing skills to develop a business strategy that takes the said project towards success and growth.
2) Marketing manager:
Another popular option is a marketing manager. This is also a managerial position whereby you would be tasked to lead the marketing division of a company.
While you will not be working on the operational and development ends of the company, you will be required to oversee the company’s marketing strategy to ensure maximum outreach.
You will have the opportunity to channel your creativity here while testing theories you may have learned during your education. Considering digital marketing is a growing field, this is a relatively safer option.
3) Sales manager:
Yet another managerial position that would put you in charge of a company’s sales team. You will be required to oversee the company’s sales and develop a strategy to increase them.
You will see which approach to sales is more beneficial for the company and which changes can help the company make more revenue.
While this is not as creative as being a marketing manager, this is also a safe option for those confident about their sales skills.
But there are certain risks here, especially when it comes to job security if the company is not doing well in terms of its sales.
4) Entrepreneurship:
This is probably the favorite option for many young professionals who wish to learn about the various tenets of business operations and management.
People who wish to start their companies sooner or later often use MBA programs as a vehicle to learn all they need to know to run a successful business.
Moreover, many people even use MBA programs as a source of building connections, considering how networking has become an integral part of the program.
Their interactions with renowned businessmen and entrepreneurs at seminars or events during their studies help them in this regard.
Final thoughts:
An MBA degree can open various career pathways like the few listed above. Other options include financial analyst, business operations manager, and consultancy.
While consultancy is a highly-paid option, it has to be earned. It is one of those options that you would have to work towards throughout your career.
Once you build your name in the market and get recognized for your skills, you can make a lot of money by providing consultancy services to businesses.
You can even make good money by being a market analyst, but like consultancy, this comes with time, and you would have to work towards it.
So, in conclusion, we would say that while these options are there, nothing worth having comes easy, and a lot of effort will be required of you. Just stay focused and approach your goal with determination.