One of the most significant advantages of holding an MBA degree is that you can get jobs in various fields depending upon your specialization. MBA generally take 2-3 years to complete and prepare graduates for a variety of career opportunities.
Entry Level Jobs for MBA Graduates
Entry-level jobs for MBA graduates are available in various fields with attractive salary. These options include becoming a financial manager, a management analyst, a marketing manager, product manager, etc.
An MBA program covers theory, the practice of managing different types of the business sector. To enroll in an MBA program, students should have an undergraduate degree and some experience, which includes internship and work experience. MBA graduates are prepared for a wide variety of entry-level MBA jobs, including those in the popular fields of accounting and marketing.
Common Entry-Level MBA Careers
The availability of industries and employers is vast, so are the entry-level jobs for MBA graduates. Even a job advertised as an entry-level MBA job requires at least some business experience.
1. Public Service Manager
There are several entry-level jobs available for MBA graduates who wish to start a career in the government sector. Most of the federal departments have specialized programs to attract MBA degree graduates. Every MBA graduate should consider this as a viable option and should not instantly dismiss it as a low paid job.
2. Customer Relations Consultancy
Customer relations consultants help to identify the needs of current and potential customers. A Customer Relations Manager should develop strategic solutions to meet the needs of potential customers. It is one of the best jobs for MBA graduates with no experience
3. Financial Analyst
Demand for business analysts is never-ending. A financial analyst should perform financial forecasting, analyze the financial data, and create financial models for decision support. They should have the ability to streamline functions and should have strong interpersonal skills, including written and oral communication skills.
4. Sales & Marketing
MBA graduates who question “what can I do with an MBA and no experience?” can try their hands-on sales and marketing as it is one of the best career options that an MBA degree offers. The rapid progress in this field is one of the reasons why it is one of the interesting entry-level jobs for MBA graduates.
5. Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager’s responsibilities are more focused on servicing and managing the accounts of previously established customers. The marketing manager utilizes his skills in a wide variety of fields, including marketing, customer satisfaction, and marketing strategy.
6. Product Manager
The role of the Product Manager is to ensure that a business can achieve market growth and remain profitable with a focus on one specific product. They will work with managers from other departments such as advertising, public relations, and sales to make sure new products can be introduced in the market at the right time.
7. Business Analyst
There is a huge demand for MBA graduates who can adequately analyze the change in the market, respond to it, and predict future trends as businesses are becoming complicated day by day. The business analyst role is often seen as a communication bridge between Information Technology and business stakeholders.
8. Human Resources Assistant
Any MBA graduate interested in human resources can take up the role of human resources assistant. With an MBA degree, one can quickly get promoted as an H.R. manager. An H.R. Assistant assists the H.R. manager with day to day operations for the H.R. functions and duties.
9. Public Relations Manager
A public relations manager writes and releases publicity material to promote the company and its products and services. Public relations is about dealing with the more difficult questions. A strong communication skill, as well as writing talent, is needed to be successful in this role.
10. Database Analyst
Database Analysts are also known as Data Modelers manage all the databases in the organization. The primary role of a database analyst is to deal with database technologies that warehouse information and maintain the data assets in specific ways.
Entry-Level MBA Salary in Practice
The starting salaries of MBA graduates vary according to the job title, roles, industry, and location. Many MBA graduates find employment before graduating or soon after that.
According to Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, 90% of 2016 Stanford MBA graduates received a full-time job offer within 90 days of graduation.
As an MBA graduate, you also have the potential to earn a high salary after graduation. Stanford’s MBA class of 2016 received a median base salary of 4136,000, with a broad salary range between $24,000 and $450,000.
As per the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, Median Annual Salary for all Financial Managers are $ 127,990, $ 83,610 for all Management Analysts, $82,916 for all Product Managers and $134,290 for all Marketing Managers as of 2018.
What Do I Need in Addition to My MBA Degree?
Completing an internship or summer work program while you are still in management school to gain practical experience is an added advantage. Earning a professional certification can also enhance your qualifications and give you an extra edge over other candidates. The certification depends on your specialization and career interests.
Any MBA graduate can obtain the Certified Business Manager (CBM) credential issued by the Association of Professionals in Business Management. It is a master’s level professional credential that demonstrates your knowledge and skills of business management. To qualify, candidates must pass an exam that is based on topics covered in most MBA programs.
Any MBA graduate who had chosen his major wisely can obtain high paying jobs. Check out more about the career options along with potential salary before choosing your major.
