In recent years, the rise of disruptive technology like artificial intelligence (AI) and an increasing reliance on data have created a need for well-trained, data-driven business leaders. The job market is competitive, but a Master of Business Administration (MBA) has always been — and continues to be — a credential that sets aspiring and current leaders apart. MBA programs offer real-world learning experiences, comprehensive education on business principles, and provide graduates with vital professional networks.
In this article, we discuss several MBA career paths and their average salaries to help you decide if the degree is right for you.
Why Pursue an MBA?
MBAs are useful for anyone looking to advance their business career, but the in-depth knowledge and experience that an MBA provides is particularly relevant to those looking to earn promotions or change careers. In addition to providing a broad overview of business operations, many MBA programs allow you to choose electives relevant to your field, such as entrepreneurship, finance, technology, and marketing. This expert knowledge, combined with practical skills in problem-solving, communication, and decision-making abilities, prepares graduates for senior positions in their current industry or new sectors.
When I completed my own MBA, I found myself thinking, ‘Why didn’t I do this sooner?’ The degree equipped me with an incredible array of tools that have eased my professional path. Having the right skills to apply in real-world scenarios makes daily work easier and career transitions smoother.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts strong job growth in business and finance occupations, with 963,500 new jobs projected each year between 2023 and 2033. Further, a 2024 survey of global job recruiters by the Graduate Management Admission Council states that over one-third of respondents expect to hire more MBA holders in 2024 than the previous year. The market for MBA graduates is strong, making now a great time to invest in an MBA.
Additionally, many MBA programs are focused on core competencies, and they tend to eliminate unnecessary coursework. At the University of San Francisco, for example, MBA students can earn their degree on a part-time schedule in only 2.5 years, only a few months longer than the average full-time MBA.
7 Jobs for MBA Graduates
In the past, MBAs were most relevant to finance professionals, but this degree has become highly versatile over time. Graduates can find employment in industries such as:
- Consultancy
- Energy & utilities
- Financial Services
- Healthcare
- Private equity and venture capital
- Retail
- Technology
Here are some roles you can qualify for with an MBA:
| Title | Median Salary With a Master’s Degree (According to Lightcast) |
|---|---|
| Operations Analyst | $85,000 |
| Financial Advisor | $114,000 |
| Management Consultant | $122,000 |
| Business Development Director | $160,000 |
| Product Manager | $171,000 |
| Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | $174,000 |
| Investment Banker | $267,000 |
1. Operations Analyst
Operations analysts rely on data analysis, process evaluation, and problem-solving skills to identify opportunities for their organization to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and maximize performance. For instance, in a supply chain role, an operations analyst might evaluate the supply chain process to find opportunities to improve sustainability, streamline inventory management, reduce shipping times, and optimize warehouse operations.
Median salary with a master’s degree: $85,000
2. Financial Advisor
Financial advisors help individuals achieve their financial goals, such as saving for retirement, purchasing a home, and growing their investments. In this role, professionals rely on strong interpersonal skills coupled with financial expertise to ensure their clients are prepared for each stage of life. Financial advisors may also assist with tax and estate planning, debt management, and insurance planning.
Median salary with a master’s degree: $114,000
3. Management Consultant
These professionals work on a freelance basis or in-house for an organization to analyze workflows and processes, identifying inefficiencies and recommending improvements so that organizations can improve their operations. MChallenges for which businesses rely on management consultants often include strategic, operational, and financial challenges across all functions of an organization, or organization-wide issues. After identifying areas for improvement, management consultants may assist with implementing new technology, upskilling employees, and monitoring performance, and other tasks to meet the company’s long-term objectives.
Median salary with a master’s degree: $122,000
4. Business Development Director
Combining sales, marketing, and strategic planning, business development directors drive an organization’s revenue-generation efforts. They leverage strong interpersonal skills to build strategic alliances with suppliers, buyers, and other stakeholders. Business development directors devise business plans, set revenue targets, and monitor progress toward goals, often while managing a team of other employees.
Median salary with a master’s degree: $160,000
5. Product Manager
Product managers oversee a product’s development — from ideation, to market release, to ongoing maintenance and improvements. Their responsibilities include defining a project’s scope, coordinating resources, and managing the timeline and budget to ensure the project meets the organization’s objectives. When the project is complete, the product manager ensures quality before submitting the product to the client or other stakeholders.
Median salary with a master’s degree: $171,000
6. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
CFOs manage an organization’s financial activities to ensure stability and profitability in a dynamic, competitive business landscape. They oversee all aspects of finance, including developing and managing budgets; preparing accurate statements, such as balance sheets and cash flow reports; adhering to financial regulations, accounting standards, and tax laws; managing risks; and managing the company’s capital structure.
CFOs oversee accountants, financial analysts, and controllers to ensure the team operates effectively. CFOs also collaborate with other executives, such as the chief executive officer (CEO) and chief operating officer (COO) to guide decision making in the company’s overall strategy.
Median salary with a master’s degree: $174,000
7. Investment Banker
Investment bankers work for companies, governments, and other entities to raise capital and navigate complex financial transactions. They provide advisory services on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), assist in initial public offerings (IPOs), and help manage large-scale financial restructuring. Deep financial knowledge equips these professionals to negotiate the terms of transactions, including pricing, payment structures, and timelines, to secure the best outcomes for their clients.
Median salary with a master’s degree: $267,000
Prepare To Lead Change From Wherever You Are With USF’s Online MBA
Coursework
The University of San Francisco’s (USF) online MBA is designed to transform your career while you’re working — providing key skills and new perspectives that will immediately impact your current career and put you on course to achieve all your professional objectives. Our curriculum is highly customizable, with elective coursework options in business analytics, entrepreneurship, finance, leadership, management, marketing, and sustainability.
Students also complete experiential learning projects such as our Innovation Project and the Magis Capstone Project, where they will apply their skills to real-world scenarios that support and improve society. This hands-on experience serves as vital preparation for the scenarios professionals encounter in various roles.
With a family of five, a demanding job, and multiple commitments, the USF Part-Time MBA program created a space that still allowed for critical knowledge to be gained. It is a comprehensive program and has given me a holistic understanding of business, making me a more impactful business partner.
Career Resources
Our robust career resources include one-on-one sessions with career counselors to help students make plans to meet their goals, enhance their résumés, and prepare for interviews. We offer various online workshops and webinars on topics such as networking, leadership development, and job search strategies.
In addition to career coaching, USF’s extensive alumni network and employer partnerships are invaluable for students looking to expand their professional connections. Our virtual networking events and career fairs allow students to engage with potential employers and connect with successful alumni in various industries. With these comprehensive career support services, USF ensures that its online MBA students have the tools and guidance necessary to succeed in their professional journeys.
One of the most important things about our management programs at USF are our career services. We put a lot of work into helping students pivot their careers, whether they are changing industries, moving up the ladder, or changing job functions. Our career services are there for our students from the very beginning — one of the first things we ask new students is goals they have and how they want to achieve them.
About the Online Master of Business Administration From the Masagung Graduate School of Management at the University of San Francisco
The University of San Francisco’s online Master of Business Administration program is designed for working professionals who aspire to lead innovation across industries. Our flexible part-time program combines asynchronous coursework, live classes, and experiential learning projects to provide a comprehensive education in business, with customized electives in the areas important to your career.
The curriculum is designed around five themes: global perspectives, ethical perspectives, creative problem solving, leadership dynamics, and communication skills, ensuring that graduates will be prepared to succeed as change-makers throughout the course of their careers. Students benefit from the expertise of faculty who are industry leaders and gain practical experience through project-based learning opportunities with renowned companies.
USF provides our students with personalized career support, networking opportunities, and access to a global job portal, extending beyond graduation. The MBA equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to become transformative leaders in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.
Learn more about the Master of Business Administration by downloading a brochure, or start your application today.
Request Information
To download a program brochure and learn more about the online master’s programs offered by the Masagung Graduate School of Management, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an admissions advisor directly by calling us at (800) 969-7770.