Completing an online Master of Business Administration program leads to fulfilling careers. Most business professionals already know the benefits of this degree, but what opportunities does it actually generate? If you are interested in pursuing an MBA online, you might be asking, “What do most graduates do? What industries do they end up working in?”
A recent alumni survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council reveals that MBA grads find employment in a wide variety of industries. While the highest percentage of alumni ended up working in the Products and Services industry (about 26 percent), others chose from several industries represented in the study. Such a highly diverse job market means a higher number and range of opportunities for recent graduates. The job functions most common for MBA alumni are finance and accounting (22 percent), marketing and sales (21 percent) and general management (16 percent).
According to an article by Rebecca Koenig, writer for U.S. News & World Report, growth in the technology and medicine industries has led to an increase in the demand for employees holding an MBA. Specifically in demand are product managers, consultants and medical and health services managers. As these markets continue to grow, so will the demand for highly qualified applicants.
How Likely Are You to Find a Job?
The placement rate for graduates of Pittsburg State University’s Gladys A. Kelce College of Business is approximately 90 percent. The industries and job functions of these alumni, however, depend on the type of MBA they earned. Since Pitt State hosts several unique online MBA programs, students can be trained in specific job functions for industries they are interested in pursuing.
In this program, students explore a broad range of options within business administration. Students gain understanding and implement management control systems, financial strategies such as financial planning, and marketing analysis and market planning strategies. This is, of course, on top of mastering management, leadership and team-building skills. Many of the graduates of the online general MBA program find careers in management, as directors of business development, financial analysts, senior strategy managers, and more.
The MBA Accounting program helps students build a strong foundation in financial statement auditing, tax research and financial statement analysis. These competencies are specific to fiscal administration positions. Consequently, most of our graduates find careers as CPAs, financial managers, analysts, and forensic accountants.
MBA – Human Resource Development
An MBA in Human Resource Development emphasizes training specific to areas such as employee development, organizational resources and performance analysis. Students in this program become fluent in the principles, theories and roles regarding employee education and development. The nature of the program typically leads graduates into careers like HR generalist, senior management, VP of operations and HR director.
Earning an MBA in International Business gives students key insights into the global marketplace. The program focuses on international trade and finance, emerging global economies and the effects of globalization in developed and developing economies. Graduates with this specialization tend to find exciting careers as international traders, economists, global management consultants, import/export coordinators and global supply chain managers.
Because the material and skills taught in online MBA programs are universal to almost any organization, graduates can find opportunities for work in nearly any industry. It simply depends on where you want to go.
Learn more about Pittsburg State University’s online MBA programs.
Sources:
Graduate Management Admission Council: Alumni Perspectives Survey Report 2017
