What Can You Do With an MBA?

An MBA degree is a graduate-level degree that can help you pursue a wide range of opportunities. Unlike some other graduate degrees which tend to dig primarily into one area of a specific field, an MBA degree takes a more generalized approach, encompassing a wider range of subjects and disciplines. As a result, an MBA degree can be applied toward many different career options in the business world and beyond.

To help you become more familiar with what kinds of careers you can consider with an MBA degree, here are some of the fields where an MBA degree can be applied, along with a brief explanation of what each entails.

Business administration is a field for which MBA degree holders may find themselves readily suited, though it is by no means the only option available to them. This discipline focuses on managing the day-to-day operations within a corporate setting. Typically, it is a managerial field where you would oversee employees and create processes to increase efficiency and enable businesses to make well-informed decisions that will likely lead to growth.

Finance is a business discipline that focuses on the management of money, particularly through the investment of business funds. A finance professional may be involved in evaluating new investments for a company and play a role in selecting projects and acquisitions that a company should pursue in order to make a positive return on investment.

Accounting is a field of business that involves tracking money that flows through a business. Accountants and people that work in the accounting departments of businesses not only manage funds but also make sure that the business’ taxes are being paid properly. They may also perform internal audits that enable them to make recommendations regarding spending adjustments.

Marketing is a business discipline that is concerned with the branding or image of a company. Marketing professionals mostly work on creating initiatives that increase the awareness of a brand through strategies like search engine optimization (SEO) and advertising. They may also work on campaigns that are designed to foster greater brand loyalty by helping customers see the benefits of the brand or a product.

Consulting often involves individual consultants who work as advisors to high-level decision makers at companies. Those who work in the consulting field provide advice to executives, often using data to back up their recommendations and provide insight.

Human resources focuses on managing the relationship a company has with its employees. HR professionals are also responsible for coordinating employee benefits, interviewing, hiring and running a company’s administrative functions.

Healthcare workers rely on business professionals to help keep their hospitals and care facilities running smoothly. Working on the business side of healthcare means making sure that practices are being carried out efficiently and that proper equipment is being invested in to provide patients the highest level of care possible.

Information systems managers oversee teams of information technology professionals and help to ensure that the software, networks and computer systems of a business are running smoothly. They are also responsible for letting management know when upgrades need to be made to systems in order to improve business functionality.

Project managers oversee teams that work on specific projects and delegate tasks to the appropriate parties. In many cases, they are also in direct contact with the client, for whom the project is being performed.

Because an MBA is a graduate-level degree, it has a number of potential benefits that a bachelor's degree may not offer. In particular, MBA degree holders may be able to consider higher-level opportunities when it comes to jobs. In some cases, they may even be able to bypass entry-level jobs when they enter the workforce, depending on the position’s requirements.

Other career benefits that you may experience while earning an MBA degree include:

• The opportunity to further develop your leadership skills
• Networking with professionals in your field
• Getting up-to-date on industry trends and technology

Whether or not earning an MBA is a good career choice depends on you and your goals. If you're interested in pursuing a career in the field of business, an MBA degree can not only help you develop interpersonal and leadership skills, but help keep you abreast of current industry trends, acquaint you with technology used in the field, teach strategy, negotiation and other important business skills as you prepare to enter the workforce.