What Can You Do With an MBA? 17 Careers

The Master of Business Administration degree, commonly known as the MBA program, is one of the most popular graduate degree programs for business professionals. This advanced degree is known for its emphasis on leadership skill development and can lead to a wide range of MBA occupations.  

Benefits of an MBA Degree 

Earning an MBA requires a significant investment of time and money, but the advantages often outweigh the cost. Graduates find that the degree can open doors to new opportunities and long-term career growth. Key benefits include:

• Higher earning potential: MBA graduates often qualify for top-paying roles that are not available to those without an advanced degree.
• Access to leadership positions: The MBA is a common requirement for senior-level and executive roles in business.
• Career versatility: An MBA prepares you for a wide variety of fields—from finance and technology to healthcare, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
• Stronger professional network: MBA programs connect you with peers, faculty, and alumni who can support your career advancement.
• Industry specialization opportunities: Concentrations in areas such as data analytics, finance, or healthcare allow you to tailor your degree to your interests.
• Enhanced skills: MBA programs emphasize leadership, critical thinking, and strategic decision-making that employers value across industries.

With these benefits, it’s no surprise that MBA graduates are well-positioned to thrive in diverse and rewarding career paths.

Careers in Business

Business management positions are some of the most coveted among MBA graduates, many of whom pursue this advanced degree to elevate their careers. 

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Known as the highest-ranking executive in the company, a chief executive officer oversees the totality of company operations. Per Investopedia, they must develop a dynamic strategy to grow the company, improve brand visibility, boost profits, and bolster share prices. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median salary for chief executives is about $189,000. 

Business Operations Manager 

A business operations manager is a high-level manager responsible for overseeing the company's supply chain and managing the organization's financial policies. Business operations managers are sometimes also referred to as chief operating officers, and they must be able to collaborate with other executives to manage the budget and generate financial reports. According to the BLS, business operations managers earn a median annual salary of about $122,000. 

Entrepreneur/Small Business Owner

Many MBA graduates channel their business knowledge into launching their own ventures. An online Master of Business Administration provides the skills needed to write a business plan, secure funding, and manage day-to-day operations. Whether you want to create a start-up or grow an existing small business, an MBA gives you the financial expertise and leadership foundation to pursue this career path confidently.

Careers in Technology

MBA graduates who are interested in working within the ever-growing tech sector will find that there are many opportunities available. 

Computer and Information Systems Manager 

Responsible for planning and coordinating all computer-related activities within an organization, computer and information systems managers play an increasingly important role in any organization. The BLS indicates these professionals are responsible for evaluating the technical needs of an organization, directing the installation and maintenance of technology, and enabling a security network for the organization's computer and information systems. They earn a median annual pay close to $164,000. 

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

As one of the newest seats at the table in the C-suite, the chief technology officer position is becoming increasingly important and necessary. A chief technology officer may be responsible for overseeing the development of new technology for external clients, and they may also work to manage all internal IT operations. The BLS additionally notes that top executives earn a median yearly income of about $189,000. 

IT Manager

With the increasing reliance on technology, many graduates pursue leadership roles in information technology. IT managers oversee technology strategies, budgets, and teams to ensure an organization’s systems align with its overall business goals. An MBA with a concentration in IT can help you balance technical knowledge with strong management skills, preparing you for career advancement in a fast-growing field.

Careers in Finance and Accounting 

Often, business professionals who work in finance or accounting pursue an MBA degree to specialize in the field and pursue senior-level management positions. 

Financial Manager

While accountants may manage the day-to-day records of an organization, financial managers can look at the bigger picture. The BLS asserts that financial managers are responsible for outlining and identifying long-term financial goals for the organization as well as directing the organization's investment strategy. They earn a median annual income of around $139,000. 

Personal Financial Advisors 

Rather than working on behalf of a larger organization, personal financial advisors work directly with individuals who want to manage their finances and increase their wealth. The BLS suggests that personal financial advisors work to develop a plan for individual clients that allows them to achieve their short-term and long-term financial goals. They strive to provide personalized advice that caters to the needs and goals of their clients. Most personal financial advisors are self-employed, and they earn a median annual wage of about $95,000.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

The CFO role is one of the most respected positions in the corporate world. These leaders direct financial planning, risk management, and reporting. An MBA equips aspiring CFOs with advanced financial expertise and decision-making skills, preparing them to guide companies through both challenges and growth opportunities. This career path is ideal for graduates who enjoy analyzing data, leading teams, and shaping long-term financial strategy.

Corporate Treasurer

Corporate treasurers manage an organization’s finances, including liquidity, investments, and risk assessment. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a strategic mindset. An MBA prepares graduates to step into treasury management by teaching critical concepts like financial markets, capital structure, and investment planning — all essential for supporting a company’s career goals for growth and stability.

Careers in Marketing 

Marketing effectively combines the expertise of the business world with the creativity of the creative world, enabling MBA students to build a dynamic career in the field. 

Marketing Manager 

Marketing managers are often responsible for overseeing brand development, developing a marketing strategy and working closely with a marketing team to enact that plan. The BLS notes that marketing managers earn a median annual compensation of about $138,000. 

Marketing Director

Marketing directors are another senior-level marketing position that is one of the top MBA occupations. Insight Global reveals that marketing directors may be responsible for creating marketing campaigns, delegating tasks to the marketing team, and managing the marketing department budget. The BLS notes that marketing directors earn a median annual salary of about $138,000. 

Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)

As a CMO, you will lead a company’s branding, advertising, and customer engagement efforts. This leadership role involves aligning marketing strategies with overall business objectives while analyzing data to improve performance. An MBA provides the broad knowledge base — spanning analytics, consumer behavior, and finance — needed to thrive in this position. Graduates who enjoy creativity paired with measurable results often find this to be a rewarding career path.

Careers in Human Resources

The human resources department focuses on the people who make the organization great, and those who aspire to be leaders within the department may want to consider an MBA degree. 

Human Resources Manager 

A human resources manager is a professional who creates a strategic plan to recruit and retain top talent in the industry and develop policies and protocols for all staff members to follow. The BLS notes that human resources managers are required in every industry, making this one of the most versatile careers for MBA graduates. These professionals report a median yearly earning of about $130,000. 

Compensation and Benefits Manager 

Compensation and benefits managers are human resources professionals who are responsible for developing a dynamic wage and compensation strategy for employees. The BLS cites that they are responsible for developing the organization's pay and benefits structure, monitoring wage trends, and ensuring that the pay and compensation strategy aligns with industry standards and government regulations. They earn a median annual income of about $131,000. 

Careers in Healthcare

Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries, and MBA graduates are increasingly in demand across this sector. Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations need skilled leaders who can manage budgets, improve efficiency, and navigate complex regulations. Earning an online Master of Business Administration with a focus on healthcare administration can open doors to career advancement in roles such as healthcare administrator, medical practice manager, or policy advisor. These opportunities allow graduates to combine their financial expertise and leadership skills with a mission-driven field that impacts people’s lives directly.

Healthcare Manager 

A healthcare facility is a business, which is why healthcare managers are in high demand. Healthcare managers work to oversee the business operations of a healthcare facility, and they are often responsible for managing compliance standards at the facility, overseeing the facility's budget, and recruiting the most qualified staff members, per the BLS. They earn a median yearly income of about $104,000. 

Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare administrators are management professionals who oversee the operations at a hospital. MBA students who specialize in healthcare administration may be qualified for these specialized positions, which require candidates to have exceptional business insight as well as a foundational understanding of the healthcare industry. Similar to healthcare managers, the BLS notes that hospital administrators earn a median yearly pay of around $104,000. 

Advance Your Career With an MBA From Champlain College Online 

Knowing the high-level jobs you can get with an MBA, now is the perfect time to begin exploring your options. At Champlain College Online, we offer a 30-credit online MBA program that will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to elevate your career. 

Request more information about the CCO MBA program today. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an MBA worth it?

Yes — an MBA is a valuable investment for professionals seeking career advancement and access to high-level leadership roles. It offers a strong return by expanding your knowledge in areas like finance, strategy, and information technology while also helping you build a professional network. For many, it provides the skills and credibility needed to achieve long-term career goals and pursue senior positions.

Does an online MBA lead to the same careers as an on-campus MBA?

Absolutely. Employers increasingly recognize that an online Master of Business Administration delivers the same rigorous education as an on-campus degree. Online students graduate with the same credentials, knowledge, and opportunities for career advancement. The flexibility of online learning enables professionals to balance education with work experience, often giving them a competitive edge in the job market.

Which MBA career has the highest salary?

The BLS asserts that chief executives earn the highest salaries among all MBA graduates. The BLS notes that chief executives earned a median annual salary of about $206,420 in 2024.

Which MBA jobs are in high demand?

According to Business Because, in-demand MBA jobs include management consulting positions, healthcare administration, chief technology officer roles, senior data analyst positions, and financial analyst roles. 

What skills do MBA employers look for?

Employers that are looking to hire MBA graduates are interested not only in candidates who have exceptional business acumen and a solid understanding of the most advanced business strategies but also in those who have well-developed leadership skills. Core competencies such as effective communication, digital literacy, emotional awareness, empathy, collaboration, critical thinking, and creative thinking are appealing to employers who are looking to hire MBA graduates.