6 Hot Jobs for MBA Graduates
Graduate school isn't like undergrad when, in theory, you could take a year or two to choose a major and poke around different career paths. The process moves a little faster as an MBA student. You don't need to set your target job in stone, but you should have a solid idea or two in mind, so you're ready to make the most of your courses -- as well as networking and recruitment opportunities.
The following jobs are well-suited for MBA graduates, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts hiring growth and solid salaries for each of them.
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6. Operations research analyst: These analysts use statistics to identify and troubleshoot problems usually relating to production, logistics and sales. It's possible to find an entry-level position with just a bachelor's degree, but higher-level operations research analysts usually have an MBA with a specialization in production and operations management. Consider top schools, such as the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at University of Michigan--Ann Arbor.
Connect with recruiters early : "Don't rely on your resume to get you interviews," says Damian Zikakis, director of Career Services at Ross. He advises students keep track of which companies they're interested in and which recruiters are coming to town.
That way, those students can reach out to the recruiters ahead of time and ideally land a coveted on-campus interview. He adds: "Be active in networking activities, whether it's with the HR or recruiting people or alumni at the organization who can then be an advocate for you."
Learn more about why [operations research experience is key for MBA grads.]
5. IT manager: While these professionals lead companies' information technology departments, their role extends far beyond the computer. They're charged with supervising employees, communicating with internal executives and outside vendors as well as planning various tech upgrades for their employer. Standout MBA programs for information systems, like the Sloan School of Management at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, can help sharpen these tech professionals' business skills.
Choose your courses wisely: Given IT managers' liaison role between the tech and business worlds, Jeanne Ross, director and principal research scientist at Sloan's Center for Information Systems Research, advises hopefuls to take classes about business process design, enterprise requirements, project management and change management.
4. Management analyst: In this field, you'll provide feedback on improving an organization's efficiency and profitability. Competitive candidates have a few years of experience in operations, the Certified Management Consultant designation and have earned an MBA with a focus on management. Stanford University's Graduate School of Business and Harvard Business School have top programs.
Choose a direction -- early: Michigan's Zikakis urges MBA students to quickly (but thoughtfully) choose a career path -- "or at least a plan A and plan B," he says. "With MBA programs, the internship recruiting cycle starts almost immediately, and then the interviews are in the winter," he says. "So if you don't know what you're looking for, you won't present well."
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3. Financial analyst: These professionals help companies determine when to buy and sell investments. Consider schools such as the Booth School of Business at University of Chicago and the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University, which offer top finance programs.
Identify the right track for you : Becky Charvat, director of employer relations and recruiting at the Stanford Graduate School of Business Career Management Center, points out that there are many different types of organizations a financial analyst may work at, which differ in workplace environment, lifestyle and salary trajectory.
"As an individual student, it's important to outline what that career looks like to you and really get an understanding of what that means," she says. For example, do you see yourself working for a corporation or an investment bank? Charvat advises participating in internships and gleaning insight from classmates and alumni to guide your decision.
2. HR specialist: A company's human resources professional works with its employees, by doing anything from recruiting them to training them to explaining their benefits. HR specialists don't need an MBA, but the degree will help them stand out from the competition.
Apply business classes to HR : Take advantage of business lessons that can be applied to the people behind an organization. Charvat of Stanford suggests taking courses that cover topics such as organizational behavior, talent development and leadership development.
See the [MBA programs where most graduates get jobs.]
1. Information security analyst: These analysts monitor and protect an organization's computer network and systems. According to the BLS, prior experience in a related field is usually a prerequisite, and companies prefer to hire those with an MBA. The McCombs School of Business at University of Texas--Austin and Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business are top-notch programs for studying information systems.
Practice networking: Use grad school as an opportunity to refine your communication skills, says Stephen Rakas, executive director of the Career Opportunities Center at the Tepper School of Business.
"The most important skill an MBA student can learn is how to network," he says. "They need to know how to network effectively with the recruiters who come to their program, the alumni and companies who might be hosting them at recruiting events and at treks."
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Laura McMullen is the Careers editor at U.S. News and was previously a Health + Wellness reporter. You can follow her on Twitter, connect with her on LinkedIn, circle her on Google+ or email her at lmcmullen@usnews.com.
