A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree has been a prestigious qualification for many years & continues to hold value in the global job market. Pursuing an MBA opens up various career opportunities after MBA, not limited to specific industries or job profiles. Though the obvious choice for MBA graduates is corporate management, there are many more exciting career prospects after MBA to choose from.
From consulting to entrepreneurship, digital marketing to investment banking, MBA as a career option have various options to explore. The salaries for MBA professionals are competitive within the industry, & top recruiters from various domains vie for their attention.
However, it is essential to be aware of the critical skills & knowledge one needs & align them with their desired career path after MBA to attain success in their chosen domain. In this article, we dive into the world of job opportunities after MBA, salaries & explore the top recruiters. You can also find the most valuable career skills with KnowledgeHut and stay ahead of the game.
Top MBA Entrance Exams
MBA degrees are highly coveted globally, as they lead to better job prospects, higher salaries, & improved business acumen. However, getting into a top-tier MBA program is tough, & requires a high GMAT or GRE score, as well as a successful performance in the application process.
Another critical component of the application process is the MBA entrance exam, of which there are many kinds. Here are the top ones currently used by Indian business schools.
1. CMAT
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a computer-based test that is used by over 1,000 management schools in India. It assesses candidates on their knowledge of quantitative techniques, language comprehension, general awareness, & logical reasoning. Here are the four key features of the CMAT:
- It is conducted in Feb or March & results are typically released in April-May.
- Candidates have 180 minutes to answer 100 multiple-choice questions.
- The exam is scored out of 400, with each correct answer worth four marks & for every incorrect answer, there will be a negative marking of 1 mark.
2. SNAP
Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) is a national-level management test conducted by Symbiosis International University. SNAP scores are accepted in more than 16 Symbiosis B-schools across India.
- The SNAP exam is conducted in December, & results are typically released in January.
- Candidates have 120 minutes to answer 60 questions.
- Each correct answer is awarded one mark, & each incorrect answer carries a penalty of 0.25 marks.
3. MAT
MAT is a national level exam conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) for admission to MBA & PGDM courses in various colleges across India. A few details about MAT exam include:
- The MAT exam is held four times a year, in February, May, September, & December.
- The test includes 200 objective-type questions that the candidate must answer in 150 minutes.
- The exam carries a total mark of 200, with each correct answer awarded one mark 7 incorrect answers carry a penalty of 0.25 marks each.
4. XAT
The Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT) is a national level computer-based exam used for admission into management programs as well as other courses like Human Resource Management or Business Management. The key features of the XAT are:
- The XAT exam is generally conducted in January.
- Time allotted to complete the exam is 210 minutes & the exam comprises objective as well as subjective questions.
- Each correct answer is awarded one mark, & each incorrect answer carries a penalty of 0.25 marks.
5. MAH-CET
The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MAH-CET) is a state-level exam for admission to business schools in Maharashtra. The exam evaluates a candidate's ability in logical reasoning, abstract reasoning, quantitative aptitude, & verbal ability. The four significant elements of the MAH-CET are:
- The MAH-CET is conducted in March.
- The duration of the exam is 150 minutes for 200 questions.
- The exam is scored out of 200, with each correct answer getting one mark & there is no penalty for incorrect answers.
6. IIFT
The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) entrance exam is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Indian government. The exam is only for students looking to pursue an MBA in international business.
- The IIFT exam is usually held during November or December & the exam has both objective & subjective questions.
- The total score of the IIFT exam is 300 with one mark awarded for every correct answer.
- Incorrect answers carry a penalty of 1/3 of the mark allotted to that question.
MBA Courses & Popular Specializations
As many students & professionals consider MBA as a career option, it is crucial to delve into popular specializations that can aid in career advancements. MBA courses offer a broad range of specializations that cater to diverse fields, such as finance, sales & marketing, human resources, IT & Systems, etc.
Here are each of these specializations in detail, shedding light on their scope, relevance, & potential outcomes.
Finance
An MBA in finance offers an all-inclusive understanding of financial concepts, equipping students with analytical & critical thinking skills. The scope of this specialization is vast, ranging from corporate finance to investment banking, portfolio management, risk management, & financial planning. These sector offers career options after MBA in finance to graduates, with positions such as financial analyst, investment banker, finance director, or chief financial officer.
Sales & Marketing
T he sales & marketing specialization of an MBA program is ideal for students who wish to understand customer behavior, market trends, & brand management strategies. This specialization provides a holistic approach to sales, advertising, & public relations, preparing students for positions such as sales director, account manager, brand manager, or advertising executive. The sales & marketing industry gives a diverse range of job opportunities after MBA, with a high potential for growth & career progression. All in all, the scope for after MBA finance job opportunities in sales & marketing is bright for everyone.
Human Resource (HR)
Typically, MBA and MSc degrees are awarded in human resource management. There are, however, some business schools offering HR courses as part of their general management degrees. An MBA in HR prepares students for leadership roles in human resource management, including talent acquisition, performance management, & workforce development. So, with the HR management skills learned from the best experts, the road ahead for the professionals after MBA HR courses is paved with success and prosperity.
IT & Systems
Under the MBA in IT & Systems, students gain knowledge in areas such as systems analysis & design, database management systems, & information security. Graduates with this specialization can seek employment in a range of roles, including IT project management, systems analysis, business analysis, & technology consulting.
Operations
MBA as a career option in Operations is designed to prepare students for careers in manufacturing, logistics, supply chain, quality control, & project management. The course curriculum typically includes subjects such as operations management, global supply chain management, quality control, process design, & logistics management.
International Business
The international business specialization of an MBA program focuses on developing a global mindset, understanding cultural differences, & dealing with international laws & regulations. This specialization prepares students for job opportunities after MBA such as international market researcher, international trade specialist, or global business development manager.
Retail
Retail is a specialization in the MBA program that deals with different business aspects such as merchandising, consumer behavior, supply chain management, & retail analytics. Students also learn about retail marketing & promotion strategies. This specialization provides the tools necessary for candidates to succeed as a retail manager, marketing manager, purchasing manager, or retail analyst.
Supply Chain
MBA in Supply Chain Management enables students to learn & apply the principles of managing a company's supply chain. It focuses on managing the flow of goods & services including planning, sourcing, manufacturing, logistics, & customer satisfaction. Graduates can pursue careers as supply chain managers, logistics managers, procurement professionals, or operations managers.
Healthcare & Hospital
An MBA in Healthcare & Hospital Management prepares students for leadership roles in the hospital & healthcare industry. Students learn about healthcare finance, health policy, healthcare IT, & healthcare management. The program emphasizes the development of patient-centered care & effective management of healthcare organizations. Graduates of this program often work as healthcare consultants, hospital administrators, or healthcare policy analysts.
Entrepreneurship
A majority of MBA aspirants aim to become successful entrepreneurs. The MBA as a career option in Entrepreneurship program fosters skills of entrepreneurial thinking & establishing core skills for business start-ups. The course covers subjects as business planning, emerging businesses, the entrepreneurial mindset, small business administration, & venture capital funding. The career pathways are vast, including technology startups, product companies, consulting firms, service providers, & many more.
Business Analytics
Data is the new oil. With a specialization in business analytics, you will learn how to use data to drive business decisions. You will learn about data management, data optimization, predictive modeling, & machine learning. This specialization will prepare you for a career in business intelligence, data mining, & data analysis.
Career Opportunities After MBA
MBA programs are highly sought after today due to the value it holds in the job market. It has become an essential requirement for various industries, offering a broad range of career options after MBA. If you're thinking about pursuing an MBA, it's worth going through the possibilities in different areas of specialization. So, here are all the answers to: after completing MBA what job can i get? While we cannot suggest you a specific type of job for the question - after MBA which job is best? However, we can guide you through the some popular job opportunities after MBA that you can pursue.
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MBA in Sales & Marketing
The career options after MBA in marketing and sales is all about promoting & selling products or services to customers. With an MBA in Sales & Marketing, you can expect to develop a business mindset that is grounded in the principles of marketing, advertising, & sales.
- Brand Manager: You can work on creating & implementing strategies for building & promoting brand awareness for a particular company or product.
- Sales Consultant: You have to work with clients to provide sales & marketing strategies customized to their business needs.
- Product Manager: You can focus on developing, maintaining, & promoting a particular product from its inception to market.
- Marketing Research Analyst: You need to conduct market research & analyze data to develop business strategies that will help an organization succeed.
MBA in HR
The career after MBA in HR deals with the recruitment, retention, & management of employees in a business organization.
- HR Manager: The HR Manager oversees the HR department, which includes recruitment, training, performance assessment, & employee welfare.
- Talent Acquisition Manager: Talent Acquisition Managers are responsible for identifying & recruiting suitable candidates for various job roles.
- Compensation & Benefits Manager: This role is for developing & implementing employee compensation & benefits plans.
- Employee Relations Manager: Employee Relations Managers are in charge of managing & maintaining positive relationships between the company & its employees.
MBA in Finance
If you have a strong foundation in finance, accounting, & investment analysis, then a career after MBA in finance can lead to many rewarding opportunities. Moreover, you can also look for government jobs after MBA finance apart from the below options.
- Financial Analyst: You need to analyze financial data & market trends to advise & support investment decisions.
- Investment Banker: You can become an investment banker & advise clients on mergers & acquisitions, corporate restructuring, & capital raising.
- Financial Manager: You can look into the financial operations of a company, such as budgeting, forecasting, & financial reporting.
- Portfolio Manager: You manage a portfolio of investments, such as stocks, bonds, & mutual funds, to achieve financial objectives.
MBA in Operations
Operations is the backbone of any business organization, & it involves managing the processes that ensure the delivery of products or services to customers. Furthermore, it is one of the highest paying jobs after MBA in India.
- Operations Manager: The Operations Manager ensures smooth business operations & efficient use of resources.
- Supply Chain Manager: Supply Chain Managers manage the flow of products & services from suppliers to customers.
- Quality Manager: Quality Managers develop & implement quality control measures to ensure the high quality of products or services.
- Manufacturing Manager: Manufacturing Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, & managing the manufacturing process.
MBA in IT & Systems
With the rapid advancements in technology, MBA in IT & Systems has become a popular choice among students.
- IT Manager: IT Managers are for the management & implementation of technology in an organization. They oversee all aspects of the organization's technology & ensure its smooth operations.
- Chief Information Officer (CIO): A CIO helps in the overall management of an organization's IT operations. They oversee strategic technology planning, budgeting, & implementation.
- IT Consultant: An IT consultant provides expert advice to clients on how to improve their IT infrastructure & systems. They help organizations make informed decisions about their technology investments & implementation.
- IT Project Manager: IT project managers plan, execute, & manage IT projects from start to finish. They make sure that these projects are completed on time, within budget, & meet the organization's goals & objectives.
MBA in Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is all about identifying opportunities & turning them into successful businesses.
- Startup Founder: There is no better job for an entrepreneurship degree holder than starting their own business. They can put their knowledge & skills to use & create something innovative & successful.
- Business Consultant: An entrepreneurship degree holder can work as a business consultant & help others with their start-up or small-scale businesses. They can provide expert advice on business planning, marketing, & fundraising.
- Product Manager: The job of a product manager is to oversee the development, design, & marketing of products. An MBA in Entrepreneurship degree holder can excel in this field by developing new & innovative products.
- Venture Capitalist: A venture capitalist is an investor who provides funding to start-ups & early-stage businesses. MBA in Entrepreneurship degree holders can excel in this field due to their entrepreneurial mindset & knowledge of the start-up world.
MBA in Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Graduates with this specialization have full knowledge in handling materials, coordinating logistics, managing storage, & transportation of goods.
- Supply Chain Manager: Oversee & manage supply chain operations, ensuring timely delivery of goods & optimizing costs.
- Operations Manager: Responsible for managing day-to-day production, inventory management, & quality processes to increase efficiency of the supply chain.
- Warehouse & Distribution Manager: Manage the organization's storage & distribution activities by directing staff, overseeing budgeting & financial activities, & ensuring efficient use of resources.
- Procurement Manager: Handle procurement of goods & services, ensuring timely delivery while adhering to budgetary constraints.
MBA in International Business
This specialization focuses on developing a global perspective & understanding basic business principles in different cultures.
- International Business Development Manager: Develop strategies for overseas expansion, negotiating deals & setting up partnerships.
- International Marketing Manager: Develop global marketing campaigns, supply marketing research for new target markets & consider cultural differences in their strategies to advance global sales.
- International Trade Consultant: Provide advice & support to companies interested in trading in overseas markets.
- Foreign Market Analyst: Analyze & research foreign markets to recognize growth opportunities, product promotion requirements, & market trends.
MBA in Healthcare Management
An MBA in Healthcare Management prepares individuals to manage & lead healthcare organizations, including hospitals, clinics, & insurance companies.
- Hospital Administrator: Responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a hospital, including managing staff, controlling costs, & ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Health Services Manager: Involves managing healthcare services, such as clinical care, mental health, & public health programs.
- Health Information Manager: Responsible for managing healthcare data & information systems, including electronic health records & billing systems.
- Managed Care Manager: Involves managing the relationships between healthcare providers & insurers, ensuring that patients receive high-quality care at an affordable cost.
MBA in Retail Management
If you are interested in retail management & want one of the highest paying jobs after MBA in India, an MBA in Retail Management will equip you with the fundamental business knowledge & marketing strategies required to lead a retail organization.
- Store Manager: A store manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a retail store, including sales, inventory management, & customer service.
- Merchandise Manager: Merchandise managers create product lines for retailers, develop pricing strategies & control inventory.
- Marketing Manager: A marketing manager is responsible for managing a retail company's advertising & promotions, such as social media, email marketing.
- Supply Chain Manager: Managing a retail supply chain involves coordinating the flow of products, from suppliers to the stores, while keeping costs efficient.
MBA in Business Analytics
Graduates of this specialization have a strong foundation in statistical modeling, data visualization, & quantitative analysis and career options after MBA in business analytics include.
- Business Intelligence Analyst: Analyze data & prepare reports to help business operations with insights for informed decision-making.
- Data Scientist: Use data to investigate & solve complex business problems & extract useful insights to help business decisions.
- Operations Research Analyst: Utilize mathematical modeling to analyze & solve difficult business challenges, optimizing processes & procedures for improved efficiency & productivity.
- Market Research Analyst: Research market trends to identify market opportunities, evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, & prepare reports on consumer satisfaction.
MBA College Placements
In India, MBA college placements play a crucial role in shaping the career prospects of management graduates. The placement scenario for MBA colleges has been on a positive trend in recent years.
Here are some of the factors that are driving the demand for MBA graduates in India:
- The growing Indian economy is creating new job opportunities in a variety of sectors.
- The increasing focus on innovation and technology is leading to the demand for skilled professionals with business acumen.
- The growing number of multinational companies setting up operations in India is creating new opportunities for MBA graduates.
Top-tier MBA colleges in India often have strong placement records compared to the mid-tier or lower-tier colleges, with leading companies from various sectors participating in their placement drives. These colleges have established relationships with recruiters, which facilitates a smooth placement process. Students from these institutions often secure lucrative job offers with attractive salary packages and opportunities for career growth.
The average salaries offered to top-tier B-school graduates range between 15-25 lakhs per annum and is expectd to steadily increase, with the increasing number of job opportunities. The top recruiters for MBA graduates include consulting firms, investment banks, and technology companies. There are opportunity to pursue government jobs after MBA with salary packages that are competitive and provide an alternative career path allowing them to contribute their managerial skills and knowledge to the public sector.
If you are considering an MBA, the positive placement scenario in India is a good sign. With a strong MBA degree, you can be confident of finding a good job in a variety of industries.
Top MBA Recruiters
Top MBA recruiters are companies that actively seek out top business school graduates with advanced degrees in Business Administration. These recruiters play a significant role in the career paths & success stories of MBA graduates.
Not only do these top recruiters offer MBA candidates access to the kind of challenging & rewarding jobs that they desire, but they also offer attractive salaries & impressive career advancement opportunities.
The top MBA recruiters include major corporations that span various industries such as consulting, finance, consumer goods, technology, healthcare, & manufacturing. Some of the most popular MBA recruiters that frequently rank among the very top include management consulting firms like McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, & Boston Consulting Group.
Other major recruiters include investment banking powerhouses like Goldman Sachs & JPMorgan Chase & Co. In the technology industry, companies like Google, Amazon, & Facebook are popular MBA recruiters.
MBA graduates that want to pursue MBA as a career option in marketing, retail, or consumer goods often have their eyes set on top recruiters like Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, or Unilever. Meanwhile, healthcare-focused MBA graduates can often find jobs at pharmaceutical giants such as Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson.
Lastly, MBA graduates interested in careers in manufacturing, energy, or aerospace can get hired by top recruiters like Caterpillar, Boeing, or ExxonMobil.
Overall, landing a job with a top MBA recruiter is a highly sought-after achievement that offers significant financial & professional benefits. Graduates who secure jobs with these recruiters often have a bright future as they gain invaluable experience & continue to advance their careers.
Why Choose MBA?
An MBA, or Master of Business Administration, is a highly respected degree that provides a wide range of opportunities for those who want to advance in their careers. An MBA will not only boost your confidence, but also your earning potential, & give you access to opportunities that you may not have had otherwise.
1. Sets You Up For A Successful Career
An MBA is a versatile degree that opens doors to a wide variety of industries, from finance & consulting to marketing & human resources. The skills you acquire during an MBA program, such as leadership, strategic thinking, & problem-solving, make you an attractive candidate to employers. Businesses look for MBA graduates because they know they have a foundation in critical thinking, problem-solving, & communication, which is great preparation for leadership roles.
2. Excellent Preparation For Entrepreneurship
Whether you want to start your own business or run a successful company, an MBA program will set you up for success. You'll learn about everything from business strategy to financial management, & you'll have the chance to network with other entrepreneurs who are looking to start their own ventures.
3. Increases Your Earning Potential
One of the biggest benefits of an MBA degree is that it can significantly increase your earning potential. MBA graduates are in high demand, & employers are willing to pay well for their skills & expertise.
4. Helps You Develop Key Skills For Career Advancement
If you're looking to take the next steps in your career, an MBA program can help you acquire the skills & knowledge you need to succeed. During your studies, you'll have the chance to develop your communication, leadership, & management skills, which are key for advancing in your career. An MBA degree is an investment in yourself & your future.
Final Say
It's fair to say that there are a diverse range of job opportunities after MBA. Taking an MBA is a big decision, but the potential financial gain & career growth can be worthwhile. Furthermore, with the current landscape the way it is, employers are continuing to look for professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge to help their businesses succeed going forward. It’s important to do your research when considering a career path after completing an MBA & know your worth in terms of salaries & other associated benefits.
Top recruiters such as Goldman Sachs, Amazon & Microsoft prove that there is no shortage of options out there - but it pays to consider more than salary when making your final decision. Ultimately, taking an MBA could reignite your passion most suited to the working world & secure you a prosperous future. Also, going for the top Business Management courses will help you level up your pay.
