Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Scorpio – everyone’s different. So too are online master’s degree programs and career paths.
One of the best things about an MBA is that it can be used in many ways, making them attractive to so many people.
If you’re considering enrolling in an online MBA program or currently looking at top business schools, it’s important to know the ways earning an MBA might open up opportunities for you. From finance and accounting to setting yourself up to open a successful small business, an advanced degree in business could put you ahead of the competition and give you the skills you need to increase your income.
For four career paths for MBA grads with a variety of special interests, read on.
1. Financial Analysis and Accounting
Any MBA admission consulting counselor will tell you that business is money and the other way around. While you may be going into business or seeking an MBA program to change the world or for various reasons, you won’t be able to do that as well without money. When speaking to an admission consultant, don’t hesitate to list your academic and career path goals in the context of finances.
Many students assume all MBA programs are the same and that a general Master’s in Business Administration covers all facets of the business world. While an online MBA program will give you the fundamentals of business ethics, networking skills, and even skills to be a good salesperson, a concentration in accounting, finances, or grant writing could help you get the best job or at least fund the one you want.
Consider talking to admission offices about your strengths when it comes to math and budgeting. Ask about accounting specializations in top MBA programs. While your hard work in any online business program will pay off, this additional training could add up to big bucks. You could later use it to become a financial consultant, chief revenue officer, or the go-to person in your company to manage tax deductions and the overall budget.
2. Entrepreneurship
Maybe you’re passionate about the environment and have always admired Hayes Barnard, CEO of Loanpal. For you, opening a solar panel business would be a good fit. Perhaps you know a lot about energy conservation and the best way to save money on utilities. You might even be a fantastic salesperson. With the right MBA program, you could take your future business to another level by having the skills to identify team players, attract investors, manage vendors, and implement best practices customer service in a new company. As a future entrepreneur, you could begin from your home office and start that capstone in your home office.
The great thing about online MBA courses is that you can use professors with years of experience as eyes and ears on any new business. If you think owning your own business will be a good fit for you, be sure to look for a program with an entrepreneurial focus.
3. Hospitality
Your work and zodiac sign don’t have to go hand in hand, but just like the signs are different, many people find themselves drawn into the business world for reasons that are different from their peers. For some students, making a positive impact simply through positive interactions and public relations draws them to MBA classes.
Maybe you’re someone with a natural ability to make strangers feel relaxed and at home no matter where they are. A concentration in hospitality could be right for you. From the opportunity to run a resort, casino, or chain of restaurants, an advanced business degree with a focus on hospitality could give you a great start. Ask the admissions offices at top business schools about individualized study plans.
4. Technology
The internet and technology aren’t going anywhere. If you’re naturally technology savvy and know you’ll need to keep up on trends to maintain pace with the global market, a technology focus surrounding data management or IT might be perfect for you. As the best fit for people with undergraduate degrees in computer science, and advanced business degrees in technology will ultimately result in higher income because it’s such an in-demand skill.
Only you can know the right career path for you. In taking the time to research the many options that come with top business schools and MBA programs, you’ll put yourself in a better position to make the right choice for you. Congratulations on your decision to think about continuing your education and applying to graduate-level business school.