4 Surprising Career Opportunities MBAs Didn’t Know Existed

by , Nov 18, 2013

Today's article was submitted by NickChristensen, content editor forUniversity of Liverpool Online.

When most people think of an MBA (Master of Business Administration) graduate, they think of someone who's going to spend every day of their working life in a suit. However, that's not always the case. As the amount of niche MBA programs rises, so do the paths open to those with an MBA degree. In fact, a number of MBA graduates end up following a career path that's only tangentially related to their MBA degree in the first place.

Admissions

Getting admitted to an MBA program isn't easy. You'll need to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), provide an excellent resume, maintain high academic marks, write essays, and provide a variety of references to support you. After all that's done, you'll likely have to do a personal interview. However, once you're in, you have the chance to pursue something that few others can.

Here are some of the more surprising opportunities for MBA graduates:

1. Marketing Executive

Coke or Pepsi, McDonalds or Burger King. Brand management is the core of marketing. Those with MBA degrees may have the chance to handle major advertising campaigns and help their business succeed. The typical MBA may end up as part of the public relations team, or as a branding specialist, responsible for seeing how different advertising campaigns are affecting the bottom-line.

2. Financial Management

Only certain people will be attracted to the high-stakes world of finance. While those with MBA degrees typically follow more conservative career paths, those that enter the financial field may be heavily rewarded. In the world of finance, those with MBA's may put their skills to use as investment bankers, budget analysts, or financial analysts.

3. Non-Profit Management

Some people yearn to make the world a better place. If you're one of those people, you can use your MBA degree to find a place at a non-profit. Pay may be low to begin with, but you'll have the knowledge that you're having a positive impact on the world itself. If you see a need that's not being filled, you may have the opportunity to start your own non-profit in order to help out.

4. Entrepreneur

Several people with MBA degrees harbor the dream to build their own company from the ground up. The hours are long, and the job is incredibly difficult -- but building your own business may be one of the most rewarding paths you can follow. You can build a business doing virtually anything -- your imagination is the only limit when it comes to this career path. Some of the richest people on the planet have made their fortunes by starting businesses and then selling them. While some assume that this dream is out of reach due to the amount of start-up required, modern day entrepreneurs are showing that's not the case. Successful businesses have been started for as little as $100.

While those with an MBA degree typically work in a standard business, the above list shows that's not the only option.

To explore your MBA options, visit The University of Liverpool.