10 Unusual Careers to Pursue After MBA
The MBA has long been associated with traditional roles in finance, consulting, and management. However, the job market’s dynamic nature today offers many unconventional career paths that MBA graduates can explore. If you are someone who seeks to follow uncharted territory and find exciting and innovative job options, the following careers after MBA might just be what you are looking for. These roles not only promise growth but also offer competitive salaries in the Indian market.
Which is the Best Career After MBA?
When it comes to choosing the best careers after MBA, the options are vast and varied. Here are 10 career paths that are not only lucrative but also offer immense scope for growth:
1. Non-Profit Management
Salary: ₹5 lacs to ₹26 lacs per annum
Scope: Non-profit organizations are increasingly seeking MBA graduates to lead their operations. The skills acquired during an MBA—like strategic planning, financial management, and resource allocation—are invaluable in these roles.
Industry: Social sector, NGOs, charitable trusts
Non-profit management is gaining traction as more professionals aim to contribute to society. Moreover, with an MBA, you can step into roles like executive director, program manager, or operations manager, where you’ll be responsible for steering the organization toward achieving its social mission efficiently.
2. Social Entrepreneurship
Salary: ₹18 lacs to ₹44 lacs per annum
Scope: Social entrepreneurs are change makers who use business principles to solve societal issues. An MBA equips you with the knowledge to build sustainable business models that create both social and financial value.
Industry: Startups, impact investing, social ventures
Social entrepreneurship is not just a career but a movement. You could start your own venture or join existing social enterprises, making a tangible impact on society while earning a decent salary.
3. Sports Management
Salary: ₹15 lacs to ₹45 lacs per annum
Scope: The sports industry in India is booming, and with it, the demand for skilled professionals in sports management is on the rise. An MBA allows you to work in areas like team management, sports marketing, and facility management.
Industry: Sports teams, Sports agencies, event management
If you have a passion for sports, this career path offers you the opportunity to combine your love for the game with business acumen. Additionally, you could work with sports teams, manage sporting events, or even get involved in athlete representation.
4. Entertainment and Media Management
Salary: ₹6 lacs to ₹31 lacs per annum
Scope: The entertainment and media industry is one of the most dynamic sectors in India. MBA graduates are increasingly finding opportunities in roles like media executive, content development manager, and talent manager.
Industry: Film, television, OTT platforms
With the rise of digital media platforms, the scope for MBAs in entertainment management has expanded significantly. Furthermore, your MBA could help you navigate this fast-paced industry, leading to roles that are as creative as they are financially rewarding.
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5. Corporate Sustainability and Environmental Management
Salary: ₹6 lacs to ₹36 lacs per annum
Scope: As businesses worldwide become more conscious of their environmental impact, the demand for professionals in corporate sustainability is growing. An MBA will give you the strategic thinking and leadership skills needed to drive sustainability initiatives within organizations.
Industry: Manufacturing, FMCG, consulting
In India, where environmental concerns are gaining prominence, this field offers you the chance to make a difference. Additionally, you could work as a sustainability director or an environmental compliance manager, ensuring that companies adhere to environmental standards while remaining profitable.
6. Healthcare Management
Salary: ₹17 lacs to ₹49 lacs per annum
Scope: The healthcare sector in India is rapidly expanding, and the need for management professionals is higher than ever. Interestingly, with an MBA, you can take on roles such as hospital administrator, healthcare consultant, or operations manager.
Industry: Hospitals, pharmaceuticals, healthcare consulting
Given the ongoing developments in healthcare, this field promises both job stability and growth. Moreover, your MBA will allow you to manage the complexities of healthcare organizations, from human resources to finance and beyond.
7. Fashion and Luxury Brand Management
Salary: ₹4 lacs to ₹39 lacs per annum
Scope: India’s fashion and luxury market is growing, and so is the need for skilled brand managers who understand both business and consumer behavior. An MBA will enable you to manage luxury brands or even start your own fashion label.
Industry: Fashion, retail, e-commerce
If you have a flair for fashion, this career path lets you combine creativity with business strategy. You will be involved in everything from product development to marketing, ensuring your brand stands out in a competitive market.
8. Innovation and Product Management
Salary: ₹8 lacs to ₹39 lacs per annum
Scope: Companies are always on the lookout for the next big thing, and they need innovation managers to lead the way. An MBA equips you with the necessary skills to drive innovation within an organization, whether in product development or business processes.
Industry: Technology, FMCG
In India’s competitive market, innovation is key to staying ahead. As an innovation manager, your role would involve identifying opportunities, developing ideas, and leading projects that bring those ideas to life.
9. Political Consulting and Public Policy
Salary: ₹13 lacs to ₹22 lacs per annum
Scope: Political consulting is a unique career that allows you to use your MBA skills in politics. You could work as a campaign manager, public policy analyst, or government relations manager.
Industry: Government, NGOs, political parties
In the world of politics, your MBA can help you navigate the complexities of public policy and political strategy. You will be responsible for analyzing data, developing strategies, and advising political leaders on how to achieve their goals.
10. Behavioral Economics Consulting
Salary: ₹6 lacs to ₹30 lacs per annum
Scope: Behavioral economics is an emerging field that blends psychology with economics. As a consultant, you’ll use your MBA skills to help organizations understand consumer behavior and make better business decisions.
Industry: Consulting, market research, financial services
Where consumer behavior is rapidly evolving, behavioral economics offers one of the niche yet highly rewarding careers after MBA. Hence, your work will involve analyzing how people make decisions and using that insight to help businesses succeed.
What is the Highest-Paid MBA Job?
MBA graduates are often drawn to careers after MBA that offer high earning potential and significant opportunities for advancement. Further, these roles not only provide financial rewards but also position you at the helm of decision-making within various industries. Here are five of the highest-paid jobs and careers after MBA:
1. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
As a CEO, you oversee company operations and strategy, making crucial decisions impacting success. With an MBA, you handle financial management, leadership, and strategic planning, making this one of the prestigious careers after MBA.
2. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
A CFO manages a company’s financial actions, including cash flow and financial analysis. An MBA equips you with the financial acumen and strategic skills needed for this critical role, making it a key career after an MBA.
3. Investment Banker
Investment bankers assist in raising capital and financial consulting, working with various entities on transactions. An MBA provides the analytical skills and network essential for success in this competitive career after MBA.
4. Management Consultant
Management consultants solve complex business issues by analyzing operations and recommending improvements. This career after MBA is attractive for its diverse experiences and requires the strategic and leadership skills an MBA provides.
5. Private Equity Analyst
Private equity analysts identify investment opportunities, conduct due diligence, and manage portfolios. An MBA is valuable for evaluating investments and managing portfolios effectively, making it one of the most lucrative careers after MBA.
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What Job Will I Get if I do an MBA?
An MBA opens doors to a multitude of careers across various industries. Depending on your specialization, you could pursue roles in finance, marketing, operations, human resources, or even venture into entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the versatility of an MBA allows you to tailor your career path according to your interests and strengths, ensuring that you find a role that aligns with your professional goals.
What Degrees are Best After an MBA?
If you are considering further education after your MBA, here are a few options that could enhance your career prospects:
- Executive MBA: For those looking to move into senior management roles
- Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA): Ideal for those interested in research or academic careers
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): Great for finance professionals seeking in-depth knowledge of investment management
- Project Management Professional (PMP): For those looking to specialize in project management
- Data Science and Analytics: Perfect for those interested in the growing field of big data
Concluding your educational journey with an advanced degree can further solidify your expertise and open even more doors. While an MBA equips you with a versatile skill set that can lead to various high-impact careers after MBA, pursuing further education can sharpen your focus, deepen your knowledge, and position you for even greater success.
The landscape of careers after MBA is vast and filled with opportunities that can lead to personal and professional fulfillment. So, as you contemplate your next steps, consider exploring Emeritus’ online business management courses. These programs at Emeritus are designed to fit seamlessly into your busy life while offering the tools and knowledge you need to advance your career and achieve your goals.
All salary figures are curated from the following sources:
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