Top 5 Jobs to Land with an MBA

Whether you’re in the middle of studying for your MBA or just deciding if an MBA is the right choice for you, employability is likely to be one thing playing on your mind. With talent increasing and the world becoming ever-more competitive, it’s important to have marketable skills as well as a great academic background.

With a varied syllabus and the opportunity to gain valuable, hands-on experience, the MBA is certainly a qualification that will set you up for a comfortable life. Here, London School of Business and Finance’s Claire Payne counts down the top five jobs you can get with an MBA.

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts have to remain in-the-know when it comes to financial trends. Responsible for gathering information on macroeconomic and microeconomic conditions, the role of the Financial Analyst involves a lot of research and, although highly competitive, this role offers great opportunities when it comes to career advancement.

As well as working with numbers, there are many situations where Financial Analysts have to put their interpersonal skills to the test. Arguably one of the most enjoyable responsibilities for senior level Financial Analysts is nurturing juniors and building on their juniors’ professional capabilities. The role can also include frequent opportunity to travel – this may involve visiting companies to witness operations first-hand, or attending conferences to meet those who specialise in the same areas.

With the UK salary for a Financial Analyst averaging at £33,000, and the potential to earn over £50,000 a year, it’s not hard to see why the job requires hard work and a busy schedule. The good news for MBA graduates is: you’re likely to be hired straight into a senior position! This will benefit you professionally and financially.

IT Manager

IT Managers are responsible for planning and directing anything relating to a company’s computer and information systems, including network organisation, and installation and maintenance of both hardware and software. IT Managers also have the important role of ensuring that the company’s electronic data is safe, and that the technology has the appropriate security measures.

Working as an IT Manager, it’s likely that you’ll need to be flexible. While office roles will have regular hours (e.g. 9am to 5pm) working with external clients may mean irregular hours and time spent travelling. Meeting different people and helping them solves their IT problems is all part of the fun in this role. Within IT you’ll find a range of opportunities, and IT Managers may find themselves with the goal to become self-employed, work overseas, or obtain more managerial responsibility within their company.

The average UK salary for an IT Manager currently stands at £39,000, which is dependent upon experience. Although the starting salary can be as low as £23,000, top level IT Managers can earn £60,000 or more, annually. This well-paid job will set MBA graduates up for a financial stable future and technology continues to expand. Those who choose to freelance can take breaks between projects whenever they wish, allowing opportunities to travel or pursue other interests.

Finance Manager

A Finance Manager provides support and advice to clients and colleagues, giving them the confidence to make good business decisions. They also have many other responsibilities which depend upon the industry they work in and the size of their organisation. A Finance Manager may have to monitor cash flow, predict trends, research business performance factors, and produce financial reports, alongside stereotypical managerial duties such as delegating workload.

Financial Managers are employed in public and private sectors. From retailers and manufacturers to universities and charities, becoming a Financial Manager will open doors – you’ll never be restricted to one industry. With financial decisions a vital part of all major business decisions, the Financial Manager is a very important role. They’re relied upon to give sound advice that will bring business forward.

The average Finance Manager working in the UK earns £37,500 with the potential for their salary to rise to £60,000 and beyond. Those studying an MBA in finance will find themselves well prepared for a role in financial management once they have completed their qualification.

PR Director

PR Directors have a number of responsibilities, from arranging media interviews and coordinating press releases to collaborations with marketing and advertising departments. They also act as one of the main points of contact with external companies. When it comes to damage control, PR Directors are the ones who work hard to resolve any issues and generally smooth things over. Basically, the PR Director’s responsibility is to ensure that their company upholds a positive public and professional image.

Although an MBA isn’t likely to land you a Director’s job right away, it’s a monumental first step in the right direction. With determination and drive, any talented MBA student has the potential to fill such a role once they have acquired a good amount of relevant experience. The average UK salary for a PR Director is £53,000, and the most successful reportedly receive over £100,000 every year.

Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager takes care of all marketing content relating to a business or product(s). They are required to have a creative flair, in order to successfully lead marketing campaigns with the intent of raising public awareness. Projects they lead might include print or television advertisements, public events, or product launches, amongst others. A Marketing Manager may also be involved in damage control, should a company generate any negative press.

Marketing Managers work closely with people from all different departments across a company, meaning they have the opportunity to build strong professional relationships. Many Marketing Managers will be based in-office, but there may be occasional requirements to travel in order to meet clients or attend events. Those dedicated to continuous research and development, particularly in the digital sector, will likely find themselves ahead of the rest.

The average salary for a Marketing Manager in the UK is between £32,000 and £33,000, and once experience has been acquired, there is potential to earn over £50,000. The job presents lots of opportunities to get creative, especially when it comes to ad campaigns, making the role challenging but enjoyable. Some MBA programmes offer marketing related specialisms, preparing you to step into the shoes of Marketing Manager.

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