If you are considering pursuing an MBA, you are likely wondering about the best career paths and job opportunities available. This blog post will provide an overview of some of the top options for MBA graduates. We will also discuss how to research different career paths and job opportunities in order to find the best fit for you. So, if you are ready to explore your options, read on!
If you are considering getting an MBA, whether for the first time or as a career changer, you’ve already done your homework. You know about the top 10 business schools in the country. You know that they all have fantastic reputations and excellent job placement records. You also understand that an MBA can open doors to many opportunities, including top jobs at many of the nation’s most prestigious companies. However, you may be unsure of how to go about landing one of these highly sought-after positions.
Here are some top MBA career paths and job opportunities for you to consider (in addition to those listed on e – Financial Careers) as you make your way down this new path:
1) Investment Banking Analyst / Associate:
This is one of the most popular MBA careers paths, especially for first-time MBA grads looking to work in finance. An investment banking analyst or associate typically comes right out of business school with an offer for a coveted investment banking position. Investment bankers work on complex financial transactions like buyouts, mergers & acquisitions, IP, etc. They typically specialize in a particular practice area such as M & M&A, leveraged finance, or global capital markets.
2) Private Equity Analyst / Associate:
If you are interested in the private equity field and want to get an MBA so that you can pursue a career with a PE firm or other strategic investor, this is one of the best ways to land a job. A great number of top business schools have strong relationships with leading PE firms and incubators like Flatiron Health and RockHealth in Silicon Valley, where it is much easier for students to transition into these jobs if they start working in them while getting their MBA degrees. This route typically requires more networking than investment banking does, but it will certainly pay off; according to eFinancialCareers, banks are becoming less of a traditional gatekeeper for private equity jobs.
3) Post-MBA Financial Services:
One way to enhance your job prospects in finance is to pursue positions in the financial services industry post-MBA—especially if you can do so while working closely with your school’s alumni network. According to eFinancialCareers, top MBA grads who want to work in investment management or hedge funds have an easier time landing these highly sought after positions if they first spend some time obtaining their CFA designations, making connections during internships, and/or working as analysts for big banks like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, etc., before transitioning into these types of private sector roles.
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4) Venture Capital Analyst / Associate:
Venture capital is another top MBA career path, and it generally requires a very strong technical background to get these types of jobs. Therefore, if you want to work in venture capital, you will likely have an even easier time getting a job with a VC firm if you have a CFA designation or relevant finance experience from working at a major accounting firm, investment bank, etc., on Wall Street or in the City (London).
5) Hedge Fund Analyst / Associate:
Another way to break into the hedge fund industry—especially if you are more interested in front office roles—is by applying for analyst positions at MBB firms like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, etc., who typically hire many recent college graduates and young MBAs into their investment banking divisions each year. During these analyst programs, it is much easier for students to transition into front office roles at hedge funds, PE firms, etc. They can potentially be making more money before the two-year program is even over. This route not only gives you extra experience related to finance but also allows you to make connections with individuals who will be able to help you land a job after your MBA graduate school career is complete.
6) Management Consulting Analyst / Associate:
There are many different types of consulting jobs available—whether strategy, operations, technology, or other disciplines—and an MBA degree can open up opportunities at McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Bain & Company, and similar top consulting firms. Business school grads can stand out by interning during the summer at one of these companies and securing a full-time job offer post-MBA.
7) Entrepreneur:
One way to differentiate yourself if you are interested in pursuing work as an entrepreneur after your MBA is to take some time off before applying for business school. This gives you an opportunity to try being on your own, gain real-world experience working with/for companies, etc., develop/teach yourself how to code, build a tech startup over the course of several years, etc., so that you have something compelling to contribute when it comes time for interviews. If you can demonstrate real passion—even if it’s just via a personal blog or portfolio of projects/apps on Github–you will be able to stand out in the MBA application process.
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8) Private Equity Analyst / Associate:
It is becoming easier for top college graduates and MBA grads to land private equity analyst positions each year, especially if you are interested in working for a VC firm like Bain Capital Ventures, General Catalyst, etc., or at firms like Apollo Global Management (A&E), Blackstone Group (BX), etc., where significant funds require multiple finance professionals per deal. One of the best ways to separate yourself from other job applicants is by focusing on obtaining your CFA designation; many PE firms also offer tuition reimbursement opportunities, so it’s even more beneficial to pursue these certifications while still an undergraduate.
9) Entrepreneur or Financial Services Professional:
Some students are interested in working for themselves, whether it is by launching a startup or pursuing other entrepreneurial ventures. Others are more interested in potentially working at banks like JPMorgan Chase (JPM), Citigroup (C) and Morgan Stanley (MS), etc., before transitioning into the private sector after several years. Each path has its benefits, pros/cons, etc.; however, one certain thing is the best way to get hired by these types of financial institutions is via strong networking within your school’s alumni base. One tip I always give my clients who are trying to break into finance upon graduation from business school is to start doing informational interviews with alums while in college because this builds up your contact list and gives you a chance to understand the hiring process better.
10) Hedge Fund Analyst / Associate:
Forbes published an excellent article last year that provided advice for college grads and recent MBA grads who are interested in pursuing finance roles at hedge funds, noting how “hedge fund analysts who have been recruited from top business schools do not come cheap.” Those with strong quantitative backgrounds–such as those with an engineering degree–have a distinct advantage over those who studied liberal arts or other non-math-related majors. I also recommend getting your CFA designation if you plan on going into this type of role after graduation. It can provide additional credibility when interviewing for jobs within this industry.
Conclusion:
The job market for MBAs is strong and getting stronger. With the right skills and a great career plan, you can find a job that fits your needs and goals. Have you decided on your MBA career path? If not, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Check out our top ten picks for MBAs’ best jobs, and start planning your future today.
Author Bio:
Anji Velagana loves pursuing excellence through writing. He currently writes for Gologica.com, a global leader in providing the best online training to individuals who wish to take training on different abilities. He has experience of 5 years in the field of content writing. Contact him via LinkedIn.
