When contemplating life after an MBA, what’s next to study might be on your radar, whereas other graduates may be thinking about securing a promotion or changing industries entirely. The doors that an MBA will open can lead to a wealth of opportunities, so it’s a move that deserves considered thought.
We explore some possibilities available for MBA graduates, including further study and unexpected career changes. So if you’re ready, let’s take a look at where this versatile degree can take you.
With benefits including a higher salary, a growing professional network and a future proofed career, MBAs introduce you to a world of possibilities. As the quintessential business degree, the skills an MBA gives you can allow you to work across a wide range of industries and professions.
According to a survey by Business Because, companies including Microsoft, Accenture and Deloitte are among those who hire the most MBA graduates. But it’s not just the big names that understand the value of an experienced professional with this prominent degree.
Graduates can also explore career opportunities in Australia’s high-demand industries and professions. These include forensic accounting, not-for-profit management, construction project management and health and welfare services.
A 2021 survey by the US Graduate Management Council found that 87 per cent of MBA graduates reported better employability after earning their degree. So, whatever your career goals, an MBA can help you achieve them.
With greater employability and an adaptable skill set, MBA holders are given many more opportunities to seize. These are some of the most common careers that graduates pursue after completing the degree:
Contemplating what to do after an MBA can sometimes be restricted by narrow thinking. Remember, staying in the same profession or industry no longer becomes necessary once you have your MBA.
The elusive ‘triple jump’ of changing industries, professions and companies is one of the significant benefits afforded by this degree. The skill set earned with an MBA is versatile enough to facilitate a change in all three areas so that you can adjust your career path entirely.
Others find that their thirst for knowledge is still there after graduation. In these situations, considering further studies can be an attractive next option.
Judith Yang is the CFO of UNSW Global and has three postgraduate degrees, including an MBA that she recently completed as an online student. As a champion for lifelong learning, Judith believes we should always be scaling up.
“I never stopped studying, because I want to be prepared. I was ambitious before becoming a CFO and will continue to be, so I want to be ready for the next opportunity.”
After graduation, many find that there’s still more they want to absorb, and it’s a lot easier with the flexibility of online study. These are some of the potential study paths you can take post-MBA.
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and a PhD (Business) are popular qualifications for those wanting to pursue further business studies. The DBA focuses on building critical thinking skills and allows graduates to create and implement research initiatives in business. The PhD develops advanced research skills with specialisations available in business ethics, strategy and leadership, corporate governance and more.
An MBA specialisation lets students tailor their learning towards a specific interest. The degree features themed units that tie in with business but approaches them from a unique perspective. The MBA specialisations include Health Services Management, Accounting, and Information and Knowledge Management, among others.
After completing an MBA, you could explore another qualification outside of business. Many tertiary qualifications and postgraduate study options are flexible enough to pursue as you continue working.
MBA Discovery supports your learning journey and the career path you want to take. Whether it’s an MBA that allows you to start a successful small business or a specialised degree to narrow your concentration to an area of interest, we can help.
After an MBA, what next to study, where to take your career and what goals you have for the future are just a few of the questions you’ll have to contemplate. What is certain, though, is that you’ll have a versatile degree that opens the door to new professional opportunities.
At MBA Discovery, our Student Enrolment Advisors can help you find the study path that aligns with your professional goals. Whether you want to upskill, futureproof your career or try something new altogether, an MBA is the means by which you can get there.
Whether you’re ready to enrol, or just have a quick question, simply fill out the enquiry form below to speak directly to the university’s enrolment team. They will be able to guide you through: