What Can You Do With an MBA Degree?

If you are considering pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, you might be wondering, what can you do with an MBA degree? Whether you aim to lead a business, specialize in a particular business function, or start your own company, having an MBA can open doors to diverse career opportunities.

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a prestigious graduate degree that equips professionals with critical business, leadership, and strategic management skills. An MBA is designed for anyone seeking to grow and advance in their field of business, and it covers essential areas such as finance, management, marketing, operations, and leadership. See “What is an MBA?”

I got a better job with a promotion and a pay raise. I’m using the information I learned every day. Reading 40 pages of an accounting textbook was equivalent to getting a root canal. But In my [MBA] master’s program, we had videos that showed and explained how the concepts and principles worked, and I could replay the parts I needed so I could learn at my own pace.

– Doug Keipper, Bellevue University MBA

Common Career Paths for MBA Degree Graduates

An MBA degree prepares graduates for a variety of mid- to advanced-level careers in business. Whether you have a passion for management, finance, marketing, or operations, an MBA equips you with the expertise to excel. Some common career paths for MBA graduates include:

• Accounting Manager: Oversee financial reporting and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Human Resources Manager: Manage talent acquisition, employee relations, and workforce development.
• Senior Accountant: Analyze financial data and guide business financial decisions.
• Marketing Specialist: Develop and execute marketing strategies to promote products and services.
• Director of Operations: Optimize business operations to improve efficiency and profitability.
• Client Service Manager: Ensure customer satisfaction and build strong client relationships.
• Business Analyst: Identify business needs and implement data-driven solutions.
• Financial Analyst: Assess financial risks and opportunities to guide investment decisions.

An MBA offers flexibility to explore many industries and leadership roles, so this list of skills is not exhaustive. In addition to core business courses, you can generally choose concentrations like Accounting, Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, Finance, HR Management, Marketing, Project Management, and more. You can tailor your degree to match your interests and career goals.

Discover careers that might best suit your personal goals by taking a career assessment through Bellevue University Career Services.

Industries That Value an MBA Degree

Many industries actively seek professionals with MBA credentials, recognizing their ability to drive strategic decision-making and business growth. Some of the top industries that value an MBA degree include:

• Finance and Banking: Investment firms, banks, and financial consulting companies seek MBA graduates for leadership roles.
• Healthcare: Hospitals and healthcare organizations require MBA-trained professionals to manage operations and strategy.
• Technology: Tech companies benefit from MBAs who can bridge business strategy with technical innovation.
• Manufacturing and Supply Chain: Companies need skilled professionals to manage logistics, operations, and production.
• Retail and Consumer Goods: Businesses rely on MBAs to lead product development, marketing, and brand strategy.
• Government and Nonprofit: Public sector and nonprofit organizations benefit from MBA graduates who can optimize resource management and policy implementation.
• Entrepreneurship: Many MBA graduates use their skills to launch and grow their own businesses.

Skills You’ll Develop in an MBA Degree Program

An MBA program is designed to equip students with essential business knowledge and leadership skills. The curriculum emphasizes:

• Strategic Decision-Making: Learn to analyze business challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Financial Acumen: Work with financial reports to assess company performance and identify growth opportunities.
• Marketing and Operations Expertise: Understand market trends and optimize operational efficiency.
• Leadership and Communication: Develop the ability to lead teams and effectively communicate business strategies.
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Learn to evaluate complex business problems and make data-driven decisions.

By honing these skills, MBA graduates are well-prepared to influence business outcomes and drive organizational success.

At Bellevue University, our MBA program teaches you how to build and manage resources in a responsible way. These resources include knowledge, equipment, people, and systems. You’ll learn how to use them to serve your customers, grow your business, and meet market needs. The program emphasizes responsible capitalism—helping you create value while also improving the wellbeing of your community, yourself, and your family.These skills are especially valuable today, as businesses and leaders are expected to drive results while also making a positive impact on society.

We integrate relevant career and academic skills throughout the curriculum so that students can be successful in launching and advancing their careers.

Rebecca Murdock, Ed.D., MBA – Dean, College of Business

Further Education or Certifications

Beyond an MBA degree, professionals may choose to enhance their expertise with additional certifications or education, depending on their career goals. (Specific industry-recognized examinations and prerequisites may apply.)

Some popular certifications include:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA): For professionals in accounting and finance.
• Project Management Professional (PMP): For those interested in project management roles.
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP): Ideal for careers in financial planning and counseling.
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM): Beneficial for those working in agile project management.
• Digital Marketing Certifications: Helpful for marketing professionals focusing on digital strategy.

Continuing education in the form of courses or certificates and professional development helps you as an MBA graduate stay competitive and adapt to evolving industry trends.

My time at Bellevue University was one of the most extraordinary periods of growth in my life. As a working adult student, my education had immediate applicability in my work. It also helped me to learn how to balance many concurrent commitments which has enabled me to continue to develop as a professional and a person while also doing the work that I love.

– Scott McCool, Bellevue University MSCIS, MBA

Discover Where an MBA Degree Can Take You

An MBA from Bellevue University goes beyond traditional business education. The program focuses on responsible capitalism, ensuring graduates understand how to build and manage capital responsibly while contributing to their communities. Whether choosing the traditional format with over 15 concentrations or the leadership-focused cohort format, students gain specialized knowledge tailored to their career aspirations.

Graduates emerge as skilled professionals ready to take on leadership roles in various business sectors. With expertise in business analysis, financial strategy, marketing, and operations, they are positioned to drive innovation and success in their chosen fields.

If you’re ready to elevate your career and expand your professional opportunities, pursuing an MBA degree could be the next step toward achieving your goals.

Related resources we think you’ll like.

What is an MBA?
Is an MBA Worth It? 3 Success Stories to Inspire
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s?
How to Get a Master’s Degree: Qualifications & Requirements