What Can I Do With an MBA?

Common jobs for people with an MBA include director, CEO, finance manager, strategic advisor, consultant and business analyst. An MBA also equips graduates with the skills to run their own successful business. MBA graduates earn a median annual salary of £74,800 five years after finishing their degree.

Unlike most other taught Masters degrees, a Masters in Business Administration is typically designed for people with work experience who want to build on their business and management skills. This means MBA graduates often already have an advantage in both job position and salary. And, the data backs it up!

The crown jewel of business and management degrees, an MBA can unlock doors to high-paying senior positions. We’re no longer going after low-hanging fruit! In this guide. I’ll walk you through some of the career paths open to MBA graduates and the salaries you can expect. I’ll also highlight the skills you’ll gain from an MBA which will, hopefully, help you put your degree to the best possible use!

What jobs can I do with an MBA?

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Average salary: £120,000 per year

Responsibilities: Set company’s financial strategy, budget and forecast, manage cash flow and identify and manage risks.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Average salary: £85,000 per year

Responsibilities: Set company’s overall vision and strategy, lead the executive team, allocate resources, build company culture and oversee company performance.

Strategic advisor/consultant

Average salary: £60,000 per year

Responsibilities: Provide expert guidance, identify growth opportunities, analyse market trends, evaluate risks and help in decision making

Finance manager

Average salary: £53,000 per year

Responsibilities: Produce financial reports, collaborate with other finance employees, analyse and provide business forecasts.

Project manager

Average salary: £46,000 per year

Responsibilities: Plan and organise one or multiple projects, manage budgets for the project(s), maintain schedules and communicate with stakeholders.

Business analyst

Average salary: £42,000 per year

Responsibilities: Identify business requirements, analyse data, design solutions and communicate with stakeholders.

Business owner

Average salary: N/A

Responsibilities: Plan strategies, secure funding, budget and manage accounts and oversee day-to-day operations.

What skills can I get from an MBA?

MBA courses are generally designed for professionals with at least five years’ business experience. Therefore, they tend to have a focus on strategy and leadership skills.

Specialisation-specific skills

You’ll typically take a combination of core and elective modules during an MBA, giving you the option to specialise in particular areas of business and management. You might be aiming to gain more expertise in your current role or pivot to a new career. Some specialisations you can choose from include:

• Accounting
• Managerial finance
• Systems and operations management
• Data analytics
• Microeconomics and macroeconomics
• Value chain management
• Financial reporting and analysis

Transferrable skills

An MBA programme doesn't just teach business; it also builds the vital soft skills that employers are looking for, such as leadership, strategic thinking, effective communication and complex problem-solving. These are the interpersonal and critical thinking abilities that truly set graduates apart in the professional world.

Tips from the author

#1 It IS an expensive degree, after all

An MBA is one of the most expensive degrees, and while the potential return on investment is high, it’s a decision that requires careful consideration. Funding is available through scholarships, grants, bursaries and loans (UK students only). However, it is likely that you’ll need to cover a portion of the costs yourself. You may also consider working while studying. but it’s important to balance this carefully to avoid burnout.

#2 Salary matters, but so does everything else

That six-figure offer is tempting, but factor in your wellbeing. Some high-paying roles come with 80-hour weeks, constant travel and soul erosion. Be honest about what kind of life you want, not just what salary sounds impressive.

Frequently Asked Questions

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