As you think about applying for MBA programs, you probably get excited about learning more about your field of study and how it will help your career.
If you work in management, for example, and you want to enroll in an MBA program that has an emphasis in your field, then you know that the skills and financial principles you’ll learn will be invaluable as you grow in your career.
However, MBA programs will also teach you more universal skills that will become integral to who you are as a business leader. These soft skills apply to all fields of business and can help you in many real-world business situations. Whichever path you take, these skills are universally valuable (and highly sought-after by employers!)
With an MBA to your name, you’ll likely be expected to manage others and inspire them to achieve great things. Even if you already have leadership experience and natural ability, within an MBA curriculum you’ll learn how to become the best leader you can be.
Communication is such an underrated skill in the business world that it can be taken for granted. Being able to communicate effectively, from creating compelling presentations to making a case in the conference room, will create unity within your team and help position you as a thought leader.
Whether you’re cleaning up your inbox or streamlining your team’s operational efficiency, organizational skills will play a critical role in both your success and the success of your team.
The key to being a strong business leader is not to avoid confrontation, but to navigate complex situations with purpose, grace, and understanding. Most MBA programs offer courses on conflict resolution, which are often a popular favorite among students.
One of the most appealing aspects of earning an MBA is that you’ll enjoy a wide range of paths you can take. Where you work, what you do, and how much you make will depend almost entirely on you and your career goals.
So, what are you most passionate about?
Whatever the answer is, you can probably assume that earning an MBA will help you turn that passion into a successful career, all while enjoying higher earning potential.
Here are some common careers that people with MBAs pursue and their earning potential with each.
| Job Title | Average MBA Salary |
| Financial Advisor | $90,000 |
| Marketing Director | $142,000 |
| Data Analyst | $80,000 |
| Business Operations Manager | $100,000 |
| Accountant | $94,000 |
| Management Consultant | $101,000 |
Earning an MBA will also strengthen business leadership skills that translate outside traditional careers in business. Because the world of business is so dynamic, new types of jobs are being created every day that meet the evolving demands of the marketplace.
Here are a few popular career paths you could explore with an MBA that are less traditional but every bit as exciting
As organizations strive to be more environmentally conscious, many companies are hiring full-time sustainability managers. This role is primarily responsible for ensuring that organizations set and meet environmental goals. This may involve developing green policies and initiatives, with a focus on sustaining these resources for future generations.
When you think about the term “business,” working at a nonprofit organization might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, MBA graduates have done incredible things in the nonprofit sector by bringing their organizational skills, business acumen, and leadership abilities to the table.
Teaching with an MBA? While this is certainly not the typical path, earning an MBA is becoming an increasingly common career option, especially for teachers who want to take on administrative roles such as principal or superintendent. You may be able to teach in some college settings. Or, you could earn a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT).
Now that we’ve talked a little more about what you can do with an MBA, there’s another question you should be asking yourself: is an MBA worth it?
The answer to this question is very subjective and depends on your goals and experience. It’s hard to put a value on personal accomplishments and pursue a career that brings you great joy.
That said, we do know that on average, professionals with a master’s degree earn $12,000 per year more than those with a bachelor’s degree. Over the course of your career, that increased income is quite substantial. MBA earners also typically see more career advancement, including opportunities for upper management and leadership positions.
To understand the return on investment (ROI) of an MBA, you first need to know how much the degree will cost. Here at Southern, our mission-minded MBA program is flexible, affordable, and has strong job placement rates.
Visit our page to learn more about the program or schedule an appointment to talk about what you can do with an MBA!