An MBA can open doors to a wide scope of career opportunities in profit and not-for-profit organizations.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduates possess a knowledge base and capabilities that many people respect and employers find valuable. New graduates look for jobs in which to share their new knowledge, while those already in professional positions strive for new opportunities to maximize their talents and capabilities. The advent of global marketing and the digital age present even more career opportunities within existing companies, and those who exclusively conduct business online, for those who possess an MBA.
Brand and Product Management
MBAs on "the brand side," as it is referred to in advertising and marketing, develop strategies to turn yesterday's new products into tomorrow's household names. Several companies are well-known as consumer packaged-goods training grounds for careers in brand management such as Procter & Gamble, Clorox, General Mills and SC Johnson. Know that companies want results-driven performers, strategic thinkers, analytical capabilities, leadership and team players. Write your resume accordingly.
Advertising
MBAs play a vital role in helping agencies develop strategies to create television, print, and digital advertising. They supervise the launch of new products and execute plans to sustain, attack competitors or reposition older ones.
Some agencies call their advertising department "client services" while others call it "account management." Regardless of what it's called, you will likely assume a high-profile role and responsibilities as a stakeholder in the agency's growth, and become a member of the agency's "brain trust." You will be relied on for your thought leadership and direction. Recent B-school graduates often enter as Account Executives and proceed down a path to Account Supervisor, Account Director, and onward to earn additional stripes as a Vice President and Senior Vice President.
Sports Marketing
The last two decades have seen sports marketing grow into a major industry, with many MBAs contributing to its further growth. Sports television, player representation, and events sponsorship are potential career paths. Major corporations that invest money in basketball, football, baseball, soccer, NASCAR and Olympic games are prospects for resume submission. Make note of sponsors on televised sports events to contact about job opportunities. Demonstrate your concepts and capabilities to help them get the greatest return on their sports marketing investment by hiring you.
Non-Profit, Philanthropic, and Government Service
A growing number of MBAs are opting out of the corporate culture and setting their sights on opportunities to work where it's people versus things that matter most. These MBA-holders are pursuing "give back" and public service opportunities in the non-profit, government and philanthropic sectors which, according to Careers in Marketing, "accounts for over 20 percent of the economic activity in the United States." For example, at the end of the 2008 fiscal year the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation had assets over $29,000,000,000. The W.K. Kellogg Foundation launched a five-year, $75 million initiative in 2010 called "Healing America." What's more, in the non-profit sector there probably won't be a long waiting period to make direct contributions. They'll probably want you to start putting your MBA brainpower to work on day one.
Tags: career opportunities, develop strategies, Vice President