An MBA or Master of Business Administration is the most commonly pursued PG programme. This two-year duration programme opens a broad range of career opportunities. After earning an MBA, many individuals seek the most common career options. But what if it is not meant for you? What if pursuing an MBA was never your destination but a way to start your journey?

If you have completed your MBA degree, you are now required to follow the same path as everyone else. But, you know you want to pursue something more than just the regular postgraduate. From fashion management to PhD, there are many such paths that you can enter. In this blog, we cover six unique career paths after MBA. The blog takes you beyond the traditional career paths and into the unknown. Get a deeper look into the newer possibilities and salaries that you can expect in the Indian job market. 

Unique Career Paths After an MBA

Choosing a career after an MBA that fits the bill can be overwhelming. It can be due to limited knowledge and varied options. You must have heard about these common career paths: management consulting, finance management, and product management. But did you know that there exists a unique set of career opportunities which no one would tell you about? Here is a list of 6 unique career paths after an MBA:

1. Fashion Management

The fashion industry looks for students with an eye for style and the capability to strategically plan a business. An MBA can be your gateway into the corporate side of the fashion industry. Your master’s degree and analytical skills after an MBA would give you an edge over others in the job market. Moreover, an MBA provides you with a global perspective, helping you unlock your full potential.

There is a broad range of career opportunities that you can pursue in the field. From becoming a brand manager to starting your apparel brand, an MBA helps you adapt to the ever-evolving industry. Let’s take a look at the job roles you can explore after your MBA:

✅ Career Scope:

2. Political Consulting

Do you want to make an impact on people through your work? A political consulting role allows you to create and implement policies that affect the people of the nation at large. As a political consultant, you work as an external campaign manager for political parties. The job role includes media advertising, campaign management, PR, events, and numerous other activities. There has been a surge in the demand for political consultants in the last 15-20 years. Moreover, in recent years, hiring a consultant has become a trend. Let’s take a look at the job roles you can explore after your MBA:

✅ Career Scope:

3. Chartered Accountancy (CA)

Chartered Accountancy is one of the strongest credentials available today. Build a niche in the finance and accounting industry with advanced skills and knowledge. As a qualified Chartered Accountant, you can perform services such as financial reporting, tax planning, strategy building, etc. The combination of advanced managerial and financial skills offers ample career opportunities in the corporate ecosystem.

However, this path requires you to clear three levels of exams: foundation, intermediate, and final. There are two ways to pursue this career path: either you start your CA journey with the MBA or after completing your degree. Both these routes would not be easy, but there is nothing that you cannot achieve with hard work and determination. Let’s take a look at the job roles you can explore after your MBA:

✅ Career Scope:

4. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

A Certified Management Accountant is a professional certification with a focus on management accounting and other financial management fields. The Institute of Cost Accountants of India conducts the CMA exams. CMA offers a combination of business management, strategic leadership, and accounting expertise. As a CMA, you are responsible for making effective business decisions and applying best practices across departments. Here is the list of prospective job roles that you can explore after completing your MBA degree.

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5. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

UPSC is one of the toughest competitive exams to clear, with only a 0.2% passing rate. Typically, around 1 million students attempt the exam each year, yet many dream of following this path. These exams provide a chance for the candidates to serve the country from ground zero. There are three stages for clearing UPSC: preliminary, mains, and interview. Depending on the rank, you can have different job roles in the commission. Let’s take a look at the job roles you can explore after your MBA:

✅ Career Scope:

6. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Pursuing a PhD after an MBA is an excellent choice. It allows you to continue your research in the area of your specialisation or any other specialisation. Moreover, you get to explore concepts and develop studies that have yet to be researched. Some of the top specialisations you can pursue a PhD in are business economics, accounting, finance, and organisational behaviour. 

While an MBA in itself opens up a broad range of career options, a PhD would enhance your resume. With advanced knowledge and skills, you can easily navigate the complex issues of a corporate ecosystem. Additionally, it would open the door for further research and academia as a profession. Here are the top career options that would open up for you after a PhD:

✅ Career Scope:

The Final Chapter

Your journey after the MBA can be anything you desire. An MBA opens a new chapter in life, giving you the chance to write it however you want. To make an informed decision, you must be aware of all the options available to you. This is why we have created a list of unique career paths after an MBA that you can explore. The options include political consulting, CA, CMA, PhD, UPSC, and fashion management. Find the one that suits your aspirations and interests. Remember, an MBA degree is not your final destination, but a toolbox for flourishing in any industry and any role of your choice. Just like the famous SRK dialogue, ‘thoda sabra kro, picture abhi baki hai mere dost.’ So, before you plan to dive straight into conventional career paths, sit back and think.

FAQs

1. What is the best career option after an MBA?
Finding the best career option depends on your interests, skills, specialisations, qualifications, and aspirations. However, here are the most desired career paths after an MBA:

• Management Consulting
• Investment Banking
• HR Management
• Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
• Marketing Management

2. Is it difficult to find a job after an MBA?
No, an MBA increases your credibility and employability in the job market. But considering the change in hiring trends, having an MBA degree is not enough. You must have the relevant skills and knowledge to help a company meet its goal.

3. Can I get a 1 lakh salary after an MBA?
Yes, you can get a 1 lakh salary after an MBA. This is common for MBA graduates from top B-schools. However, you must also integrate habits, tools, and techniques that would give you an edge over others in the job market.

4. Who earns more, a CA or an MBA?
The earning capacity is dependent on the experience, skills, organisation, and more. If you look at the general picture, then an MBA graduate would earn more than a CA graduate. But it can vary quickly because there are limited CAs in the country, while we can’t say the same for MBA graduates.

5. Can I become a CEO after an MBA?
To become a CEO, there is no set guidebook. An MBA is not a mandatory qualification. However, it provides you with the ability to understand and carry forward a business as a capable leader.