EKU Online > Online Business Degrees & Certificates > Business Career Opportunities – MBA

Prepare for a Challenging and Financially Rewarding Business Career

From major corporations to independent businesses, an advanced degree in business administration can open the door to promotions, salary increases and supervisory opportunities.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment of business and financial operations occupations is projected to grow 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations.

This versatile degree builds critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills, and prepares students for key positions in a number of areas.

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Next Steps for Your Future

Whether or not you choose to earn a master’s degree after earning your bachelor’s is highly dependent on your field and career goals. In many fields a master’s degree can increase promotion potential or boost earning power. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median weekly earnings of someone holding a master’s degree in 2021 was $1,574, compared to the average median weekly salary of $1,334 earned by those with a bachelor’s degree. That’s a pay difference of more than 16%.

It’s important to understand that educational requirements and preferences will vary greatly by field and even by organization. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these requirements and preferences to help you stand out from the competition.

Note: Data is based on Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections: Earnings and unemployment rates by educational attainment, 2021

People with a master’s degree

+0%
more on average than those with only a bachelor's

Popular Business Careers

Financial Manager

National Median Annual Salary
$131,710year
17% growth increase thru 2031
Local Estimated Base Salary
$91,306/year
Updated May 2023
Organizations for Financial Managers in Kentucky:
VMware
$158,083
Nestle USA
$150,429
Ford Motor Company
$150,071

Bachelor’s required for positions, MBA is often preferred

Human Resource Manager

National Median Annual Salary
$126,230/year
7% growth increase thru 2031
Local Estimated Base Salary
$87,523/year
Updated May 2023
Organizations for Human Resource Managers in Kentucky:
EY
$151,720
Deloitte
$131,478
3M
$130,730

Bachelor’s required for positions, MBA is often preferred

Marketing Manager

National Median Annual Salary
$133,380/year
10% growth increase thru 2031
Local Estimated Base Salary
$81,517/year
Updated May 2023
Organizations for Marketing Managers in Kentucky:
3M
$149,372
Johnson & Johnson
$146,098
Intel Corporation
$138,380

Bachelor’s required for positions, MBA is often preferred

*National job opportunities data is based on national medians and figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational outlook handbook.
*Local job opportunities data are based on estimated base pay and figures from Indeed.com.

Other Business Career Opportunities

  • Medical & Health Services Manager
  • Database Administrator
  • Business Operations Manager
  • Management Analyst
  • Product Manager
  • Budget Analyst
  • Project Manager
  • Healthcare Administrator
  • Information Systems Manager
  • Operations Research Analyst

Business Management Careers

  • Business Analyst
  • Account Manager
  • Business Unit Manager
  • Store Manager
  • Sales Manager
  • Regional Sales Manager
  • Sales Executive
  • Financial Analyst
  • Operations Research Analyst
  • Marketing Manager

Marketing Careers

  • Digital Marketing Manager
  • Marketing Specialist
  • Social Media Coordinator
  • Advertising Copywriter
  • Art Director
  • Advertising Account Manager
  • Brand Manager
  • Business Unit Manager
  • VP Marketing, Buyer
  • Store Manager
  • Sales Trainee
  • Sales Representative
  • Key Account Representative
  • Sales Manager
  • Regional Sales Manager
  • Sales Executive

Public Accounting Careers

  • Accountant
  • Auditor
  • Financial Planner
  • Cost Estimator
  • CPA
  • Budget Analyst
  • Financial Analyst
  • Financial Examiner
  • Human Resource Specialist
  • Purchasing Manager
  • Buyer
  • Management Analyst
  • Data Research Analyst

Risk Management & Insurance Careers

  • Risk Manager
  • Risk Analyst
  • Accountant
  • Financial Planner
  • Underwriter
  • Claims Adjuster
  • Claims Specialist
  • Claims Representative
  • Insurance Agent
  • Insurance Broker
  • Business Management Analyst
  • Data Research Analyst

EKU MBA Program in the Workforce

Where Have EKU Business Graduates Worked?
  • Elite Dental Partners
  • Saver Group
  • Capital Insurance Group (CIG)
  • Hightower Advisors
Benefits of Earning an MBA

A master of business administration (MBA) degree is a popular choice for individuals seeking to enhance their career prospects and acquire valuable skills and knowledge. Earning an MBA provides numerous benefits, including personal and professional growth, a wider career scope, and an increase in earning potential.

Professional growth
MBA programs offer an intensive curriculum that covers a wide range of business topics. These range from finance and accounting to marketing and operations management. Through coursework, case studies, and team projects, students develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills. They also gain valuable that prepares them for the challenges of managing a team in the future.

Wider career scope
Graduates of MBA programs are highly sought after by employers in various industries, including finance, consulting, healthcare, and technology. They can pursue careers as business analysts, project managers, marketing directors, and executive leaders, among other positions. The versatility of an MBA degree allows graduates to explore various career paths.

Increased earning potential
According to a recent survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), MBA graduates earn, on average, 77% more than those with only a bachelor’s degree. Moreover, the earning potential for MBA graduates continues to increase over time as they progress in their careers and assume more senior-level positions. Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today’s competitive business environment and take their careers to new heights.

EKU Online Career Services

Career planning is tough, but with EKU you don’t have to tackle the process alone.

The EKU Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all of your career and professional development needs. We offer a variety of services to current online EKU students and alumni to help you with your career development, decision-making and job search.

Services include:

  • Creating/Updating Your Resume and Cover Letter
  • Interviewing Tips and Coaching
  • Career Documents Review
  • Job Search
  • “I can confidently say that — as someone who doesn’t even live in the United States — EKU’s online program has been extremely accommodating and flexible. I can discuss advising appointments over email, and I can have my textbooks shipped to my address overseas.” – Sydney Garner Lewis
  • “After the birth of our first child, I knew I needed to go back and finish what I started,” said McKenzie. “I was happy that I could pick up where I left off at EKU even though I lived in a different state.” – EKU Online student and mom
  • “I chose EKU because I am a unique student with unique needs, and EKU provides an avenue for students like me to succeed.” – EKU Online Psychology student Jason Tate
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