What to Do After an MBA Course: Next Steps for Career Success

Are you an MBA graduate? You are looking for the best course after your MBA to enhance your skills and wondering what to do after an MBA? 

You have various educational options to support your professional development after completing an MBA course and the job sector you are interested in.

Advanced degree courses

Executive MBA program:

1. It is a postgraduate management program designed for managerial or executive-level professionals with at least two to five years of full-time work experience.
2. The course is for 15 to 18 months duration and is part-time.
3. The eligibility requirement is a bachelor's degree with at least 50% aggregate marks from a recognized university. It is also necessary to have a passing score in entrance exams like the GMAT, EMAT, CMAT, NMIMS IMAT by GMAC, CAT by GMAC, XAT
4. The syllabus for the Executive MBA covers the following topics: Financial reporting and analysis, Entrepreneurial management, marketing management, operations management, Macroeconomics, Corporate governance & ethics, competition and strategy, organizational behaviour and human resources management, Decision sciences, and information systems

Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management:

1. The program is one to three years in duration. It is open to graduates in any discipline from a recognized university and with at least 50% aggregate marks.
2. The course can acquaint you with key marketing concepts, marketing functions, sales management, organizational behaviour, and consumer behaviour.
3. The program covers the following subjects: Marketing for managers, consumer behaviour, Sales Management, International Marketing, Marketing research, marketing of services, marketing communication and advertising, rural marketing, Retail management

Post-Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications:

1. You can do this one-year, part-time, or full-time course in computer applications after the MBA course or after graduating in any discipline from a recognized university.
2. There is no requirement to clear a competitive entrance exam for this course, but some colleges may conduct their entrance exams.
3. The coursework covers Java, C, C++, and Oracle and enables students to become proficient in software development and computer applications.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in management:

1. The highest degree in the management field, a Ph.D. enables professionals to conduct specialized research in various management areas. These can include marketing, finance, economics, human resources, information technology, and operations
2. The doctorate program duration can range from three years to six years.
3. To be eligible, you need a master's degree or an M.Phil. Degree in a relevant discipline with at least 55% marks. Some colleges may require you to have a few years of work or teaching experience.

Doctor of Business Administration:

1. The three-year Doctor of Business Administration program enables advanced research in business administration and equips you to become a researcher or teacher.
2.  It is open to experienced management professionals with a master's degree in any discipline and at least 55% marks from a recognized university.
3. You also require a minimum of five years of full-time professional or teaching experience.
4. Additionally, some colleges may require applicants to pass a written aptitude test and a personal interview.
5. The program covers topics such as Quantitative methods, Computer applications, Economic and social environment, Accounting & finance for managers, Options, futures, and other derivatives, Analysis and portfolio management, Technology management, Human resource management, Customer relationship management, research methodology

Job Profile	Average Salary (in INR)
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)	30 LPA
Chief Operating Officer (COO)	30 LPA
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)	35 LPA
Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)	13 LPA
Consultant	12 LPA
Entrepreneur	6.5 LPA
Strategic Consultant	13 LPA
International Business Manager	97 LPA
Program Manager	22 LPA
Director of Business Intelligence	33 LPA
Director of Research and Development	20 LPA
Research Scientist	6.8 LPA
Policy Analyst	7 LPA
HR Strategist	8.2 LPA
Portfolio Manager	12 LPA
Global Strategy Director	51 LPA

Certification courses:

Here are some certification courses you may consider:

1. ISB certificate program in business analytics

Job Profile	Average Salary (in INR)
Data Analyst	4.96 LPA
Business Analyst	6.53 LPA
Marketing Analyst	5.09 LPA
Financial Analyst	4.81 LPA
Operations Analyst	4.35 LPA
Supply Chain Analyst	5.31 LPA
Market Research Analyst	3.95 LPA
Risk Analyst	5.68 LPA
Healthcare Analyst	3.93 LPA
Consultant	9.9 LPA

1. Chartered financial analyst certificate program

Job Profiles	Average Salary (in INR)
Portfolio Manager	10 LPA
Associate in Investment Banking	10 LPA
Equity Research Associate	7.42 LPA
Financial Analyst	6.42 LPA
Credit Analyst	6.7 LPA
Research Analyst	5.15 LPA
Equity Analyst	5 LPA

1. Financial risk management certificate program

Job Profile	Average Salary (in INR)
Risk Analyst	5.6 LPA
Credit Analyst	6.7 LPA
Risk Manager	10.4 LPA
Financial Consultant	7.12 LPA
Regulatory Compliance Officer	5.2 LPA

1.  Certified Information System Auditor Program

Job Profile	Average Salary (in INR)
IT Auditor	9.1 LPA
IT Security Analyst	5.9 LPA
Compliance Officer	5.2 LPA
Internal Auditor	6.1 LPA
IT Governance Specialist	12.9 LPA
Business Continuity Manager	14.4 LPA
Cyber Security Consultant	9.5 LPA

1. Certification in Risk Management Assurance programme
2. Certified in production and inventory management program
3. Project management professional certification

Fellow Programme in Management from IIMs

Job Profile	Average Salary (in INR)
Research Scholar	4 LPA
Professor	11 LPA
Research Scientist	6.8 LPA
Data Scientist	9.2 LPA
CSO	13 LPA
Business Writer	7.8 LPA

Here is a list of the top-paying specializations of MBA in India:

Job Specializations	Average Salary
MBA Finance	INR 7.2 LPA
MBA Business Analytics	INR 5.5 LPA
MBA Marketing	INR 7.7 LPA
MBA Operations Management	INR 8.7 LPA
MBA Management Consultant	INR 11.6 LPA
MBA International Business	INR 8.2 LPA
MBA Human Resources Management	INR 6.3 LPA
MBA Information Technology	INR 12 LPA
MBA Entrepreneurship	INR 5 LPA
MBA Data Analytics	INR 4.3 LPA

Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQs)

Ques. I just graduated with my MBA. What are my career options?

Ans. An MBA opens doors to a wide range of careers in business. Popular options include management positions in finance, marketing, human resources, operations, and consulting. The specific roles will depend on your area of specialization in your MBA program and your prior experience.

Ques. Should I consider further education after my MBA?

Ans. While an MBA is a terminal degree for many professionals, some may pursue further education. A PhD in Business Administration or a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) can deepen your knowledge and prepare you for research or academic roles.

Ques. How can I get my dream job after my MBA?

Ans. You can get your dream job after an MBA course:

1. Leverage your career centre: Your university's career centre can offer guidance on resume writing, interview prep, and job search strategies.
2. Network actively: Attend industry events, connect with alumni from your program, and build relationships with professionals in your desired field.
3. Target your job search: Tailor your resume and cover letter to each specific position you apply for, highlighting the relevant skills and experiences gained during your MBA.
4. Practice your interviewing skills: Prepare for common MBA interview questions and conduct mock interviews to hone your communication and presentation skills.