9 Nontraditional Jobs for MBA Graduates

Published on: September 20, 2023

When you think of a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, the career paths that likely come to mind involve management, finance, analytics and consulting. And while those are all viable trajectories for MBA graduates, the reality is that those who have gone to business school are not limited to these roles.  

In fact, there are numerous less conventional — yet extremely rewarding — jobs you can get with an MBA. If you've been thinking about pursuing an MBA but aren't sure whether a "conventional" business career is right for you, it's time to explore other opportunities that are available to MBA graduates.  

Traditional Careers for MBA Graduates 

So, you may have a career path in mind for when you get your MBA but let’s explore what the industry as well as academia determines as a traditional path. Before getting into the careers themselves, it should be made clear that these “traditional” career paths are only labeled as such due to their commonality among graduates. There are options outside of them as well as variations in roles, but these careers are what many people graduating with an MBA strive to do for a living.  

Many people who achieve their MBA right after getting their bachelor’s degree will go on to work in industries like consulting and finance. Others who have already been working in the corporate world may earn their MBA to help them climb the corporate ladder or attain a manager position that they have been after. Another benefit of the MBA in the traditional career path is that it can lead to working in leadership positions or (in some cases) executive and C-suite positions. 

Why MBA Grads Should Explore Nontraditional Careers  

For some, conventional careers are just not in the picture. There are a variety of reasons why someone wants to explore outside of what is considered the norm; however, many times these people are industry innovators. MBA degrees have an established traditional career path but that does not mean that those are the only careers graduates can be successful with, there are many less explored options where MBA degree holders can experience success and fulfillment. 

Those who do not want a traditional career path usually find boardrooms, offices, and cubicles as an unsatisfactory setting for a career. The upside to this line of thought is that due to an ever-evolving remote and digital workspace, there are new opportunities nearly every day. MBA holders truly have the entire world of business and finance that they can explore for a fulfilling career.   

Whether you are one of the MBA graduates who has already determined an path for a career, or you want something outside the norm, let’s explore some unique career ideas that may be just right for you!  

Nontraditional Jobs for MBA Grads 

So, what are some of the best nontraditional jobs to explore with an MBA degree? This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it can provide a better idea of the wide scope of opportunities available to those who have completed business school.  

Startup Companies 

Having an MBA doesn't mean you have to work for a large established corporation or organization. In fact, many MBA graduates become employed with startup companies that have just recently launched. They can work in any capacity or position, ranging from accounting and finance to management and executive roles. If you're looking for a leadership role that will allow a little more flexibility and freedom as an MBA grad, then applying at a startup may be a suitable career path for you.  

Nonprofit and Social Impact Management 

An MBA degree can also qualify you for a variety of roles in nonprofit and social impact management. Nonprofits are often seeking strategic planners, resource allocation specialists, financial managers and other experienced professionals to assist in optimizing their resources and boosting their success. If you're interested in an MBA job that's more rewarding and fulfilling than "traditional" work, this is an opportunity worth exploring.  

Data Analytics and Business Intelligence 

These days, businesses have access to more data than ever before. However, making sense of it all is easier said than done. This is why many businesses are now hiring data analytics and business intelligence specialists to help them collect, organize and interpret large sets of data. From there, these insights can be used to help businesses make the right strategic decisions for ongoing growth and success.  

Healthcare Management 

You might not think of healthcare as a logical career transition for an MBA graduate, but you'd be surprised how many people with MBAs go on to work in this field. This is especially common for those who already have some background or experience in healthcare as coding/billing specialists, receptionists and even nurses. Those with MBAs and backgrounds in healthcare may go on to open their own practices or work in management positions at hospitals, physicians' offices and more. 

Environmental Management 

Climate change and other environmental problems are at the forefront of our everyday lives. More businesses than ever are looking for experts to help them run their sustainability and environmental efforts. Oftentimes, those with a business background or MBA degree have the knowledge and practical skills needed to carry out precisely this kind of work. 

Government and Public Policy 

In addition, an MBA degree can open the doors of opportunity to run for a government role, become a political consultant or work as a public policy analyst. The critical thinking and analytical skills acquired in an MBA program can really come into play and make you a qualified candidate for these types of roles. 

Sports Management 

Have an interest in or prior background in sports? An MBA can qualify you for various exciting, fulfilling sports management roles. Whether working as a team or sports marketing manager or in sports analytics, the possibilities are endless.  

Forensic Accounting 

If you have an eye on the accounting side of business but are looking for a role that's less conventional, then a job in forensic accounting might be a good fit. With this type of work, you'll analyze financial statements to look for signs of fraud, embezzlement or other criminal activity. 

Entertainment Management 

A career in entertainment or media management may also be suitable for an MBA grad, allowing you to employ your communication, analysis and negotiation skills.  

How to Transition Into a Nontraditional MBA Career  

If you're interested in a less conventional MBA career path, you may be wondering what additional steps (if any) you may need to take after completing your degree to transition into one of these exciting careers. The specific steps depend on the exact position in which you're interested along with other factors. However, there are some general tips to keep in mind as you make the transition to a less conventional MBA career.  

Network and Build Industry-Specific Connections 

In the business world, it's all about who you know. The same applies to many of the less traditional jobs available to MBA graduates. If there's a particular position or industry in which you see yourself, strive to develop some professional connections in that field. You can do this by attending industry events (such as trade shows and conferences) and even establishing a strong LinkedIn profile.  

The more you network and connect with others in your field of interest, the more likely a relevant work opportunity may come your way. 

Gain Relevant Experience and Certifications 

Even if you already completed a rigorous MBA program, a little extra education and training won't hurt when it comes to landing a less conventional MBA job. Explore some relevant certifications that may help you hone a certain area and set yourself apart from other job applicants. A little experience in your field can also go a long way, so don't shy away from internships or similar opportunities when they arise.  

Tailor Your Resume 

No matter what job you're applying for, your resume should always be custom-tailored to that specific position. Though there's nothing wrong with having a "generic" resume as a starting template, you should always customize your resume and its individual sections (including work/education experience, skills and objective statement) to suit the exact job for which you apply. 

Leverage MBA/Alumni Network 

If you've already completed your MBA degree, check to see if your school offers access to an alumni network. This can be an excellent way to learn about career opportunities while leveraging connections with previous graduates, faculty and the like.  

Take the Next Step With Husson's MBA Program  

Despite the dedication and hard work it requires, an MBA and its benefits for graduates are truly limitless. Numerous applicable skills are derived from an MBA program beyond the world of business and finance — so you can really focus on the career path that's right for you.  

Still looking for a great MBA program? Husson University is thrilled to offer an online Master of Business Administration that can be completed in as little as 24 months. Enrollment in this program includes experiential and immersive online courses, free 24/7 tutoring, unique networking opportunities and more. 

Request more information to explore Husson University's online MBA program further — or get started with your online application today! 

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