The majority of MBA candidates chase roles in consulting, finance, or tech – with good reason. Generally, top MBA programs have strong pipelines for these roles into companies like McKinsey, Goldman, and Google. Additionally, the pay is great, the roles are prestigious, and these careers provide great training and exit opportunities.

While there's nothing wrong with pursuing careers across consulting, finance, or tech, these options don't always capture the full spectrum of what's possible with an MBA. I often say that the MBA is one of the most versatile degrees out there because there are lots of things you can do with this skillset!

Let's talk about some of these other post-MBA paths, what they offer, and where to pursue them.

At many companies, human resources is perceived as a back office function. Some think of HR as simply recruiting and benefits admin. However, at the MBA level, HR professionals can play a different, more strategic role helping to attract, develop, and retain talent. In other words, they have a real role in driving outcomes for the business.

What makes the HR track different? At the MBA level, HR professionals build systems that run companies. For example, they create compensation plans, play a role in organizational design, and facilitate change management programs, among other things. Humans (employee salaries) can be the most expensive line item for many companies. As a result, HR executives get a seat at the leadership table, due to the impact of hiring and people decisions.

Check out these MBA programs with offerings in HR Management:

There are several options beyond this list, although most MBA programs don't offer dedicated HR specializations. Instead, HR-related coursework is usually available in the Organizational Behavior or Management tracks. Additionally, part-time and online MBA programs have added HR concentrations for working professionals who want to get ahead.

Example post-MBA roles include:

No matter the function or industry, sales is an essential skill in business. Sales is where soft skills meet hard results, and where strategy meets execution. Everyone needs to know how to sell. Unfortunately, most MBA programs don't have ANY required curricula in sales. As a result, few MBA candidates think about pursuing sales as a career after b-school.

What makes sales careers different? Sales isn't just about closing deals – though that's definitely part of it. At the MBA level, sales professionals can develop strategy, oversee account management, lead teams, and leverage their analytical skills to drive revenue. These roles combine relationship-building with data-driven decision-making. Also, the pay is usually solid, with base compensation and significant upside (bonuses) for top performers.

Check out these MBA programs that offer sales training:

Go beyond this list to learn about sales-specific coursework for entrepreneurs at programs like HBS (like B2B Sales and Distribution and Entrepreneurial Sales 101), Babson (like Selling and Sales Management), and more from my recent list.

Example post-MBA roles include:

Healthcare is a massive portion of the U.S. economy, it keeps growing, and the industry always needs business-minded leaders. Additionally, healthcare management jobs are forecasted to grow 29% by 2033, which is significantly faster than jobs in other fields.

What makes the healthcare industry different? It's a business and industry with built-in purpose. Healthcare professionals of all types are solving problems that directly affect people's lives. Also, healthcare management roles also combine the analytical tasks of optimizing profit margins, improving patient outcomes, and navigating complex regulations, among other activities.

Check out these MBA programs that specialize in healthcare:

Example post-MBA roles include:

Operations careers don't often have the same hype as consulting or banking roles. However, ops leaders are the ones who generally keep businesses on track and moving forward. As a result, demand in operations roles is usually steady across sectors.

What makes operations and supply chain roles different? Ops professionals are solving problems every day. For example, how do we get products to customers – faster? How do we reduce costs while delivering the same quality? How do we build supply chains that are resilient? MBAs bring strategic thinking to a historically tactical function.

Many MBA programs have offerings in operations, but check out some of these standout options:

Example post-MBA roles:

Real estate is a massive industry that most MBA candidates overlook. The industry is broad – across development, REITs, property management, PropTech, and more. Careers in real estate might combine finance, operations, and strategy in very interesting ways.

What makes the real estate industry different? Real estate touches everyone in some way. Careers in real estate manage tangible assets that can shape communities across residential, commercial, or mixed-use development. This actually affects how people live and work.

Check out these programs with offerings in real estate:

Example post-MBA roles:

Entertainment and media careers combine passion with business. Candidates who are interested in the business of content, brands, and storytelling can pursue roles across the major studios, streamers, sports franchises, music labels, and more. However, it's not enough to simply like sports or movies. Professionals need to be just as passionate about the underlying businesses.

What makes entertainment and media career paths different? These industries offer the unique opportunity to combine creativity and commerce. Additionally, the businesses are being transformed by technology and changing consumer habits, which demands creative and nimble thinking.

Check out these programs that specialize in media and entertainment careers:

Example post-MBA roles:

The role of sustainability in business is evolving. Some companies are committed to ESG initiatives, while others are pulling back. What we can't dispute is that climate change continues, regulations are tightening around the world, and investors care about long-term risk. These conditions create opportunities for MBAs who understand the business case and complexities of this space.

What makes sustainability and social impact careers different? These professionals are operating at the intersection of profit and purpose. Sustainability and social impact careers can take shape in many ways, through corporate sustainability, impact investing, or at social enterprises. These are real opportunities to tackle – and solve – environmental and / or social challenges.

Check out these MBA programs that focus on sustainability and social impact:

Example post-MBA roles:

Many of the skills developed in business school have utility beyond the private sector. In fact, some MBAs elect to take their skills and experiences to nonprofit, government, and other organizations.

What makes non-profit and government paths different? There are similarities across non-profit, government, social enterprise, and other career paths we've discussed. Professionals in these sectors are tackling complex challenges, such as education, access to healthcare, economic development, and more. They're less concerned with optimizing shareholder returns, and measuring impact in a different way.

Check out these programs that specialize in non-profit and government careers:

Example post-MBA roles:

Let's be real – you don't need an MBA to start a business. However, if you're serious about building something that scales, an MBA can give you the toolkit, the network, and the credibility that can help you go the distance.

What makes the entrepreneurial path different? You're not just learning the fundamentals of business – you're actually using them in real time. Most top entrepreneurship MBA programs include venture competitions, access to incubators, opportunities to secure funding, and connections to VC and angel investors. You can also surround yourself with other founders, which may help you identify co-founders and advisors.

Check out these programs that specialize in entrepreneurship:

Example post-MBA roles:

These are just some of the post-MBA career possibilities outside of consulting, finance, and tech. Take note that there are additional programs (other than the ones we listed) that may support career paths in each of these tracks.

MBA recruiting cycles move very fast, and companies come to campus early to recruit for summer internships. We know it's easy to follow the herd into the "typical" MBA career paths, because that's where so many candidates wind up.

If your interests lie outside of those areas, it's worth investigating which of these career paths may be best for you. If you haven't applied and if you're still exploring, here's what I'd recommend:

Research career paths and map your skills and experiences to your paths of interest:

Before you start your MBA:

During your MBA:

As I mentioned, the MBA degree can take you down a number of paths. So, if you're not interested in consulting, tech, or finance, you have options. Pursue them!

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