What You Can Do with an MBA
There’s so much you can do with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) — from advancing into executive leadership to pivoting into new industries or launching your own business. An MBA is one of the most portable and versatile graduate degrees you can earn. The degree combines strategic thinking, management expertise and problem-solving skills, making graduates valuable in almost every sector of the economy.
With an MBA, you’re not limited to a single career track. Graduates go on to lead in finance, healthcare, technology, marketing, consulting and beyond. Some use the degree to accelerate upward mobility in their current field, while others leverage it to change careers entirely.
In this blog, we’ll look at where MBA graduates work, the top jobs and job titles they hold, the skills they bring to the workplace and the certifications that can complement an MBA. We’ll also explore career outlook and salary data to show why this degree continues to be one of the most rewarding investments in higher education.
From National Trends to Rowan Outcomes
To ground these insights in real-world data, this blog draws on national employment trends as well as Rowan University alumni outcomes. National data shows that MBAs are in demand and well compensated. But what does this mean for Rowan University graduates specifically?
The career, skills and employer insights in this blog are based on recent job market data from Lightcast for graduates of Rowan University’s MBA program, drawn from aggregated, publicly available sources. This data underscores the strong connection between a Rowan MBA and career success, showing how graduates become part of a talent pipeline for high-growth, high-paying roles with leading organizations.
Top Companies Hiring MBA Graduates (and Where Rowan Alumni Work)
MBA graduates are recruited by employers ranging from Fortune 500 companies to regional organizations and nonprofits. They’re valued for their ability to manage complex projects, guide financial strategy and lead cross-functional teams.
Lightcast data shows that Rowan University MBA graduates are building careers at organizations across multiple industries, including finance, healthcare, government and technology. Top employers of Rowan MBA alumni include:
- Rowan University — and you could be one of the next alumni to join our team!
- TD Bank
- Lockheed Martin
- Holman and Company
- Cooper University Health Care
- Amazon
- JPMorgan Chase
- Bank of America
- Citigroup
- Subaru of America
These outcomes highlight the breadth of opportunities for MBA graduates, whether they want to work in corporate finance, healthcare administration, consulting or technology leadership.
What Jobs Can You Get with an MBA?
Wondering what jobs you can get with a Master of Business Administration? MBA graduates are prepared to step into leadership positions that emphasize strategic thinking, financial decision-making and organizational growth. That means there are many jobs you can get with an MBA, from corporate leadership to specialized analyst roles. Across industries, MBAs are often the bridge between executive vision and operational execution.
According to Lightcast data on Rowan MBA alumni, top occupations include:
- General and Operations Managers — overseeing day-to-day business performance and strategy
- Financial Managers — guiding financial planning, reporting and investment strategy
- Accountants and Auditors — ensuring compliance and accuracy in financial operations
- Chief Executives — setting organizational direction and long-term growth strategies
- Management Analysts — evaluating business processes and recommending improvements
- Financial and Investment Analysts — supporting capital allocation and market insights
- Sales Managers — leading teams to drive revenue growth
- Computer and Information Systems roles — integrating technology into business strategy
- Project Management Specialists — coordinating cross-functional projects and initiatives
New MBA graduate jobs often start with analyst, manager or project coordinator roles for those earlier in their careers, while experienced professionals may use the degree to transition directly into director or executive positions.
Most Popular Job Titles Among Rowan MBA Graduates
Wondering what job titles MBA graduates actually hold? Alumni outcomes reveal a wide range of executive, managerial and specialist roles across industries. Lightcast data on Rowan MBA alumni shows that common job titles include:
- Accountants
- Financial Analysts
- Project Managers
- Chief Financial officers
- Controllers
- Vice Presidents
- Staff Accountants
- General Managers
- Owners
- Business Analysts/Project Managers
These roles demonstrate how MBA graduates progress into positions of increasing responsibility — from analyst and manager roles into director-level and C-suite positions.
Specialized Skills Employers Value in MBA Graduates
An MBA does more than provide a credential; it develops skills employers actively seek in candidates for leadership and management positions. These skills open doors to a broad range of MBA career opportunities, making the degree relevant in nearly every sector of the economy. Rowan MBA graduates most often report skills in:
- Marketing
- Project Management
- Accounting
- Finance
- Auditing
- Financial Analysis
- Process Improvement
- Data Analysis
- Financial Statements
- Event Planning
- Social Media
- Operations Management
- Business Development
- Customer Relationship Management
Transferable Skills That Help MBA Graduates Succeed Across Industries
Beyond technical expertise, MBA programs build transferable skills that prepare graduates to adapt and lead in any sector. Employers consistently look for leaders who can communicate effectively, manage people and navigate complex business environments.
Rowan MBA alumni most often highlight transferable skills such as:
- Management
- Leadership
- Customer Service
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Excel
- Sales
- Operations
- Communication
- Research
- Public Speaking
- Strategic Planning
- Teamwork
- Time Management
- Budgeting
- Forecasting
These skills not only make graduates versatile but also position them to take on leadership responsibilities earlier in their careers.
What Certifications Complement an MBA?
While an MBA equips graduates with broad business and leadership skills, many professionals also pursue industry-recognized certifications to strengthen their expertise in specialized areas. These credentials can make graduates even more competitive in the job market by signaling technical depth or functional specialization alongside the versatility of an MBA.
Some of the most common certifications MBA graduates consider include:
- CPA (Certified Public Accountant): Essential for accounting careers and highly valuable for finance leadership roles that require strong financial oversight and regulatory expertise.
- CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): Highly valued in investment management and financial analysis.
- PMP (Project Management Professional): Recognized across industries for project leadership and process improvement.
- SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management – Certified Professional): Ideal for MBAs in HR or organizational leadership roles.
- Six Sigma / Lean Six Sigma: Focused on operational excellence and process efficiency.
These certifications are not required for MBA success, but they can provide an extra layer of specialization that aligns with your career goals.
What Alumni Outcomes Reveal About MBA Career Success
Rowan MBA alumni outcomes show that earning an MBA is more than an academic milestone — it’s a career accelerator. Graduates are working in executive leadership roles, driving strategic initiatives and contributing to innovation across industries.
The combination of top employers, in-demand skills and leadership opportunities demonstrates that an MBA is a proven path to career advancement and financial stability. Alumni data underscores what broader research confirms: earning an MBA provides long-term, tangible returns on investment.
Career Outlook and Salary Potential for MBA Graduates
An MBA can nearly double your earning potential and open doors to leadership roles in industries such as finance, healthcare, technology, marketing and consulting. The degree blends strategic thinking, management expertise and problem-solving skills — making MBA graduates highly valuable to employers worldwide.
Is There Strong Demand for MBA Graduates?
Yes. The demand for MBA-trained leaders is strong, with overall employment in management occupations projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations between 2024 and 2034. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there will be about 1.1 million job openings each year during this period due to both growth and workforce turnover.
What Is the Average Salary of MBA Graduates?
The average starting salary for MBA graduates in the U.S. is $120,000, according to the 2024 GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey. That’s nearly twice the median salary for bachelor’s degree holders ($69,320). By comparison, other specialized business master’s degrees — such as finance, marketing and analytics — typically fall in the $75,000–$80,000 range, underscoring the stronger ROI of an MBA.
Is Rowan’s Online MBA Right for You?
Rowan University’s online MBA program is designed for professionals who want to:
- Advance into leadership or executive roles
- Expand expertise in finance, marketing, management or organizational leadership
- Build adaptable skills for a rapidly changing business environment
- Balance graduate study with career and personal responsibilities
The program’s online format provides maximum flexibility for working professionals while maintaining the rigor of a nationally recognized MBA.
Why Earn Your MBA Online at Rowan University?
Rowan University is among the nation’s top 10 fastest-growing public research institutions and the fastest-growing in the Northeast, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education.
The program is offered through Rowan’s Rohrer College of Business, which is accredited by AACSB International — a distinction held by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide. This accreditation reflects Rowan’s commitment to excellence in business education and ensures the MBA you earn is both respected and career-relevant.
Online MBA Program Highlights:
- 100% online, asynchronous format for maximum flexibility
- Average completion time: 24 months
- 36 credits
- Four fully online concentrations: Finance, Marketing, Management and Organizational Leadership
- Option to pair two concentrations for added depth or breadth
If you are interested in exploring additional concentrations, Rowan also offers campus-based and hybrid MBA program options.
With its customizable curriculum, strong faculty support and proven alumni outcomes, Rowan’s MBA prepares graduates to lead with confidence in today’s competitive business world.