The possibilities are practically endless for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) grad. Plus, some schools offer unique MBA specializations, helping students pursue advanced roles in high-demand fields. Taking this a step further, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) offers seven fully online MBA program concentrations, allowing working professionals to specialize and advance their business education while continuing to grow their careers — and maintain their income.

The following are six jobs where an MBA can really make a difference, ranging from specialized to more general roles.

  1. Software Developer

While software developers generally do not need an MBA, having one can set developers apart from other information technology professionals. Some online MBA programs include coursework or even offer a concentration related to technology. For instance, all of TAMU-CC’s MBA programs include the course Software-Based Business Solutions, covering the intersection of current technologies and business. Plus, TAMU-CC offers an online MBA with a Concentration in Business Analytics, augmenting core MBA studies with the in-depth study of topics like business intelligence, analytics, application development, information systems, data warehousing and more.

The job outlook for software developers is excellent, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimating 25% growth from 2022 to 2032. The median wage for software developers was $132,270 in 2023.

  1. Information Security Analyst

Entry-level education for an information security analyst is a bachelor’s degree, but companies often prefer information security analysts with MBA degrees because they have well-rounded skills and knowledge. An MBA program helps analysts develop their existing skill set and shows them how to integrate their learnings into real-world applications on the job. In particular, the specialized skills gained from TAMU-CC’s online MBA in Business Analytics program help information security professionals apply their expertise to analysis-driven decision-making effectively.

According to BLS, the job outlook for information security analysts is also much better than the average for all occupations, with 32% employment growth projected between 2022 and 2032. BLS reports the 2023 median annual pay for information security analysts to be $120,360.

  1. Financial Manager

Those with a financial background may benefit most from an MBA program with a concentration in finance, such as the one offered fully online by TAMU-CC. An MBA can help a financial manager develop analytical skills and learn financial analysis methods and software.

BLS reports that the median salary for financial managers in 2023 was $156,100. BLS projects that employment of financial managers will increase by 16% between 2022 and 2032, much faster than the average growth of 3% for all occupations.

  1. Management Analyst

A management analyst or consultant is responsible for proposing ways to improve an organization’s efficiency and profitability. Understanding how operations and finance affect these areas is vital for a management analyst. MBA programs cover operations, strategy, finance and many other crucial areas. TAMU-CC’s online MBA with a Concentration in Management program delves further into managerial practices and considerations, including specialized, advanced applications in areas like entrepreneurship, multinational management and human resource management.

The job outlook for management analysts is faster than average growth at 10%, according to BLS. The median annual wage for these professionals was $99,410 in 2023.

  1. Operations Research Analyst

Operations analysts often need an MBA to advance to the higher levels of management within their industry. Most MBA programs cover the strategy needed for production and operations management. Knowing that operations is key to many industries, TAMU-CC offers MBA concentrations in areas like healthcare administration, helping students examine operations management in the context of a specific industry or business environment.

BLS projects that employment of operations research analysts will increase by 23% from 2022 to 2032. The median annual pay for this profession was $83,640 in 2023.

  1. Interpreter or Translator

Sometimes, all that is required to be an interpreter or translator is to be able to speak a second language. However, an MBA grad can work in more technical areas, such as IT or finance, where experience with the subject matter is relevant to the translation. Plus, as business becomes ever more global, understanding business and language creates even more value for translators. The knowledge and skills gained through TAMU-CC’s online MBA with a Concentration in International Business would be particularly useful in a high-level multinational business role.

BLS projects 4% employment growth for interpreters and translators between 2022 and 2032, roughly as fast as the average growth for all occupations. The median wage for this occupation was $57,090 in 2023. While this may not seem on par with other careers listed above, a businessperson with translator responsibilities and advanced education working with multinational corporations would likely be compensated at the far upper end of the occupational wage spectrum. For instance, ZipRecruiter reports that the best interpreter jobs can pay up to $153,000 per year.

Online MBA Options Offer Business Career Versatility

Clearly, there are many job options for MBA grads — some highly specialized and some that are more transferable between industries or fields. Plus, for people with unique professional pursuits in mind, TAMU-CC offers a general online MBA, allowing students to tailor their education from an extensive list of elective options. Regardless of the professional application, a quality MBA program helps students develop the decision-making and leadership skills needed to ascend the ranks in their chosen careers.

Learn more about TAMU-CC’s online MBA programs.