How to Secure High-Level Jobs That Require an MBA Degree

A combination of strategic thinking, cross-functional expertise, and leadership capability is what today's employers want most, and it's exactly what an MBA is designed to build. Many of the jobs that require an MBA offer lucrative compensation and meaningful, high-impact work.

Whether you're pursuing a promotion or planning to pivot into a new industry entirely, understanding which jobs require an MBA degree can help you make smarter career decisions. Read on to explore high-level positions that value MBA credentials and learn how to position yourself to land them.

The Value of an MBA in Today's Job Market

Intensifying business competition has led employers to view MBA graduates as strategic assets who can help drive organizational success. CEOs, CFOs, and CTOs are more likely to have an MBA than any other graduate degree.¹ This is just one potent demonstration of the credential's value for executive leadership roles.

In 2025, 90% of companies planned to hire MBA graduates.² This recruitment surge occurred even as overall hiring for college graduates waned. In addition to being highly sought after, MBA graduates command strong salary premiums. The median starting salary for an MBA graduate in the U.S. is $125,000 per year.²

According to a recent survey, more than one-third of all industries planned on increasing their MBA hire rate in 2025. Particularly strong growth is projected in manufacturing, finance, and the tech sectors.² For professionals weighing the return on investment, an online MBA can be well worth the commitment.

Examples of Jobs That Require an MBA Degree

Across industries, executive-level positions increasingly require or strongly prefer MBAs. That's because these high-impact roles demand the capabilities that MBA programs cultivate, including:

• Strategic thinking and decision-making
• Cross-functional leadership skills
• Financial acumen

Below are several roles for which an MBA is either required or strongly favored.

Product Director

Product directors oversee every phase of a product's journey from concept to market. Typical responsibilities include:

• Leading product lifecycle management
• Developing market strategy
• Aligning cross-functional teams to ensure product success

To succeed in this role, you'll need a deep understanding of market dynamics and competitive positioning, among other knowledge and skills developed through MBA coursework. Product directors coordinate with diverse stakeholders and require strong leadership abilities.³

Senior Management Consultant

Senior management consultants represent a common career pathway for MBA graduates. These professionals advise executives on diverse business functions, including:

• Operational efficiency
• Profitability optimization
• Organizational change initiatives

Major consulting firms, such as Strategy&, specifically recruit MBA graduates because of their ability to help organizations align business goals with broader operational strategies.⁴

Vice President of Strategy

Vice presidents of strategy shape organizational direction and competitive positioning. To succeed in this executive role, you need a sophisticated command of high-level skills covered in most MBA programs, such as:

• Financial modeling
• Market analysis
• Strategic planning

VPs of strategy need to be able to translate data and insights into actionable plans. They're responsible for shaping decisions across brand, product, marketing, and operations.⁵

C-Suite Executive Roles

MBA graduates are well-positioned to rise into top C-suite positions, such as CEO, CFO, and COO.

The most common degree among CEOs is an MBA—likely because the degree develops core competencies in business strategy and leadership. Recent data also shows that MBAs now outnumber CPAs among CFOs. In an evaluation of the 2023 Forbes Cloud 100 list, 81% of finance executives chose an MBA as their postgraduate degree, suggesting that an MBA is a strong choice for anyone whose career goals include the C-suite.⁶

How To Navigate the Job Process for MBA-Required Positions

Landing a competitive job that requires an MBA takes more than credentials alone. You'll need to position yourself strategically and take a targeted approach to your job search. To get an understanding of the employment landscape, start by researching companies that are actively recruiting MBA graduates. Then tailor your resume to highlight strategic knowledge you've gained through your:

• MBA coursework
• Relevant internships
• Capstone projects
• Consulting engagements

Emphasize quantitative achievements and include highlights that demonstrate how your leadership experience has driven measurable business results. Your cover letter should connect specific MBA-developed skills—such as financial analysis, team leadership, or strategic planning—to the requirements of the role you're targeting.

Networking also plays a critical role. Tap into your program's alumni network and career resources to identify opportunities and make connections at organizations that value MBA talent.

What Jobs Can an MBA Get You Without Prior Experience?

If you're looking to switch careers or you're entering the workforce for the first time, an MBA can open doors that would otherwise remain closed. Here are several industries where MBA graduates can find strong entry points, even without extensive prior experience in each given field.

1. Technology: Companies in the tech sector commonly recruit MBA graduates for roles in business development, product management, and strategy. These positions focus on the business side of the organization, so a deep technical background isn't required.
2. Healthcare: Healthcare organizations seek MBA graduates for leadership roles in administration and operations, where business acumen is essential for managing complex systems.
3. Nonprofit management: Nonprofit organizations also value MBA graduates for managerial roles. Industry-specific experience is helpful but not always necessary, as the strategic and financial skills an MBA provides translate well to mission-driven work.
4. Consulting and financial services remain strong entry points for MBA graduates seeking engaging, well-compensated work. Many firms in these sectors have established onboarding programs designed to bring new MBA hires up to speed quickly.

Take the First Step With an Online MBA From Seattle University

If you're ready to pursue the kind of high-level roles outlined above, Seattle University's Online MBA program can help you get there. The AACSB-accredited program at the Albers School of Business and Economics is designed for working professionals, with a cross-functional curriculum that builds the strategic thinking, leadership, and financial expertise that employers are looking for. Leadership development is integrated into every course, and a cohort-based model with a residency retreat helps you build lasting professional connections from day one.

No GMAT or GRE is required to apply, and the flexible online format lets you advance your career without putting your life on hold.

Get in touch with an admissions outreach advisor today to learn more about how an MBA from Seattle U can transform your career. Review the admissions requirements and contact us to request additional information.