I have been persistently searching for the best MBA programs abroad for my sister. But while searching, we got confused with so many streams available. Which stream is the best for MBA? How do we figure out which stream to choose? Which MBA field has the highest salary in 2024? There were too many questions, but no answers. So, we did our research and I want to share my insights with you so that you do not feel the same problems as we did. Keep reading to know the top MBA streams in 2024 and determine which suits you best.
With over 403,000 students enrolling globally each year, MBA is one of the most sought-after course choices among graduates from all fields. An MBA is more relevant than ever due to the interdisciplinary nature of today’s biggest challenges. MBA cohorts are diverse, expanding beyond business students.
In fact, only 24% of Harvard Business School’s Class of 2024 have studied business in college. This mix of backgrounds makes the MBA a powerful and versatile degree.
Below is a list of some popular MBA specializations to study in 2024.
MBA in Finance
MBA in Marketing
MBA in Human Resource Management
MBA in Operations
MBA in International Business
MBA in Information Technology
MBA in Supply Chain Management
MBA in Healthcare Management
MBA in Tourism and Hospitality Management
You can choose a specialization per your own interest. Only thing you must keep in mind is to make a decision after thorough contemplation and research of the fields you have interest in.
Identifying the best stream for an MBA after 10th can help you recognize and understand the demand for management professionals in your preferred domain at an early stage. But even if you have not dived into the options yet, it is not too late to start. Let us now look at each of these MBA specializations in detail.
1. MBA in Finance
An MBA in Finance equips you with skills in costing, capital management, budgeting, and international finance. With innovative financial strategies, you can help businesses grow and become profitable.
If you enjoy working with numbers, financial management can be a rewarding career. Planning to study abroad for your MBA can enhance these opportunities, providing you a platform to learn the nitty-gritty of the subject.
Top Recruiters for MBA in Finance
Bank of America
Barclays
BCG
KPMG
Goldman Sachs
McKinsey & Company
Top Job Profiles in Finance Management
Credit Risk Manager
Investment Banker
Stockbroker
Project Manager
Data Analyst
SAP Consultant
Financial Analyst
Average Annual Base Salary: $106,000
2. MBA in Marketing
Marketing is a highly competitive yet fascinating discipline that helps garner insights into advertising, branding and consumer behavior. If you have strong communication and promotional skills, this stream is an excellent choice. Understanding how to choose an MBA stream can lead you to understand your interest where we can excel in various dynamic roles.
Top Recruiters for MBA in Marketing
Nestle
Pepsi
Amazon
Nike
Top Job Profiles in Marketing
Marketing Manager
Market Research Analyst
Brand Manager
Regional Sales Manager
International Sales Manager
Digital Marketing Manager
Average Annual Base Salary: $99,000
3. MBA in Human Resource Management
An MBA in Human Resource Management covers mergers and acquisitions, global leadership, labor markets and diversity. If you have strong people skills, confidence, and a knack for solving problems, this stream might be the best MBA stream for you.
HR managers are the ones who handle employees, ultimately influencing company revenues and growth directly. They also play crucial roles in motivating employees to perform. You should ideally have a knack for helping others, interacting with colleagues, and training people.
Top Recruiters for MBA in Human Resource Management
An MBA in Operations provides an in-depth understanding of shop floor or production management. You will learn about maintaining processes, workflows, vendor relationships, and more. Engineering graduates often choose this stream, gaining an edge in procedure optimization and product development.
With the growth of the e-commerce sector, there are numerous opportunities in this segment. Industries like shipping, automobiles, real estate, and FMCG require skilled operations managers. This job involves persistent problem-solving and may require substantial fieldwork.
Top Recruiters for MBA in Operations
Ernst & Young
JP Morgan Chase
KPMG
Teleperformance
Top Job Profiles in Operations Management
Business Analyst
Management Consultant
Production Manager, Manufacturing
Operations Manager
Retail Assistant Manager
ERP Consultant
Average Annual Base Salary: $1,18,000
5. MBA in International Business
Doing an MBA in International Business gives you an intensive glimpse of organizational aspects necessary for global operations. This includes specialized subjects like import-export, finance and global marketing. This is a specialized degree from the first day itself, making it ideal for those aiming for international roles.
Top Recruiters for MBA in International Business
Coca-Cola
Amazon
Apple
McDonald’s
Financial Times
Top Job Profiles in International Business Management
Business Development Manager
Business Analyst
Management Consultant
Average Annual Base Salary : $1,02,000
6. MBA in Information Technology
This MBA stream is highly specific and tailored to prepare prospective IT managers for using, administering, managing, designing, and implementing communications and information technologies. IT graduates will have major tasks to implement, including software and hardware design for numerous business issues. If you have a strong tech background, you can pursue an MBA in IT to scale up your career in this field.
This discipline includes warehousing, inventory management, and transportation of several materials as per company/client requirements. Graduates in any field may apply for this specialization. Logistics management, a sub-division of the field, involves planning, tracking, and implementing the movement of goods and services.
Top Recruiters for MBA in Supply Chain Management
Cummins
HP
General Mills
Caterpillar
Ford Motor Company
Top Job Profiles in Supply Chain Management
Supply Chain Analyst
Logistics and Distribution Manager
Production Planner
Supply Chain Manager
Senior Sales Executive
Average Annual Base Salary: $82,000
8. MBA in Healthcare Management
An MBA in Healthcare Management helps us develop skill sets for catering to the needs of patients and stakeholders in the healthcare sector. It may include hospital administration, medical practice management, and insurance management as well. This stream can be the best MBA stream for those passionate about making a difference in healthcare.
Top Recruiters for MBA in Healthcare
Cipla
Pfizer
Cardinal Health
Cigna
Top Job Profiles in Healthcare Management
Healthcare Finance Manager
Pharmaceutical Project Manager
Senior Technical Consultant
Marketing Manager
Health Administrator
Average Annual Base Salary: $88,000
9. MBA in Tourism and Hospitality Management
Love traveling, exploring new places, and taking people along? Tourism and Hospitality Management may just be your ideal stream. The booming hotel industry and increase in global tourism have led to increased demand for qualified and skilled managers in this stream. With virtually unlimited growth opportunities, this top MBA stream can lead to an exciting and rewarding career.
Top Recruiters for MBA in Tourism and Hospitality Management
Marriott International
Hilton
Hyatt
Marriott International
Top Job Profiles in Tourism and Hospitality Management
After reading about the various top MBA streams and their prospects above, I hope you can decide which side of management appeals to you the most. MBA graduates are hired as managers across industries, and there are several roles to choose from. Here is how you can decide which stream is best for MBA.
Identify what subjects you excel in and enjoy the most.
Research prospects as different MBA streams offer varied career opportunities.
Consider industry demand as some MBA specializations are in higher demand than others.
Think about where you see yourself in the future.
Talk to professionals, attend MBA fairs, and consult with career advisors.
How to Choose from Different MBA Streams/Specialization
After reading about the various MBA specializations and their prospects above, aspirants will be able to decide what side of business appeals to them most. MBA graduates are hired as managers across industries and there are several roles to choose from. Those with a knack for numbers may choose finance or business analytics, while those with an inclination towards technology may go for information management or entrepreneurship.
My advice? Take your time to explore different MBA streams. Think about what subjects you like, the job opportunities each stream offers, and where you see yourself in the future. Talk to professionals, attend MBA fairs, and get advice from career counselors. This will help you pick the MBA stream that best fits your goals and interests. Good luck!
With upGrad Abroad, you can enroll in blended bachelor’s and master’s management programs abroad that allow you to study affordably. You can talk to our counselors to know more.
If you are aiming for an MBA, opting for Commerce in 12th grade is a common path. However, students who choose Arts or Science can also pursue an MBA later. You can select any MBA specialization that interests you after completing your bachelor’s degree.
Which MBA is best for IT professionals?
As an IT professional, an MBA in Business Analytics, Consultancy, International Business, Operations, and Supply Chain Management are some of the best specializations you can look for. These fields often lead to high-paying jobs, especially with relevant work experience.
Which MBA stream has the highest salary?
Graduates with an MBA in International Business tend to have the highest salaries, averaging $1,02,000 annually. Finance and Marketing MBAs also offer high salary prospects.
Which type of MBA is in demand?
Some of the in-demand MBA specializations include Accounting & Management, Entrepreneurial Management, Finance, General Management, Marketing, Technology & Operations Management, among others.
Which country is best for MBA?
From my research, the US, UK, and Spain are some of the best countries to pursue an MBA, thanks to their highly ranked MBA programs.
Which stream of MBA is the best?
The best MBA stream depends on what you’re passionate about and your career goals. Popular options include Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Operations, and Information Technology, each offering unique career paths and opportunities.
What are the top 5 MBA specializations?
The top 5 MBA specializations are Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Operations, and Information Technology. These streams are widely recognized and offer diverse career opportunities.
Which MBA has a high scope?
From my experience, an MBA in Information Technology or Data Analytics has a high scope due to the growing demand for tech-savvy managers. These fields offer numerous job opportunities and high growth potential.
Which branch of MBA is highly paid?
An MBA in Finance or Operations is typically the highest paid, with graduates often securing lucrative roles in investment banking, private equity, and financial management.
She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!
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