Welcome back to MBA Myth Busters: the series in which we review and disprove the popular myths surrounding graduate business education.
Myth: All MBA graduates join consulting, tech, or investment banking.
Now, there’s no doubt that these industries are popular, consistently comprising the top three choices across most MBA classes. However, these three industries are by no means the only ones into which graduates funnel. Take a look at the following MBA Class of 2024 employment reports, based on industry, to get a sense of the myriad opportunities for MBA graduates:
| Industry | Northwestern Kellogg | HBS | Wharton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consulting | 35% | 18% | 25.2% |
| CPG | 7% | 3% | 1.4% |
| Energy | 1% | – | 1.8% |
| Financial Services | 19% | 39% | 36.6% |
| Healthcare | 9% | 6% | 5% |
| Manufacturing | 2.49% | 5% | 1.6% |
| Media/Entertainment | 2% | 3% | 3% |
| Non-profit | 0.5% | 5% | 2.7% |
| Real Estate | 0.5% | – | 2% |
| Retail | 3% | 2% | 1.8% |
| Technology | 20% | 16% | 14.1% |
The nature of the MBA instills leadership and other flexible/all-encompassing skills that can be utilized in a variety of industries. We touch on some of the most popular alternative paths below.
Healthcare
The rapidly evolving healthcare industry faces complex challenges. It requires strong leadership, effective management, and strategic oversight, making it a popular post-MBA career path for graduates.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a booming industry – both in its own right (the design of new initiatives and the rise of new organizations) and when incorporated into existing companies. Equipped with analytical, financial, and strategic skills, MBA graduates are welcomed into this trail-blazing sector.
Government Sector or Non-profit Organizations
The deep understanding that MBA grads possess of the inner workings of business operations prove crucial in the non-profit and governmental sectors. They promise effective management, multiplied impact, and strategic leadership.
CPG
Common employers of MBA graduates in the Consumer Packaged Goods, or CPG, industry include Unilever, Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Estée Lauder, Nike—and many more. This is in part due to longstanding relationships between business schools and company recruiters, the concentrations offered by schools, and the expertise of faculty. Utilizing their operational expertise, MBA graduates frequently land roles in product management.
Energy
Rich with quick-changing, high stakes, and complex challenges, the energy sector provides MBA grads with a chance to use their rigorous problem solving and strategic thinking ability.
Want to dive deeper into possible careers after an MBA? Take a look at Clear Admit’s Top MBA Career Placement Outcomes Series.
