What Can an MBA Graduate Do? 5 Qualities Hiring Managers Look For

The standards for business professionals are evolving as employers seek candidates who can lead well and adapt to modern challenges. Skills like collaboration and real-world problem-solving are essential, surpassing hard skills and academic achievements in relevance for hiring managers. As the world of business surges into the future, it’s becoming clear that getting hired isn’t just about having a high GPA; it’s about getting the right kind of MBA education.

While traditional MBA programs have long been the gold standard for business employers, some business schools are now evolving to better meet these needs. By focusing on the following skills before and during your MBA education, you can increase your competitive advantage in the job market.

What Can You Do With an MBA? Graduate Employment at a Glance

A Master of Business Administration is a versatile, well-respected credential for aspiring business leaders. Employers seek out MBA graduates as excellent candidates for positions spanning finance, management, data analytics and more. MBA graduates also continue to experience soaring success rates after graduation. Out of 124 ranked full-time MBA programs in 2023, the average employment rate three months after graduation was almost 87%, and the average salary for MBA graduates is $125,000.

Industries such as finance, consulting, healthcare and technology seek MBA talent for their strategic thinking, analytical expertise and leadership capabilities. Whether optimizing operations, managing innovation or navigating complex regulations, MBA graduates are equipped to drive growth and lead change in dynamic environments. A more accurate question might be, what can’t you do with an MBA? The possibilities are endless.

Top Careers for MBA Graduates

MBA graduates are increasingly finding opportunities in high-demand roles that blend business acumen with technical insight. A few high-demand jobs for MBA graduates include (but are not limited to): 

• Big Data Specialists: These professionals analyze vast datasets to inform business decisions in areas like customer behavior and financial forecasting. The role is projected to grow by approximately 110% between 2025 and 2030, making it the fastest-growing job in the World Economic Forum's report.​
• Fintech Engineers: Responsible for developing and enhancing digital banking platforms and payment systems, fintech engineers are expected to see a net growth of over 90% between 2025 and 2030, reflecting the sector's robust expansion.​
• AI and Machine Learning Specialists: These specialists develop AI models and tools, with roles anticipated to grow by more than 80% by 2030. MBA graduates with technical expertise are increasingly pursuing careers in AI-focused strategy and product management.​
• Software and Applications Developers: Developers create in-demand digital tools like mobile apps and e-commerce platforms, a career expected to experience a 55% increase in hiring between 2025 and 2030, underscoring its significance in the digital economy.​
• Security Management Specialists: Security management specialists focus on protecting businesses from cyber threats. This role is projected to grow approximately 50% over the next five years, with MBA graduates with backgrounds in cybersecurity and risk management easily stepping into leadership positions.
• Project Managers: While this role is longstanding in the business world, project leaders and management positions are always in demand. They are projected to see a 7% growth in the next decade, solidifying their continuing importance across industries. 

Emerging fields like artificial intelligence, sustainability and financial technology are especially rich with potential for MBA talent. As these sectors expand, they require professionals who can lead cross-functional teams, manage risk and drive growth in a rapidly evolving landscape.

How Your Degree Prepares You for MBA Employment Opportunities

Earning your MBA develops key skills and learning experiences that enable you to succeed in the workplace. Employers aren’t just looking for a credential; they want to hire forward-thinking professionals with the right experience to lead with confidence. The core competencies of an MBA graduate include:

• Leadership
• Data-driven decision-making
• Strategic thinking

Through opportunities for experiential learning, MBA students apply their knowledge to real-world applications through case studies, internships and capstone projects. As nearly 70% of employers expect MBA graduates to have at least four years of work experience prior to hiring, these experiences are indispensable for career success.

MBA graduates are also distinguishable by their soft skills, including problem-solving, adaptability and negotiation skills. Research overwhelmingly shows that employers are not just satisfied with MBA graduates’ academic performance, they also value their communication, interpersonal skills and management skills. But which of these skills do employers look for the most?

Match the Market Demand: What Employers Are Looking For In MBA Graduates

Based on recent research, employers prioritize the following skills and qualities when hiring MBA graduates:

1. Communication Skills
   Every future leader should refine their ability to convey ideas clearly and effectively. Employers rate communication skills as the most important attribute in MBA graduates.
2. Strategic Thinking
   Employers highly value the capacity to think strategically, enabling businesses to navigate complex environments and achieve long-term goals. This area has the greatest skills gap, underscoring the value of an MBA education that equips graduates to strategize effectively.
3. Interpersonal Skills
   Building and maintaining positive relationships within teams and with clients is essential for a well-functioning organization. Employers want to see candidates who can enter their company with a positive attitude and willingness to work as a team.
4. Management Skills
   Employers already see an MBA grad as someone with the ability to manage teams. Developing these skills before and during your MBA will give you an advantage in your job search.
5. Leadership Abilities
   The willingness to guide teams and make decisive choices is crucial for a business leader. Leadership skills are among the top attributes sought by employers in MBA graduates.

Overall, hiring managers are looking for future employees who will bring critical leadership and interpersonal skills to their teams. Technical abilities haven’t lost importance, but employers increasingly seek candidates who go above and beyond business acumen and leadership theory. Developing these skills can significantly enhance your employability as an MBA graduate and your effectiveness in the workplace.

Secure Your Future In Business: Prepare For MBA Graduate Jobs With the Knauss MBA

Your master’s degree is more than letters behind your name. When choosing an MBA program, search for a school that can develop your technical abilities while equipping you with key soft skills that employers look for. By developing these skills during your degree program, you will establish a foundation of success before you step into an interview.

At Knauss School of Business, our world-class MBA program is designed to prepare students for today’s evolving workforce. With a 70% employment rate at graduation and an average starting salary of $92,141, Knauss graduates launch into impactful, high-demand careers with the skills to lead effectively and communicate well. Students also have the option to pursue a STEM-designated MBA, opening doors to fast-growing fields such as data analytics, fintech and technology strategy.

Now more than ever, organizations need leaders who do business well, not just for their careers, but for their teams, communities and the world. Discover how the Knauss MBA can help you lead with purpose by downloading our MBA Career Guide.