Top-Paying Global MBA Specialisations

If you're aspiring to advance in the business world, pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) could be a strategic choice. 

Given the increasing globalisation of businesses, opting for a Global MBA can provide you with insights into the global business environment and enhance your career prospects in international business.

A Global MBA focuses on international business strategies, cross-cultural management, global economics and business analytics for decision-making.

Find out where the top global MBA programmes could take you.

Exploring Global MBA Career Opportunities

The Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) survey reported that the average starting salary for MBA graduates is $125,000 annually.

A top Global MBA programme with work experience can increase your employment prospects.

While leadership roles like CEO, CFO and CMO are top-paying jobs, there are also mid-level leadership positions in sectors such as finance, technology and marketing that offer competitive salaries.

Factors Influencing Global MBA Salaries

Understanding the salary you can expect with a top Global MBA graduate programme can help you choose the right MBA specialisation.

Here are some factors that can influence your salary once you land a job after an MBA programme:

• Industry: Certain sectors tend to offer higher salaries, such as data analysis, marketing and finance.
• Job roles/functions: The initial job roles you pursue after your MBA specialisation can determine your career path.
• Experience and skill sets:  The skills you acquire after completing a top MBA course and the experience you gain while you work, determine the salaries you eventually reach in your career.
• Organisation strength and size: Mid to large companies can offer you generous salary packages with great perks and a structured career path.
• Location: Metropolitan cities can offer bigger opportunities and potentially desirable salaries.

How to Select an MBA Specialisation

Here’s what you should keep in mind while choosing an MBA specialisation:

1. Know the market: Identify jobs that will stay relevant and high in demand in the future. For example, data analytics and finance are two sectors that offer high salaries for MBA graduates.
2. Identify your area of interest: Have a clear idea about the career path you want to take after completing your Global MBA and choose your specialisation accordingly.
3. Create a blueprint of your life’s goals: Where do you see yourself 10 years down the line? Think about this before choosing your specialisation.
4. Stay up to date: Stay informed about current developments and trends relevant to your chosen field. 

Importance of Choosing the Right MBA Specialisation

The job market is all about cut-throat competition.

Pursuing a top Global MBA programme not only gives you the competitive edge but also the necessary skills to stand out to potential employers.

So, what are the main advantages of pursuing a Global MBA from a top institution?

• Exposure: Once you enrol in one of the top Global MBA programmes, your exposure goes global too. You can also pursue a career anywhere in the world.
• Case-based learning: The practical learning aspect of the Global MBA can help you overcome real-world business challenges. The entrepreneurial and management skills that you gain from the course can increase your visibility among recruiters and your chances of getting a job sooner.
• Broader perspective: The multicultural exposure significantly changes the way you view the world. It will help you adapt to diverse working environments, allowing you to effectively lead multicultural teams.
• Development of professional persona: Global MBA programmes help you both sharpen your skills and persona. The course will help you develop the confidence to thrive in a professional setting.
• Join a growing network: Universities and colleges providing top MBA programmes often have a strong alumni network. You will get the chance to meet people from different cultural and professional backgrounds and establish professional relationships.
• Campus placements: Job fairs and campus placements can increase your chances of securing internships, projects or even full-time job opportunities.

Qualification Required for Global MBA Specialisation

The basic entry requirements for the Global MBA include an undergraduate degree or equivalent in any subject area and relevant work experience, which can be an asset but is not a necessity. International students are also required to prove English proficiency through IELTS.

Popular Global MBA Specialisations

The following are considered the top five MBA specialisations in the world:

• MBA in Business Analytics
• MBA in Information Technology
• MBA in Finance
• MBA in Marketing
• MBA in Economics

Top-paying Global MBA Specialisations

Listed below are some of the highest paying Global MBA specialisations that are in demand in 2024:

1. Business Analytics

This course is all about learning business practices through data-driven decision-making. It can help you develop your leadership, technical and analytical skills.

The average salary per year can range from $60,000 to $100,000 according to Yocket.

Job titles associated with MBA in Business Analytics include Business Intelligence Analyst, Business Analytics Specialist, Management Consultant and Operations Analyst. 

2. Information Technology

This course is a blend of the traditional MBA curriculum with a major focus on topics like information security, IT project management and telecommunications.

This MBA specialisation helps you gain technical knowledge along with managerial skills. The average salary per year can range from $45,000 to $75,000 according to Yocket.

Some of the job roles associated with Information Technology MBA are Software Project Manager, IT Infrastructure Project Manager, Program Manager, Information System Security Manager and IT Manager.

3. Finance

An MBA specialisation in Finance can give you a rewarding career in some major sectors like insurance, taxation, international finance, wealth management and tax planning.

According to Yocket, the average salary per year can range from $35,000 to $90,000.

By pursuing this programme, you can access jobs such as Chief Financial Officer, Financial Analyst, Financial Manager, Accounting Manager, Investment Analyst and Portfolio Manager.

4. Marketing

As a student studying an MBA in Marketing, you will learn all about the marketing side of business. This includes learning about consumer behaviour and gaining expertise on how to create, communicate and deliver value to products.

The average salary per year can range from $50,000 to $85,000 according to Yocket.

Some of the job roles associated with this degree are Marketing Specialist, Public Relations Specialist, Market Research Director and Director of Sales.

5. Economics

An economist collects and analyses data, researches trends and evaluates economic issues for resources. An MBA specialisation in economics offers you the eligibility to work as an expert in areas like business, intelligence, information science and econometrics.

The average salary per year can range from $45,000 to $80,000 according to Yocket.

Top job roles associated with the MBA in Economics are Asset Manager, Economic Forecaster, Market Research Consultant, Pricing Analyst and Financial Analyst.

6. Data Analysis

This field always stands tall when listing the highest paying MBA specialisations. It involves managing data efficiently.

According to Yocket, the average salary per year can range from $80,000 to $90,000.

Job roles associated with this field include Data Scientist, Business Intelligence Analyst, Data Engineer, Marketing Analytics Manager and Information Security Analyst.

7. International Business

An International Business MBA specialisation focuses on the fundamentals of business in a global context. The programme teaches students about foreign markets, cross-border relations, global trade and economics along with developing leadership and management skills.

The average salary per year can range from $80,000 to $90,000 according to Yocket.

Some of the top job roles that can be pursued are Human Resource Manager, Policy Analyst, Risk Manager and Logistics and Supply Chain Manager.

 

If you are looking for a renowned institution to pursue a Global MBA course, look no further than the London School of Business and Finance (LSBF UK).

LSBF UK is known for its high-quality education and remains a standard example of imparting quality and relevant business education today.