9 Career Options After an MBA

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StrategyDriven Professional Development Article |Career Options after an MBA|9 Career Options After an MBAPeople often close doors for learning after stepping foot into the corporate world with a bachelor’s degree. After all, the goal is to have a stable job offering a lucrative salary package and added benefits. But, in this rat race, what we forget is career progression.

You might have a high-paying job at a well-established organization, but what’s next? Don’t you want to climb up the professional ladder? When aiming for career progression, you need more on your CV than your years of experience. So, maybe a master’s degree to specialize in a field of your choice? Besides widening your horizons, a master’s degree can give you better command over the subject matter.

So, why not give a thought to MBA? It is a versatile degree that opens doors to different career paths. For example, MBA graduates can easily bag jobs in finance, marketing, human resource, or consultancy. Similarly, it allows students to pick a specialization and become masters in their field.

Here we have highlighted nine career options you can pursue after an MBA.

1. Business Consultant

Lately, the demand for business consultants has skyrocketed. Companies facing obstacles desire an outsider’s perspective, requiring a consultant to assess the situation and suggest a solution. These people look at the problem from a new perspective, giving valuable advice about how to overcome obstacles. Fortunately, a general MBA degree’s entire curriculum revolves around developing business understanding in students. Hence, it proves to be extremely valuable in the consulting world. It equips students with expertise to gain clients’ confidence.

2. Financial Analyst

The prime job role of a financial analyst is to assemble and examine a company’s financial information. In addition, they have to keep up with data and market trends to identify new business operations. All in all, they have to research macro and micro economic conditions to ensure financial soundness. Hence, an MBA degree can be the ideal training for a career as a financial analyst. It will provide the skills and expertise required to scrutinize a company’s fundamentals.

Believe it or not, many companies hire senior financial analysts right out of college because of their calculable and problem-solving skills. Thus, it could be a viable career path if you are passionate about numbers and statistics.

3. Internal Auditor

Internal auditors provide organizations with an autonomous and unbiased view of their financial and operational processes. They emphasize corporate governance, entailing the rules and policies to regulate and direct the business. Hence, auditors work independently to authorize that a business’s financial statements and matters comply with all laws and regulations. As the role is demanding, they also get high compensation and benefits. As of 2021, the average salary of internal auditors is $77,250.

4. Corporate Finance Manager

Unlike conventional finance managers, corporate finance managers cultivate and manage a company’s budgets. They identify funding sources and capital structure and support different investment decisions. Their goal is to expand shareholder value and establish long-term plans around investment strategies. For this role, you must be well-versed with cash flow strategies, forecast earnings, and financial modeling capabilities.

5. Marketing Manager

Today, both thriving and struggling companies require the expertise of a marketing manager. After all, they must spread the word to build brand recognition in the market. Thus, a savvy marketing manager is nothing less than an asset to a business. It could be the perfect role if you have the drive to craft ideas and strategic marketing plans. You would have to pursue MBA with a marketing specialization to learn the ropes.


6. Product Manager

When hiring product managers, employers look for someone with command over different things. Therefore, having an MBA degree can come in handy. Your advanced business knowledge will help you optimize costs while ensuring high product standards. Likewise, as a product manager, you will determine if the product fulfills customers’ needs. These business skills, combined with number-crunching and critical thinking skills, can help you become a competent product manager. In addition, it will allow you to work with different people, from company executives to IT personnel.

7. Health Services Manager

After Covid’19’s outbreak, healthcare organizations better understand the need for business experts and skilled managers to overcome structural hurdles. They need people who can manage the logistics, procurement, and day-to-day managerial tasks in a healthcare setting. That means you can become a health services manager after your MBA degree. The job role involves maximizing quality while minimizing the costs for patients.

At the same time, you will have to maintain accurate records and ensure the organization complies with regulations. It might seem like a demanding job, but it is equally rewarding. On average, healthcare managers earn $101,340 annually.

8. Investment Fund Manager

Investment fund managers provide financial advice to companies and help them make investment decisions. Organizations often face disagreements over investment decisions such as buying machinery or outsourcing production. Fund managers conduct a cost-benefit analysis to help companies make the most profitable decision.

Similarly, they help expand income sources. Instead of investing 100% of profits in the business, they advise the team to invest in the stock market, financial securities, and real estate. Since it is a specialized field, you will also have to specialize in finance to qualify for this role.

9. Operations Research Analyst

People with an eye for detail can become incredible business research analysts. They help managers determine the best way to allocate the company’s resources to gain maximum returns. Similarly, they create efficient production schedules and methods to ensure no obstacles in the production process. Analysts also manage the supply chain effectively to establish a stable pricing structure. Only an MBA can help build solid business acumen for these diversified job roles. Therefore, opt for concertation in supply chain management or operation management as your MBA specialization.

Final Thoughts

Truthfully, MBA is one of the most recognized degrees worldwide. These MBA career paths represent a few of the many options available out there. From technology and health to finance, there are many other growing fields. As companies continue to rely on business management, marketing, finance, and accounting, the demand for MBA degree holders will keep escalating. Therefore, choose a relevant specialization that fosters your career development.

How To Reinvent Yourself After A Divorce

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StrategyDriven Professional Development Article | How To Reinvent Yourself After A Divorce1. Breathe

The first thing you need to do is breathe. You will have to take some time to adjust to your new normal. When you go through a divorce, it will be like going through mourning until you can reach acceptance. When you feel overwhelmed, you should simply stop whatever you’re currently doing, close your eyes and take a few deep and slow breaths.

Remember, divorce is certainly a roller coaster ride that is filled with emotional distress. This is the case even if you were the one who asked for it to begin with. Divorces typically feel like failures and you will likely start doubting yourself. However, what happened yesterday is now in the past and tomorrow, you will be faced with a new day and new opportunities. Unfortunately, 50% of marriages do come to an end and result in divorce. It is simply something that happens.

2. Remain Present

It is important to always strive to learn from your past mistakes. It is also a bad idea to live in the past. If you keep thinking about the past, then you won’t be able to see what is currently happening. The most important time is always right now, wherever you are.

Of course, your history will always form a part of you, but it is not the entirety of you. Make sure that you turn the next page of your life and try to live within each current moment. Don’t allow your past to imprison you. If you are having issues with getting over your ex-partner, you should try a variety of wellness tools, therapy etc.

3. Enjoy Your Freedom

When a marriage breaks down and it ends in divorce, you will feel many different things. However, you should also feel a sense of freedom and liberation. Be sure to actually enjoy it! Now, you won’t have anyone preventing you from living in whatever way that you truly desire. You can now do everything you desire, even the things that you stopped doing because of your ex.

Additionally, you can explore all of the things you would like to do. You can start by trying new things. This can mean skydiving, going on an adventurous road trip, visiting another country or even moving to a new country. There are literally no limits! You also don’t need to rush and get into another relationship. You should take some time to enjoy being single. Consider that within this country, there are 30 million single people who live on their own.

4. Rediscover Yourself

There is no better time than right now than to dive deeper into yourself and explore the other parts and versions of yourself. When you get a divorce, it is another chance to start your next chapter as a better version of yourself. Consider who you used to be before you got married. Think about all of the things you went through and experienced and how much stronger and wiser you are now. You are likely a lot more aware of what you truly desire and what you don’t want. Take some time to appreciate who you are right now and prioritize yourself.


5. Change Things Up

Did you ever want to change how you look or get a new haircut? If so, then you should definitely explore that. When you change how you look, it can certainly change how you feel. You can change your hairstyle, the type of clothes you wear, your makeup, jewelry and you can even change your weight!

6. Become Healthier & Update Yourself

If you neglected yourself in the last couple of years while being married, then this needs to change. You should visit your local hair salon or barbershop to get a new haircut. Next, consider changing up your fashion and wardrobe. You should also consult a nutritionist as well as a personal trainer or even a yoga teacher who can help you with your diet as well as physical health. If you have always wanted a smaller bust try Skin Works breast reduction.

When working out, be sure to create goals that are achievable. Once you stick to your diet and exercise program, you will definitely see and feel a change in your body. It is also a good idea to start hiking, walking etc. When you actually start to look and feel your best, you will be better able to reinvent yourself.

7. Start Dating

When you are ready, you can start to date. This may seem a bit scary, especially if you haven’t been on a date in a long time. However, don’t worry about it as there are millions of people in the same boat as yours. You can start to talk to people on social media and online dating apps like tinder.

With that said, you should be careful when meeting people online. This is because there are many scammers and predators online. So, if you like someone that you’ve met online, be sure to do a background check on them so that you’re protected.

The Best Reasons to Make a Change of Direction in Your Career

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StrategyDriven Professional Development Article |Career Change|The Best Reasons to Make a Change of Direction in Your CareerIf you’re going to make a significant change in your career, it’s important to go about it in the correct and proper way. A big part of that is knowing why going ahead with such a change is right for you. It’s certainly not the kind of decision you want to make without ever really thinking it through.

With that in mind, we’re going to talk today about some of the most important reasons to make a change of direction in your career. If you’re experiencing any of the issues discussed below, it’s certainly a good idea to at least think about changing the direction of your career in the years ahead. So read on to find out more about those reasons.

Your Current Position Isn’t Making You Happy

If your current role simply isn’t making you happy, that’s definitely a good reason to make a change in your career. Everyone deserves to do a job that makes them happy on some level, and if that isn’t happening right now, you certainly should make a change. Your career takes up a lot of the time you have available to you each day, so if it’s a drag on your mood that’s definitely not okay.

You Think It’s Time to Follow Your Passion

It’s definitely a good idea to follow your passion if that’s something that you find important. Of course, you have to be realistic and ensure you have a realistic path to where you want to be in terms of your career path. Creating a plan and finding realistic paths to the career you want for yourself is important. If your dream is incredibly unrealistic, it might not be financially prudent for you to pursue it. But if you have a plan to get to where you want to be, go for it.

You Feel as if a New Challenge is Needed

We all need a challenge every now and again. If your current career path is boring you and not testing you in any way, it’s very easy to start to feel restless. Without those regular challenges, it’s very easy to get downhearted and unhappy with your situation in general. Finding a new path in your career might present you with more of a challenge that gives you something to get excited about.


Your Values and Priorities Have Changed

People change over time, and there’s nothing at all wrong with that. If you feel like the values and priorities that led you to your current career path are no longer relevant to you, it might be time to look for new opportunities elsewhere. There’s nothing wrong with acknowledging that things have changed and that you now need something different.

You Want to Make More of a Positive Impact

Wanting to make a positive impact on the world is not an unusual feeling. Lots of people feel that way and they want to feel as if their career is having an overall positive impact on the world. If you feel that your current career path is not doing that, it might be time for you to make a change if that’s something that matters to you. Maybe you want to help people by doing a job in the medical field. Or maybe you always wanted to complete a Veterinary Technician degree and help animals. There’s a wealth of options out there.

You Feel Like You’ve Stopped Growing

When you feel like your job isn’t helping you to grow as a professional or as a person, it can be quite depressing. We all want to grow and improve as people as time passes, and there’s nothing wrong with being unhappy when that’s not happening. So it might be time to look for growth opportunities elsewhere.

You Lack Any Drive When Heading to Work in the Morning

If you get up in the morning and immediately dread the thought of heading into the office, that’s a sign that you’re certainly not in the right job and maybe not in the right career at all. If you lack that drive and you don’t feel any desire to start work each morning, change might be needed.

As you can see, there are lots of reasons why you might want to change direction in your career. If you feel like any of the points above apply to you, it might be time for you to think about the direction you need to take next. There’s nothing wrong with making a change in your career when one is needed.

How to Get a Promotion at Work when You Deserve It

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StrategyDriven Professional Development Article |Get a promotion|How to Get a Promotion at Work when You Deserve ItMost of us dream of a promotion at work because of the opportunities it opens up. However, it can take a while if you don’t know what to do. Here are some expert tips to reach a higher role.

Get More Qualifications and Training

You could be the greatest worker in your department and everyone likes you. But in most cases, you cannot reach a higher position without adequate training and qualifications. For example, suppose you work in a private healthcare facility, but want to do more than administration. In that case you would need to earn a CPCT certification to begin essential care work. You can pay privately, as you work towards an improved career. Fortunately however, some employers might be willing to pay for training if a position is available and they want to keep you.

Become a Social Butterfly

Another way to show your boss you’re a good worker is to get along with other people at work. Attending after-work events or joining group activities like a company softball league or trivia team shows that you care about the company beyond just putting in your 40 hours a week. Building relationships with other employees shows that you are liked and can add to the idea that you would make a good leader. Also, if you don’t let your bosses and coworkers get to know you, they can’t possibly think about recommending or giving you a promotion.


Get a Promotion at Work by Taking Charge

One of the best ways to get a promotion is by getting noticed. But there’s a right way to do it rather than becoming the office bully. Here are some ways to get your boss on your side:

  • Offer help to people if you think they are stuck with something.
  • Take the initiative and finish outstanding work that no one is doing.
  • Work longer and harder on specific tasks that need to be done.

Essentially, showing dedication towards your job, your boss and the needs of those around you is an excellent motivator for upcoming promotions. Just don’t overwork yourself.

Ask for More Responsibilities and Pay

If you don’t chat to your manager or supervisor about development opportunities and how your career is going at the firm, your supervisor might not even know you want a promotion. They aren’t clairvoyant, and have a job to do. So, inform your boss that you want a bigger role. Even if you don’t think you’re ready to ask for a promotion right away, it’s still a good idea to talk to your boss about your plans and ambitions. With guidance, skill evaluations, and goal plans, your manager can tell you what you need to work on to be recognised for a promotion or a pay raise.

Take Pride in Yourself

Dressing for the job you want, not the job you have is more accurate than most people think. The first impressions of you are definitely affected by how you dress, and the same is true if you want to move up in your career. Studies suggest that almost 80% of managers think that what an employee wears can affect his or her chances of getting a promotion. So it’s vital you look presentable at all times. A good tip is watch what your boss or the people who work in your desired department wear, and do the same. But remember to be yourself without compromise.

Summary

It’s admirable to want a promotion at work, especially when you deserve it. Some ways you can increase the chance include earning certifications, using initiative and presenting yourself well.

6 Characteristics of an Effective HR Manager

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StrategyDriven Professional Development Article |HR Manager|6 Characteristics of an Effective HR ManagerHR management is a strategic and coherent approach to managing an organization’s most valuable assets – its people. In general, the tasks of HR managers include recruiting, training and development, employee relations, and benefits administration.

To become an effective HR manager, it is vital to combine hard and soft skills. Hard skills can be quantified, such as experience in HR management. In contrast, soft skills, such as communication and people skills, are more challenging to measure but no less important. In this article, you will learn why possessing these characteristics is important to the role they play in an organization. The most successful HR managers share certain qualities and characteristics that allow them to excel in their roles. Here are 6 of them:

Strategic thinkers

To be effective, HR managers must be strategic thinkers, able to see the big picture and make decisions that will positively impact the entire organization. They must be able to develop and implement programs that attract and retain the best talent while also ensuring that all employees are productive and engaged. In addition, HR managers must be adept at handling employee conflict and managing change. With so much on their plate, it’s no wonder that HR managers are some of the most essential members of any organization.

Innovative

The job of an HR manager is constantly changing, so they must be innovative in their thinking and approach. They must be able to come up with new ideas that will improve the employee experience while also being open to trying new things and taking risks.
One of the latest trends in the HR industry is the use of recruitment technology. Some software programs involve a candidate tracking system which can help the HR team to keep track of job applicants and their progress through the recruitment process. With this innovation, finding and hiring the best candidates for the job has become more accessible.

Excellent communicators

Excellent communication skills are critical for HR professionals. They need to be able to clearly and concisely convey information to employees, as well as understand and interpret the communication of others.
In addition, they must be able to build strong relationships with employees. This requires effectively connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Good communication skills allow them to build trust and respect, which are essential for maintaining a positive work environment. Excellent communication skills are vital for any HR manager who wants to be successful in their role.


Strong leaders

HR professionals plan, direct, and coordinate the administrative functions of an organization. They oversee the hiring and training of new employees, and they also work to improve the morale and performance of existing staff.
To be successful, they must be able to think strategically, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and be excellent communicators. They must also possess a deep understanding of labor laws and employee benefits. Additionally, they must be able to build relationships with other departments within an organization to create a cohesive work environment.

Good at problem-solving

From handling employee disputes to creating company-wide policies, HR managers are responsible for solving many problems. And while it may not be the most glamorous job, there’s no denying that they are good at what they do. After all, solving problems is literally their job description. But what makes them good at their job?

In addition to having strong people skills and an ability to think creatively, HR managers must stay calm under pressure and quickly make decisions. With so much on their plate, it’s no wonder they are some of the most sought-after professionals in the business world.

Detail-oriented

HR managers are typically detail-oriented individuals. This means that they have a keen eye for detail and can pick up on even the smallest details. This attention to detail is vital in HR because it allows managers to identify potential issues and investigate them further. Being detail-oriented also will enable them to keep track of employee records and performance data. This data can be used to identify trends and make decisions about training and development. Ultimately, being detail-oriented is an essential skill for them as it helps them to be more effective in their roles.

The bottom line

Undoubtedly, HR professionals play a vital role in any organization. From candidate tracking to employee relations, they are responsible for various tasks. And while the job may not be easy, it is rewarding. So if you’re thinking about a career in HR, make sure you have the right skills and qualities. With the right mix of skills and qualities, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an effective HR manager.