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Business Career Planning Information

Graduates from M.B.A. programs are able to pursue a number of career pathways. This skill set includes areas such as  entrepreneurship, management, human resources, marketing, financial planning and analysis, accounting and economics. These basic business skills and principles can be applied across disciplines and industries and can lead to careers in government, healthcare, commerce, information technology, leadership roles in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

Shepherd’s M.B.A. program and concentrations are designed with the following overarching goals:

•M.B.A. graduates will demonstrate mastery of subject areas utilizing various tools, concepts, definitions and theories in accounting, economics, management, marketing, ethics, and leadership.

•M.B.A. graduates will demonstrate the ability to apply ethical criteria, leadership skills, problem solving, critical and creative thinking, and analytical and quantitative skills to resolve a variety of business situations and problems.

•M.B.A. graduates will demonstrate the ability to communicate professionally and effectively.

•M.B.A. graduates will demonstrate an understanding of the role of teams, groups and individual behavior in relation to organizational success.

•M.B.A. graduates will demonstrate an understanding of the economic, political, legal, and social forces that influence both domestic and international organizations.

•M.B.A. graduates will demonstrate the ability to transcend functional boundaries, synthesizing and integrating information as well as conduct the research, competitive/situation analysis and environmental scanning necessary for strategic decisions.

To identify what education or training is typical for careers within the business field, use the O*Net hyperlinks below and click on “Job Zone.”

Administrative Services Managers
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Chief Executives
Compliance Managers
Construction Managers
Cost Estimators
Financial Analysts
Financial Managers
Fundraising Managers
General and Operations Managers
Human Resources Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Investment Fund Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Management Analysts
Managers, All Other
Marketing Managers
Medical and Health Services Managers
Public Relations
Purchasing Managers
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Risk Management Specialists
Sales Managers
Social and Community Service Managers
Transportation, Storage and Distribution Managers
Supply Chain Managers
Wholesale and Retail Buyers

Federal/Government Jobs

Government agencies and organizations are often seeking M.B.A. candidates. Click here to see a list of federal positions by major.

Position Examples
Administrative Professional
Business Analytics Officer
Human Resources Officer
Internal Revenue Officer
Program Analyst
Agency Examples
Central Intelligence Agency
Department of Defense
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Federal Highway Administration
Internal Revenue Service
Social Security Administration

Professional Organizations

Becoming involved in professional organizations is an excellent way to look for the latest technology in your field, network, and meet potential employers.

Association for Financial Professionals (AFP)
Association of Management Consulting Firms (AMCF)
Business Professionals of America (BPA)
Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO)
Financial Management Association International (FMA)
Financial Managers Society (FMS)
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)
Institute of Management Consultants USA (IMC USA)
International Association of Project and Program Management (IAPPM)
National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)
Organizational Development Network (ODN)
Project Management Institute (PMI)
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)