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Everything You Need To Know About Choosing An MBA Stream In 2024
August 7, 2024
•
3 mins
When it comes to postgraduate courses, MBA is the first choice for many. However, to have a successful career, you first need to choose the right MBA stream, otherwise you may not be that successful. Hence, before selecting a good MBA college, you need to first know which stream is best for an MBA. Here is a quick guide to different streams in MBA, information on some of them and three promising ones for 2024 and coming years.
What Are The Different Streams In MBA?
Before looking at what streams will be in demand, let’s first take a look at the different options you have under an MBA.
1. Marketing 2. Finance 3. Human Resource Management (HRM) 4. Operations Management 5. Information Technology (IT) 6. International Business (IB) 7. Supply Chain Management 8. Business Analytics 9. Healthcare Management 10. Entrepreneurship 11. Hospitality Management 12. Retail Management 13. Media and Communication 14. Rural Management 15. Sustainability Management
6 Popular MBA Streams To Choose
Below we have given top 6 popular MBA streams to choose from:
1. Marketing:
The best known of all MBA streams, here you will learn consumer behaviour, market research, branding, advertising, and digital marketing as well as how to drive business growth and gain customer engagement.
Potential Roles for Graduates in Marketing MBA
There are many career opportunities for a graduate with an MBA in Marketing. It includes:
Marketing Manager: Looking after campaigns, product promotions, and branding initiatives.
Brand Manager: Developing and maintaining a brand's identity and positioning in the market.
Digital Marketing Manager: Focusing on online campaigns, SEO, social media, and email marketing strategies.
Product Manager: Responsible for the lifecycle of products, from development to marketing.
Sales Manager: Responsible for leading a sales team to drive revenue through strategies and relationship management.
Market Research Analyst: Conducting research and analysing trends to help guide product and marketing decisions.
Top Recruiters
Top recruiters in the marketing sector often include leading companies from various industries, such as:
FMCG Companies: The Hindustan Unilever, Nestlé, ITC
This course is related to financial management and making financial decisions regarding investment. You will learn about financial markets, investment analysis, risk management as well as corporate finance.
Potential Roles for Graduates in MBA Finance
Graduating with an MBA in Finance? Then you are eligible to apply for these positions:
Financial Analyst: The responsibility is to analyse financial data that will guide the company's investment and business decisions.
Investment Banker: The responsibility in this job includes helping companies raise capital through equity and debt markets.
Corporate Finance Manager: In this job, the person is In charge of budgeting, capital structure, and financial planning for the company.
Risk Managers: This job entails recognizing and controlling financial hazards for their organizations.
Portfolio Manager: In charge of overseeing the investment portfolios of institutions or clients.
Credit Manager: Supervising the procedures for issuing credit and guaranteeing prompt receivables collection.
Top Recruiters in This Industry
Top recruiters for MBA Finance graduates come from a wide range of industries, mostly finance-related:
Banks & Financial Institutions: HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India
Investment firms: Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley
Consulting Firms: KPMG, Deloitte, EY
Private Equity & Venture Capital Firms: Sequoia Capital, Blackstone, Bain Capital
Corporate Houses: Reliance Industries, Tata Group, Aditya Birla Group
Another very popular choice among the MBA different streams. It is the study of how to manage the human resource or the employees of an organization; from recruiting the right people, maintaining relationships, evaluating their performance and also making sure the productivity of the company is enhanced.
Jobs MBA Human Resources Graduates Can Apply For
As one of the most popular MBA streams, graduates of the MBA in Human Resources find jobs in almost all segments of the industry. Their key roles include:
HR Manager: Overseeing recruitment, employee relations, and policy development.
Talent Acquisition Specialist: Focusing on recruiting and onboarding new employees.
Employee Relations Manager: Handling employee grievances and ensuring a positive work environment.
Manager of Compensation and Benefits: In charge of overseeing benefit plans and employee pay plans.
Training and Development Manager: Designing and implementing employee training programs for skill development.
HR Business Partner: The job of an HR business partner is to coordinate with senior management regarding the company's HR strategy and make sure it aligns with its business objectives.
Top Recruiters in This Industry
Top recruiters for MBA HR graduates come from a wide range of industries, with prominent names including:
One of the best MBA streams to come up in the last few decades is the mba in technology. You learn about IT strategy, cybersecurity, digital innovation and system management when you do mba in tech.
Career Options If You Are A Graduate with an MBA in Information Technology
An MBA in Information Technology (IT) gives a candidate the ideal mix of technical and business management abilities. So, this is one of the most promising MBA streams in India, opening up various career paths including:
IT Manager: The job of an IT manager is to handle the organization's technological operations, IT infrastructure and IT system.
IT Consultant: Advising companies on technology solutions to improve business processes and efficiency.
Project Manager (IT): Leading technology-related projects, managing timelines, budgets, and team coordination.
Chief Information Officer: Managing an organization's IT strategy and coordinating it with business goals is the responsibility of the chief information officer (CIO).
Systems Analyst: Evaluating and implementing technology systems that support business operations.
Data Analyst/Manager: Using data to support business choices and gain insights is what a data analyst or manager does.
Top Recruiters in This Industry
Major recruiters for MBA IT graduates come from IT, tech, and consulting firms. Major recruiters in India include:
IT Services & Consulting: Infosys, TCS, Wipro, Cognizant
Technology Companies: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM
Telecom Companies: Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea
E-commerce & Retail: Flipkart, Amazon, Paytm
Banking & Financial Services: HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank (for tech-related roles)
Consulting Firms: Deloitte, Accenture, Capgemini
Salary Expectation
Salaries for MBA IT graduates can differ depending on their job position and the industry they work in.
As freshers with no work experience: ₹7–15 lakhs per annum
Graduates with 3–5 years of experience: ₹15–25 lakhs per annum
Graduates with more than 5 years of experience: ₹25 lakhs and upwards
In IT, consulting, and tech roles, salaries can be even higher, especially for leadership roles like CIO or IT Director.
Data is fundamental to any business, and in this MBA stream, you learn how to do data analysis, statistical modelling, predictive analytics and big data in this course.
Potential Roles for Graduates in MBA Business Analytics
An MBA in Business Analytics prepares graduates to interpret data for business decisions. It is ideal for those aiming to merge data-driven analysis with strategic thinking. Common roles include:
Business Analyst: Analysing data to provide actionable insights that drive business growth.
Data Analyst: Working with data to create reports, identify trends, and guide decision-making.
Data Scientist: Using complex data analysis techniques to solve business problems.
Operations Analyst: Improving efficiency and performance through data-driven strategies.
Market Research Analyst: Collecting and interpreting data on consumers, competitors, and market conditions.
Analytics Manager: Leading teams of analysts and overseeing analytics projects across the organisation.
Top Recruiters in This Industry
Top recruiters for MBA Business Analytics graduates come from a wide range of sectors, especially in tech and consulting. Major recruiters include:
IT & Technology Firms: Google, Amazon, Microsoft, IBM
Consulting Firms: Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, McKinsey
Financial Services & Banking: HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, American Express
This surging industry contributes nearly 10% of India’s GDP, and the MBA regarding the retail industry is also very much in demand. You learn about consumer behavior, retail strategy, merchandising, retail management and supply chain in this course.
Potential Roles for Graduates in MBA Retail Management
An MBA in Retail Management focuses on managing the retail sector, from supply chains to customer experience. Graduates can take on diverse roles, such as:
Retail Manager: Overseeing the daily operations of retail outlets and ensuring optimal customer service.
Store Manager: Managing a single or group of retail stores, handling inventory, staff, and sales targets.
Category Manager: Managing product categories, pricing, and promotions to maximise profitability.
Luxury & Lifestyle Brands: Titan, Lifestyle, Louis Philippe
Salary Expectation
Compared to other MBA streams, the salary range in Retail Management is a bit lower:
For freshers with no work experience: ₹5–12 lakhs per annum
Graduates with 3–5 years of experience: ₹12–20 lakhs per annum
Graduates with more than 5 years of experience: ₹20 lakhs and upwards
Retail managers in e-commerce or luxury retail often command higher salaries due to the industry's growth and consumer demand.
So, these are some of the various MBA stream names that you should be aware of if you want to do an MBA. Now, let’s take a look at the five most promising MBA streams for a career in the coming years, in India.
Here are three MBA streams to consider, if you are planning to study MBA this year. These streams have great job prospects now and in the next coming years. They are in no particular order.
1. MBA in Business Analytics
With the Government of India pushing forward digital innovation through programs like Digital India, the need for professionals to interpret data is growing in demand. There is a huge explosion of data in India from various sources and industries need this data to be analyzed for making better business decisions. Hence, with an MBA in Business Analytics, it will be easy to find jobs in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, eCommerce and finance.
2. MBA in Finance
If you are already an working professional, and want to better your job prospect, then this is a good MBA to choose. You can go for Dual Coursework MBA programs in USA where you can do part of your program in India, and the rest in the US. The subjects you study are blockchain technology, digital banking and fintech innovation. Hence if this is what you choose among the different streams in MBA, you will find yourself in good demand in the job market when you pass out.
3. MBA in Healthcare Management
India is fast becoming one of the biggest countries for healthcare tourism in the world. Along with that, the GOI is also pushing for more public sector healthcare awareness through programs like Ayushman Bharat. The pandemic also showed the importance of efficient healthcare management, which is why this is going to be one of the most in-demand MBAs in the coming years.
The choice of your MBA stream should be made after thorough considerations. You should choose a field that you like, and also has demand in future market. We hope that our guide will help you get clarity on some importantMBA streams related topics.
Why Futurense?
Finalizing the right MBA stream for career is not enough; you also need to make sure you do it from the right university or college. This is why at Futurense we provide opportunity for you to study in top MBA universities in the USA. With us, you can choose to study in the USA through our:
Futurense Uni: Get a MBA Techdegree from IIT Jodhpur. No CAT/GATErequired. With 3 In-Demand specialization options including
1. Managing Digital Enterprises with Analytics & AI
2. Digital Product Design and Management
3. FinTech & Cybersecurity
Futurense US Pathwaythrough which you can pursue a Master’s Degree from top US Universitieswithout having to give TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, or IELTS! You can do part of the course from India from IITs/IIMs (Advanced Certification), and the rest in the USA. This way you save money and time. You also get End-to-end Assistance, On-Site Career Assistance, Extensive Loan Support, 35+ Programs & Specializations and more!
FAQs
1. What are the most popular MBA streams in 2024?
Popular streams include Finance, Marketing, HR, Operations, IT, Entrepreneurship, and emerging fields like Data Analytics and Sustainability Management.
2. How do I choose the right MBA stream for my career goals?
Assess your interests, strengths, and career aspirations. Research industry trends, job opportunities, and the curriculum of each stream.
3. What is the scope of an MBA in Finance in 2024?
An MBA in Finance opens doors to roles like Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, and CFO, with high demand in fintech and global markets.
4. Is an MBA in Marketing still relevant in 2024?
Yes, especially with the growth of digital marketing, e-commerce, and data-driven strategies. Roles include Brand Manager and Digital Marketing Head.
5. What are the career opportunities after an MBA in Human Resources (HR)?
Graduates can pursue roles like HR Manager, Talent Acquisition Specialist, and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO).
6. How does an MBA in Operations Management benefit my career?
It prepares you for roles in supply chain management, logistics, and process optimization, such as Operations Manager and Supply Chain Analyst.
7. What is the future of an MBA in Information Technology (IT)?
With the rise of technology, an MBA in IT is highly valuable, leading to roles like IT Consultant, Product Manager, and Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
8. Should I pursue an MBA in Entrepreneurship if I want to start my own business?
Yes, it provides skills in business planning, funding, and innovation, helping you launch and grow your own venture.
9. What is the difference between a general MBA and a specialized MBA?
A general MBA offers a broad business overview, while a specialized MBA focuses on a specific area like Finance, Marketing, or HR. Choose based on your career goals.
10. How do I evaluate the ROI of an MBA program?
Consider tuition fees, placement rates, average salary post-MBA, and the institution's reputation. Compare these with your career goals and financial situation.
Share this post
Everything You Need To Know About Choosing An MBA Stream In 2024
August 7, 2024
•
3 mins
When it comes to postgraduate courses, MBA is the first choice for many. However, to have a successful career, you first need to choose the right MBA stream, otherwise you may not be that successful. Hence, before selecting a good MBA college, you need to first know which stream is best for an MBA. Here is a quick guide to different streams in MBA, information on some of them and three promising ones for 2024 and coming years.
What Are The Different Streams In MBA?
Before looking at what streams will be in demand, let’s first take a look at the different options you have under an MBA.
1. Marketing 2. Finance 3. Human Resource Management (HRM) 4. Operations Management 5. Information Technology (IT) 6. International Business (IB) 7. Supply Chain Management 8. Business Analytics 9. Healthcare Management 10. Entrepreneurship 11. Hospitality Management 12. Retail Management 13. Media and Communication 14. Rural Management 15. Sustainability Management
6 Popular MBA Streams To Choose
Below we have given top 6 popular MBA streams to choose from:
1. Marketing:
The best known of all MBA streams, here you will learn consumer behaviour, market research, branding, advertising, and digital marketing as well as how to drive business growth and gain customer engagement.
Potential Roles for Graduates in Marketing MBA
There are many career opportunities for a graduate with an MBA in Marketing. It includes:
Marketing Manager: Looking after campaigns, product promotions, and branding initiatives.
Brand Manager: Developing and maintaining a brand's identity and positioning in the market.
Digital Marketing Manager: Focusing on online campaigns, SEO, social media, and email marketing strategies.
Product Manager: Responsible for the lifecycle of products, from development to marketing.
Sales Manager: Responsible for leading a sales team to drive revenue through strategies and relationship management.
Market Research Analyst: Conducting research and analysing trends to help guide product and marketing decisions.
Top Recruiters
Top recruiters in the marketing sector often include leading companies from various industries, such as:
FMCG Companies: The Hindustan Unilever, Nestlé, ITC
This course is related to financial management and making financial decisions regarding investment. You will learn about financial markets, investment analysis, risk management as well as corporate finance.
Potential Roles for Graduates in MBA Finance
Graduating with an MBA in Finance? Then you are eligible to apply for these positions:
Financial Analyst: The responsibility is to analyse financial data that will guide the company's investment and business decisions.
Investment Banker: The responsibility in this job includes helping companies raise capital through equity and debt markets.
Corporate Finance Manager: In this job, the person is In charge of budgeting, capital structure, and financial planning for the company.
Risk Managers: This job entails recognizing and controlling financial hazards for their organizations.
Portfolio Manager: In charge of overseeing the investment portfolios of institutions or clients.
Credit Manager: Supervising the procedures for issuing credit and guaranteeing prompt receivables collection.
Top Recruiters in This Industry
Top recruiters for MBA Finance graduates come from a wide range of industries, mostly finance-related:
Banks & Financial Institutions: HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India
Investment firms: Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley
Consulting Firms: KPMG, Deloitte, EY
Private Equity & Venture Capital Firms: Sequoia Capital, Blackstone, Bain Capital
Corporate Houses: Reliance Industries, Tata Group, Aditya Birla Group
Another very popular choice among the MBA different streams. It is the study of how to manage the human resource or the employees of an organization; from recruiting the right people, maintaining relationships, evaluating their performance and also making sure the productivity of the company is enhanced.
Jobs MBA Human Resources Graduates Can Apply For
As one of the most popular MBA streams, graduates of the MBA in Human Resources find jobs in almost all segments of the industry. Their key roles include:
HR Manager: Overseeing recruitment, employee relations, and policy development.
Talent Acquisition Specialist: Focusing on recruiting and onboarding new employees.
Employee Relations Manager: Handling employee grievances and ensuring a positive work environment.
Manager of Compensation and Benefits: In charge of overseeing benefit plans and employee pay plans.
Training and Development Manager: Designing and implementing employee training programs for skill development.
HR Business Partner: The job of an HR business partner is to coordinate with senior management regarding the company's HR strategy and make sure it aligns with its business objectives.
Top Recruiters in This Industry
Top recruiters for MBA HR graduates come from a wide range of industries, with prominent names including:
One of the best MBA streams to come up in the last few decades is the mba in technology. You learn about IT strategy, cybersecurity, digital innovation and system management when you do mba in tech.
Career Options If You Are A Graduate with an MBA in Information Technology
An MBA in Information Technology (IT) gives a candidate the ideal mix of technical and business management abilities. So, this is one of the most promising MBA streams in India, opening up various career paths including:
IT Manager: The job of an IT manager is to handle the organization's technological operations, IT infrastructure and IT system.
IT Consultant: Advising companies on technology solutions to improve business processes and efficiency.
Project Manager (IT): Leading technology-related projects, managing timelines, budgets, and team coordination.
Chief Information Officer: Managing an organization's IT strategy and coordinating it with business goals is the responsibility of the chief information officer (CIO).
Systems Analyst: Evaluating and implementing technology systems that support business operations.
Data Analyst/Manager: Using data to support business choices and gain insights is what a data analyst or manager does.
Top Recruiters in This Industry
Major recruiters for MBA IT graduates come from IT, tech, and consulting firms. Major recruiters in India include:
IT Services & Consulting: Infosys, TCS, Wipro, Cognizant
Technology Companies: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM
Telecom Companies: Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea
E-commerce & Retail: Flipkart, Amazon, Paytm
Banking & Financial Services: HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank (for tech-related roles)
Consulting Firms: Deloitte, Accenture, Capgemini
Salary Expectation
Salaries for MBA IT graduates can differ depending on their job position and the industry they work in.
As freshers with no work experience: ₹7–15 lakhs per annum
Graduates with 3–5 years of experience: ₹15–25 lakhs per annum
Graduates with more than 5 years of experience: ₹25 lakhs and upwards
In IT, consulting, and tech roles, salaries can be even higher, especially for leadership roles like CIO or IT Director.
Data is fundamental to any business, and in this MBA stream, you learn how to do data analysis, statistical modelling, predictive analytics and big data in this course.
Potential Roles for Graduates in MBA Business Analytics
An MBA in Business Analytics prepares graduates to interpret data for business decisions. It is ideal for those aiming to merge data-driven analysis with strategic thinking. Common roles include:
Business Analyst: Analysing data to provide actionable insights that drive business growth.
Data Analyst: Working with data to create reports, identify trends, and guide decision-making.
Data Scientist: Using complex data analysis techniques to solve business problems.
Operations Analyst: Improving efficiency and performance through data-driven strategies.
Market Research Analyst: Collecting and interpreting data on consumers, competitors, and market conditions.
Analytics Manager: Leading teams of analysts and overseeing analytics projects across the organisation.
Top Recruiters in This Industry
Top recruiters for MBA Business Analytics graduates come from a wide range of sectors, especially in tech and consulting. Major recruiters include:
IT & Technology Firms: Google, Amazon, Microsoft, IBM
Consulting Firms: Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, McKinsey
Financial Services & Banking: HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, American Express
This surging industry contributes nearly 10% of India’s GDP, and the MBA regarding the retail industry is also very much in demand. You learn about consumer behavior, retail strategy, merchandising, retail management and supply chain in this course.
Potential Roles for Graduates in MBA Retail Management
An MBA in Retail Management focuses on managing the retail sector, from supply chains to customer experience. Graduates can take on diverse roles, such as:
Retail Manager: Overseeing the daily operations of retail outlets and ensuring optimal customer service.
Store Manager: Managing a single or group of retail stores, handling inventory, staff, and sales targets.
Category Manager: Managing product categories, pricing, and promotions to maximise profitability.
Luxury & Lifestyle Brands: Titan, Lifestyle, Louis Philippe
Salary Expectation
Compared to other MBA streams, the salary range in Retail Management is a bit lower:
For freshers with no work experience: ₹5–12 lakhs per annum
Graduates with 3–5 years of experience: ₹12–20 lakhs per annum
Graduates with more than 5 years of experience: ₹20 lakhs and upwards
Retail managers in e-commerce or luxury retail often command higher salaries due to the industry's growth and consumer demand.
So, these are some of the various MBA stream names that you should be aware of if you want to do an MBA. Now, let’s take a look at the five most promising MBA streams for a career in the coming years, in India.
Here are three MBA streams to consider, if you are planning to study MBA this year. These streams have great job prospects now and in the next coming years. They are in no particular order.
1. MBA in Business Analytics
With the Government of India pushing forward digital innovation through programs like Digital India, the need for professionals to interpret data is growing in demand. There is a huge explosion of data in India from various sources and industries need this data to be analyzed for making better business decisions. Hence, with an MBA in Business Analytics, it will be easy to find jobs in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, eCommerce and finance.
2. MBA in Finance
If you are already an working professional, and want to better your job prospect, then this is a good MBA to choose. You can go for Dual Coursework MBA programs in USA where you can do part of your program in India, and the rest in the US. The subjects you study are blockchain technology, digital banking and fintech innovation. Hence if this is what you choose among the different streams in MBA, you will find yourself in good demand in the job market when you pass out.
3. MBA in Healthcare Management
India is fast becoming one of the biggest countries for healthcare tourism in the world. Along with that, the GOI is also pushing for more public sector healthcare awareness through programs like Ayushman Bharat. The pandemic also showed the importance of efficient healthcare management, which is why this is going to be one of the most in-demand MBAs in the coming years.
The choice of your MBA stream should be made after thorough considerations. You should choose a field that you like, and also has demand in future market. We hope that our guide will help you get clarity on some importantMBA streams related topics.
Why Futurense?
Finalizing the right MBA stream for career is not enough; you also need to make sure you do it from the right university or college. This is why at Futurense we provide opportunity for you to study in top MBA universities in the USA. With us, you can choose to study in the USA through our:
Futurense Uni: Get a MBA Techdegree from IIT Jodhpur. No CAT/GATErequired. With 3 In-Demand specialization options including
1. Managing Digital Enterprises with Analytics & AI
2. Digital Product Design and Management
3. FinTech & Cybersecurity
Futurense US Pathwaythrough which you can pursue a Master’s Degree from top US Universitieswithout having to give TOEFL, GMAT, GRE, or IELTS! You can do part of the course from India from IITs/IIMs (Advanced Certification), and the rest in the USA. This way you save money and time. You also get End-to-end Assistance, On-Site Career Assistance, Extensive Loan Support, 35+ Programs & Specializations and more!
FAQs
1. What are the most popular MBA streams in 2024?
Popular streams include Finance, Marketing, HR, Operations, IT, Entrepreneurship, and emerging fields like Data Analytics and Sustainability Management.
2. How do I choose the right MBA stream for my career goals?
Assess your interests, strengths, and career aspirations. Research industry trends, job opportunities, and the curriculum of each stream.
3. What is the scope of an MBA in Finance in 2024?
An MBA in Finance opens doors to roles like Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, and CFO, with high demand in fintech and global markets.
4. Is an MBA in Marketing still relevant in 2024?
Yes, especially with the growth of digital marketing, e-commerce, and data-driven strategies. Roles include Brand Manager and Digital Marketing Head.
5. What are the career opportunities after an MBA in Human Resources (HR)?
Graduates can pursue roles like HR Manager, Talent Acquisition Specialist, and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO).
6. How does an MBA in Operations Management benefit my career?
It prepares you for roles in supply chain management, logistics, and process optimization, such as Operations Manager and Supply Chain Analyst.
7. What is the future of an MBA in Information Technology (IT)?
With the rise of technology, an MBA in IT is highly valuable, leading to roles like IT Consultant, Product Manager, and Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
8. Should I pursue an MBA in Entrepreneurship if I want to start my own business?
Yes, it provides skills in business planning, funding, and innovation, helping you launch and grow your own venture.
9. What is the difference between a general MBA and a specialized MBA?
A general MBA offers a broad business overview, while a specialized MBA focuses on a specific area like Finance, Marketing, or HR. Choose based on your career goals.
10. How do I evaluate the ROI of an MBA program?
Consider tuition fees, placement rates, average salary post-MBA, and the institution's reputation. Compare these with your career goals and financial situation.