Published: 04 Feb 2025 | Reading Time: 5 min read
After completing an MBA, many graduates face the question, "After MBA which course is best?" to crack competitive jobs, so upskilling is crucial to stand out. An MBA alone may not be sufficient to secure top roles. Specializing through additional certifications or courses can help you gain expertise in areas like software development, data science, digital marketing, or finance, which are in high demand.
In this blog post, we will explore the best courses to consider after MBA for those seeking to enhance their qualifications and highlight high-paying jobs that can be pursued following these specialised courses. These courses could be the right step for your career, read ahead to find out!
An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a graduate-level degree that focuses on developing skills and knowledge in business and management. It's designed to prepare individuals for leadership roles in various organisations and industries by providing a strong foundation in key areas such as finance, marketing, operations, strategy, and organisational behaviour.
Many MBA programs offer specialisations that allow students to focus on particular business areas. Some common specialisations include:
Here are some key reasons why you should choose an MBA:
Pursuing a course after MBA can significantly enhance your skill set and open up new career opportunities. While an MBA provides foundational business knowledge, additional courses such as specialised certifications or advanced degrees can deepen expertise in specific fields like finance, marketing, or leadership. Opting for after MBA which course is best ensures you stay ahead in a competitive job market, whether you pursue online courses after an MBA or study abroad. Moreover, these courses help you adapt to evolving industry trends, enabling a thriving, dynamic career path in consulting, investment banking, or management leadership roles.
After completing an MBA, many people consider taking additional courses to specialize further in areas like finance, marketing, software fields or entrepreneurship. These post-MBA courses can really boost your career by helping you become an expert in a specific field, which can lead to higher-paying roles and more opportunities for advancement. Many students might be wondering, after MBA what should I do?, the answer is that continuing your education with specialized courses will help you stay competitive and meet the changing demands of the business requirements. The key is to improve your skills and position yourself for success.
Several advanced courses and certifications can help MBA graduates achieve more tremendous career success. Here are some of the best options:
Getting a second MBA from a top international school allows you to gain a broader perspective on global business. You'll learn new business models, and strategies, and have access to an international network that can help you climb the career ladder faster.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | First MBA or equivalent, 2-3 years of professional work experience, GMAT/GRE score (depending on institution). |
| Duration | 12 months to 24 months |
| Cost | $30,000 to $100,000+ (depending on the institution) |
| Top Institutions | Harvard Business School, INSEAD, London Business School, Columbia Business School |
| Job Roles | Senior Management, Global Consultant, International Business Leader, CEO |
| Average Pay | $120,000 - $250,000 annually |
| Scope | Expanding career opportunities in multinational corporations, consultancy, and executive leadership roles across various industries globally. |
If you're a senior professional looking to boost your leadership skills while continuing to work, an Executive MBA could be the perfect fit. It focuses on real-world challenges, strategic thinking, and advanced management concepts, helping you prepare for top-tier leadership positions.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Bachelor's degree and 2 years of work experience, preferably in a managerial or senior role. |
| Duration | 10 months to 15 months |
| Cost | 10,00,000 to 30,00,000 |
| Top Institutions | ISB, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, XLRI Jamshedpur, SP Jain Institute of Management |
| Job Roles | Senior Director, Executive Manager, CEO, COO, CMO, Business Strategist |
| Average Pay | 25,00,000 - 50,00,000 annually |
| Scope | Access to senior executive roles in corporate strategy, operations, consulting. |
This program is all about using data to make better decisions. You'll learn how to analyse and interpret large datasets to solve business problems. Whether you're working in finance, marketing, or operations, this skill is in high demand across all industries.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Intermediate/Graduation degree in any discipline preferably statistics, mathematics, commerce and economics |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Cost | ₹80,000 to ₹3,00,000 |
| Top Institutions | ISB, IIM Lucknow, Great Lakes, Praxis Business School, Jigsaw Academy |
| Job Roles | Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Data Scientist, Marketing Analyst |
| Average Pay | ₹6,00,000 - ₹20,00,000 annually |
| Scope | High demand in e-commerce, tech, finance, healthcare industries. |
A Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) is an excellent choice for those interested in academia or high-level consultancy. This degree is for professionals seeking to delve into research, theory development, and advanced business practices.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Bachelor's Degree with 3+ Years of Work Experience |
| Duration | 1 to 3 years |
| Cost | ₹8,00,000 to ₹12,00,000 |
| Top Institutions | IIM, ISB, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, Mumbai University, SP Jain Global |
| Job Roles | Business Researcher, University Professor, Senior Consultant, Chief Strategy Officer |
| Average Pay | ₹3,00,000 - ₹15,00,000 annually |
| Scope | Academia, high-level consultancy, and research roles in business. |
If you want to specialize in finance, the Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) certification is a prestigious qualification. It helps you understand financial markets, investment analysis, and portfolio management highly sought-after skills in finance and investment banking roles.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Bachelor's degree or 4 years of professional work experience (in finance or investment-related fields). |
| Duration | 2 to 3 years |
| Cost | ₹1,50,000 to ₹3,00,000 (for the entire program) |
| Top Institutions | CFA Institute (global), EduPristine, Imarticus Learning |
| Job Roles | Investment Analyst, Portfolio Manager, Equity Analyst, Risk Manager, Financial Consultant |
| Average Pay | ₹8,00,000-₹35,00,000 annually |
| Scope | High demand in finance, investment banking, asset management, and consulting. |
The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a globally recognized credential for project managers. This course focuses on essential project management principles, methodologies, and tools, making it ideal for MBA graduates aiming for leadership or managerial positions in any industry.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | 4-year bachelor's degree or 3 years of project management experience |
| Duration | Valid for 3 years |
| Cost | ₹40,000 to ₹1,00,000 |
| Top Institutions | PMI, SPJIMR, L&T IPM, RICS |
| Job Roles | Project Manager, Program Manager, Operations Manager, Project Director |
| Average Pay | ₹9,00,000-₹38,00,000 annually |
| Scope | High demand in IT, construction, manufacturing, and consultancy sectors |
If you want to become a software developer, learning technical skills is essential. Software development courses teach you to code using Python, Java, and JavaScript. These skills will help you build websites, apps, and software tools. With this expertise, you can become full stack, Mern stack, backend developers in the top companies.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | No formal education or experience is required |
| Duration | 8 months to 1 year |
| Cost | ₹25,000 to ₹2,00,000 |
| Top Institutions | CCBP, Udemy, Coursera, edX |
| Job Roles | Software Developer, Full Stack Developer, Front-end Developer, Backend Developer, MERN Stack Developer |
| Average Pay | ₹5,00,000-₹20,00,000 annually |
| Scope | High demand in tech companies, software firms, startups, and freelancing opportunities. |
The PGDCA provides foundational knowledge in computer applications. It's ideal for professionals who want to improve their tech skills and use technology more effectively in business. This diploma prepares you to manage IT systems and software applications in various industries.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Bachelor's degree in any discipline (preferably in science, commerce, or business). |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Cost | ₹7,000 to ₹5,00,000 |
| Top Institutions | Bella College Ropar, Amar Nath Girls Degree College Mathura, AKS University, ADS College Morena, Abhyuday University Khargone |
| Job Roles | Software Developer, IT Consultant, Systems Administrator, Database Administrator, Network Administrator |
| Average Pay | ₹3,50,000 - ₹5,00,000 annually |
| Scope | Opportunities in IT services, software companies, government jobs, and startups. |
Data science and analytics have become vital in decision-making. Enrolling in Data Science and Analytics Courses can empower you to analyze complex data, generate insights, and apply these findings to business strategies. This is especially useful for professionals looking to work in sectors like e-commerce, tech, or healthcare.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must complete 12th grade (preferably in science, technology, or mathematics). |
| Duration | 6 months to 2 years (depending on the program and intensity) |
| Cost | ₹40,000 to ₹8,00,000 |
| Top Institutions | ISB, Jigsaw Academy, Simplilearn, Coursera, UpGrad, Praxis Business School |
| Job Roles | Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Engineer |
| Average Pay | ₹11,00,000-₹20,00,000 annually |
| Scope | High demand in tech, e-commerce, finance, and healthcare industries. |
Digital marketing is indispensable in the modern business landscape. MBA graduates who pursue Digital Marketing Certifications gain expertise in areas such as SEO, SEM, social media marketing, and digital advertising. This certification opens up opportunities in marketing management roles and entrepreneurial ventures.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must have 50% in 12th grade (preferably in science, commerce, and arts) |
| Duration | 3 to 5 months |
| Cost | ₹15,000 to ₹1,09,045 |
| Top Institutions | Aiit Computer Education, Naarayana Technologies, Emblix Academy, Web Trainings, Digital Marketing Academy, Digital Floats, NIIT Ltd, Ace Web Academy, Digital Chandu Solutions. |
| Job Roles | Digital Marketing Manager, SEO Specialist, Social Media Manager, PPC Expert, Content Strategist |
| Average Pay | ₹4,00,000-₹12,00,000 annually |
| Scope | High demand in e-commerce, advertising agencies, tech companies, and startups. |
A Lean Six Sigma Certification helps professionals improve business processes by eliminating waste and ensuring quality. This certification is widely recognized in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and IT, and is valuable for those pursuing roles in operations or process management.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Bachelor's degree or 2 years of professional work experience in project management or operations. |
| Duration | 3 months to 1 year |
| Cost | ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 |
| Top Institutions | Simplilearn, Six Sigma Global Institute, International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC) |
| Job Roles | Process Improvement Manager, Operations Manager, Quality Assurance Manager, Project Manager |
| Average Pay | ₹13,00,000-₹20,00,000 annually |
| Scope | In-demand across manufacturing, healthcare, IT, and service industries. |
In a globalized world, knowing an additional language can open up new career prospects. Learning a foreign language, such as Mandarin, Spanish, or French, can be beneficial for MBA graduates seeking international roles or working with global teams.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | No formal education is required |
| Duration | 400 - 2200 hrs (depending on the language and level of proficiency) |
| Cost | ₹5,000 to ₹2,00,000 (varies by language and institute) |
| Top Institutions | Alliance Française, Goethe Institute, Instituto Cervantes, The British Council, Max Mueller Bhavan |
| Job Roles | Translator, Interpreter, International Business Manager, Language Specialist, Teacher |
| Average Pay | ₹3,00,000-₹15,00,000 annually |
| Scope | Global opportunities in diplomacy, multinational companies, and education. |
For those with a strong interest in finance, pursuing Advanced Financial Modeling and Valuation courses can help develop skills in analyzing complex financial data. These courses teach you how to forecast financial trends and evaluate investment opportunities, making them perfect for investment banking and financial consulting careers.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or accounting. Some programs may require prior financial experience. |
| Duration | 3-4 years |
| Cost | ₹12,000 to ₹2,00,000 |
| Top Institutions | Wall Street Prep, EduPristine, Financial Edge, IMARTICUS Learning |
| Job Roles | Financial Analyst, Equity Analyst, Investment Banker, Valuation Analyst, Mergers & Acquisitions Specialist |
| Average Pay | ₹3,50,000-₹7,00,000 annually |
| Scope | Career growth in investment banking, private equity, financial consulting, and corporate finance. |
Certifications in Supply Chain Management (CSCP) are essential for MBA graduates aiming to work in logistics, operations, or supply chain management. This certification focuses on optimizing business processes, inventory management, and procurement strategies.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Prior experience in supply chain management is a plus. |
| Duration | 100 hours |
| Cost | ₹3,000 to ₹5,00,000 |
| Top Institutions | APICS, IIMs, Coursera, MIT, ISB |
| Job Roles | Supply Chain Manager, Logistics Manager, Procurement Specialist, Operations Manager |
| Average Pay | ₹18,00,000-₹56,00,000 annually |
| Scope | Growing demand in logistics, manufacturing, e-commerce, and procurement sectors. |
The CPIM certification is designed for manufacturing, production, or operations professionals. It teaches you how to improve inventory management, streamline production processes, and ensure that operations run efficiently, helping to reduce costs and improve productivity.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | No minimum qualification is required |
| Duration | 3.5 hours |
| Cost | ₹22,000 |
| Top Institutions | APICS, IICSM, Coursera, NIIT |
| Job Roles | Production Manager, Inventory Manager, Operations Manager, Supply Chain Planner |
| Average Pay | ₹5,00,000-₹18,00,000 annually |
| Scope | Opportunities in manufacturing, retail, e-commerce, and logistics. |
An MBA provides a broad skill set that opens up numerous career opportunities across various sectors. Here are some of the best job roles for those considering a job after MBA and what specialised courses can lead you to specific post-MBA courses and certifications:
After completing an MBA with a focus on technology, graduates can explore dynamic roles in software development:
| Job Title | Experience Range | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | 0-3 | INR 5,00,000 |
| Product Manager (Tech) | 0-3 | INR 16,00,000 |
| Business Analyst (Tech) | 0-3 | INR 8,00,000 |
| Technical Project Manager | 0-3 | INR 14,00,000 |
| Solutions Architect | 0-3 | INR 13,50,000 |
| UX/UI Designer | 0-3 | INR 5,00,000 |
| DevOps Engineer | 0-3 | INR 6,00,000 |
| Software Development Manager | 0-3 | INR 20,00,000 |
After completing an MBA, many graduates choose to work in consulting firms. Consulting offers dynamic job roles in various sectors, where you can apply problem-solving and strategic thinking.
| Job Title | Experience Range | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Management Consultant | 0-3 | INR 18,00,000 |
| Strategy Consultant | 0-3 | INR 16,00,000 |
| Operations Consultant | 0-3 | INR 5,00,000 |
| Human Resources Consultant | 0-3 | INR 4,00,000 |
For those who pursue courses like Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) or Advanced Financial Modeling, the finance sector offers lucrative and rewarding roles:
| Job Title | Experience Range | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Banker | 4-6 | INR 22,50,000 |
| Financial Analyst | 0-3 | INR 8,00,000 |
| Portfolio Manager | 7-9 | INR 20,00,000 |
| Risk Manager | 4-6 | INR 15,00,000 |
| Corporate Finance Manager | 7-9 | INR 18,00,000 |
| Equity Analyst | 4-6 | INR 12,00,000 |
An MBA opens up various leadership opportunities in Multinational Corporations (MNCs). MBA graduates can rise to senior positions, overseeing large teams and contributing to organisational growth.
| Job Title | Experience Range | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| General Manager | 7-9 | INR 25,00,000 |
| Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | 15+ | INR 30,00,000 |
| Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | 4-6 | INR 22,50,000 |
| Chief Operating Officer (COO) | 10-14 | INR 30,30,000 |
| Product Manager | 4-6 | INR 20,00,000 |
| Business Development Manager | 7-9 | INR 9,00,000 |
An MBA with a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification opens doors to a career in managing large, complex projects across various industries.
| Job Title | Experience Range | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Project Manager | 7-9 | INR 15,00,000 |
| Program Manager | 7-9 | INR 18,00,000 |
| Project Coordinator | 4-6 | INR 6,00,000 |
| Construction Manager | 7-9 | INR 13,10,000 |
With the rise of Data Science and Analytics courses, MBA graduates can specialize in analyzing large datasets to drive business decisions and strategies.
| Job Title | Experience Range | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Data Analyst | 0-3 | INR 6,00,000 |
| Data Scientist | 0-3 | INR 11,00,000 |
| Business Intelligence Analyst | 4-6 | INR 9,00,000 |
| Quantitative Analyst (Quant) | 0-3 | INR 15,00,000 |
Completing Digital Marketing Certifications prepares MBA graduates for roles that require expertise in online marketing strategies, social media, and digital advertising.
| Job Title | Experience Range | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Marketing Manager | 4-6 | INR 8,00,000 |
| SEO/SEM Specialist | 4-6 | INR 8,00,000 |
| Social Media Manager | 7-9 | INR 9,00,000 |
| Content Strategist | 1-3 | INR 6,00,000 |
| E-commerce Manager | 7-9 | INR 10,00,000 |
After completing certifications like CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional), MBA graduates can enter various roles in logistics, procurement, and supply chain management.
| Job Title | Experience Range | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Supply Chain Manager | 4-6 | INR 14,20,000 |
| Logistics Manager | 7-9 | INR 8,00,000 |
| Procurement Manager | 4-6 | INR 9,00,000 |
| Inventory Manager | 7-9 | INR 9,00,000 |
| Operations Manager | 7-9 | INR 9,00,000 |
With an MBA in Human Resources, graduates can pursue careers focused on managing talent, improving organizational culture, and optimizing HR strategies.
| Job Title | Experience Range | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| HR Manager | 4-6 | INR 7,00,000 |
| Talent Acquisition Manager | 7-9 | INR 10,00,000 |
| Compensation and Benefits Manager | 7-9 | INR 17,90,000 |
| Training and Development Manager | 7-9 | INR 12,00,000 |
| HR Business Partner | 10-14 | INR 15,00,000 |
For MBA graduates interested in launching their own ventures, an MBA equips them with the skills to build and manage a business from scratch.
| Job Title | Experience Range | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Founder/CEO of a Startup | 15+ | INR 32,50,000 |
| Product Developer | 4-6 | INR 9,00,000 |
| Venture Capital Analyst | 0-3 | INR 24,00,000 |
| Business Consultant | 4-6 | INR 12,00,000 |
With an MBA in Healthcare Management, professionals can manage healthcare systems, hospitals, and medical organizations.
| Job Title | Experience Range | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Administrator | 0-3 | INR 3,60,000 |
| Clinical Operations Manager | 4-6 | INR 13,00,000 |
| Health Services Manager | 0-3 | INR 6,00,000 |
| Pharmaceutical Project Manager | 7-9 | INR 9,00,000 |
For MBA graduates with a focus on Technology Management, job opportunities lie at the intersection of business and technology.
| Job Title | Experience Range | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| IT Manager | 7-9 | INR 11,00,000 |
| Chief Information Officer (CIO) | 4-6 | INR 55,20,000 |
| Technology Consultant | 0-3 | INR 7,00,000 |
| Product Manager (Tech) | 4-6 | INR 20,00,000 |
When selecting a course after your MBA, consider the following factors to make an informed decision:
Your area of interest will guide the choice of course. For example, pursuing the Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) certification is ideal if you are passionate about finance. PMP or Lean Six Sigma could be a better fit if you lean towards operations or project management.
Stay updated with the current job market trends. As industries evolve, certifications related to emerging fields like Data Science, Digital Marketing, or Supply Chain Management are increasingly in demand.
Many certifications and courses require a significant time commitment and financial investment. Consider the time and cost associated with each course and select one that aligns with your personal and professional situation.
Choose a course that helps you achieve your long-term career goals. Whether you aspire to be a senior executive, an entrepreneur, or an expert in a specific field, make sure the course you select is in line with your vision for the future.
In conclusion, the best online courses after MBA will remain a powerful qualification. However, further upskilling is essential to stay competitive. Pursuing specialized courses like CFA, PMP, or DBA, along with certifications in emerging fields like Data Science or Digital Marketing, can enhance your career prospects significantly. Choosing the right course after MBA is a strategic decision that should align with your career goals and personal interests.
After completing Mechanical Engineering, pursuing an MBA in Operations, Supply Chain Management, or Project Management is ideal. These specializations align with the technical and problem-solving skills developed during engineering, while also equipping you for leadership roles.
For graduates with a B Pharmacy background, an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management or Healthcare Management is highly beneficial. It helps you bridge the gap between business and healthcare, preparing you for roles in the pharmaceutical industry or healthcare organizations.
The best course after an MBA depends on your career aspirations. Popular options include Software Development Courses, CFA for finance professionals, PMP for project managers, or Digital Marketing Certifications for those seeking marketing roles.
After completing B Com, an MBA in Finance, Marketing, or Human Resources can be beneficial. It provides deeper insights into business operations and leadership, preparing you for a wide range of managerial roles.
After Engineering, an MBA in Technology Management, Operations, or Project Management would be most suitable. It complements the technical skills gained in engineering and opens up career opportunities in both the tech and manufacturing sectors.