The technical skill-building and leadership refinement of an MBA program is one way to fast-track your professional development process. The network you build — and having one of the most respected and sought-after credentials on your resume — helps open doors to advancement across industries and professional functions. There are countless paths for MBA alums to take, and these are just a few of the best opportunities out there for graduates of The Portland MBA:
Consultancy
Consulting is one of the more popular fields for MBA alums. We often hear of MBAs landing jobs at large firms, such as McKinsey, BCG, Deloitte and Bain. Portland is home to several smaller consulting firms like Propeller, Pepper Foster, Slalom and Hitachi. Some of our MBA grads have landed positions there, including Jodi Nelson and Thomas Arm (Propeller) and Leslie Siegle (Slalom).
Finance
MBA graduates pursuing careers in the financial sector add value in positions like controller, cash manager, treasurer, credit manager and risk manager. The Portland MBA offers a finance specialization for students who may not have extensive professional experience in financial management but are serious about pivoting to a career in that area.
Marketing
The marketing sector offers MBA alums both management and research opportunities. Product and brand manager positions are common, as are research analysis roles. The Portland MBA curriculum features several marketing courses dealing with fundamentals and corporate strategies. In addition, MBA candidates who want to deepen their marketing skills can partake in our Athletic and Outdoor Industry graduate certificate program.
Healthcare
PSU offers a Healthcare MBA that is particularly impactful for professionals who want to advance as administrators in large hospitals and health-care facilities. In conjunction with OHSU, the Healthcare MBA follows a thematic curriculum exploring distinct areas of the healthcare industry including operations and quality, as well as leadership and management.
Nonprofits
Many candidates are attracted to The Portland MBA for its values rooted in social justice and innovation. The Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship graduate certificate curriculum helps equip students to lead nonprofits and address the complex social and environmental challenges facing society today.
Entrepreneurship
Earning your MBA is an effective way to develop the business acumen to launch your own business. In addition to holistic business education, our curriculum encourages entrepreneurship through courses like Pioneering Innovation, as well as the Launch-in-9 capstone program. Rich Schwartz, Rebecca Goldcrump, Alex Gamboa Grand and Paul Thompson are just a few examples of MBA alums who have founded impactful companies.
Portland State University Graduate Business Blog 