After the economic downturn in 2008, many students who previously would have gone directly into the job market after graduating from college instead chose to earn advanced degrees. The development of online Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs like the Southeastern Oklahoma State University (Southeastern) MBA with a Concentration in Finance also increased access to advanced, specialized study for working finance professionals.
Further, the COVID-19 pandemic created economic volatility while disrupting historic education models, inadvertently normalizing the online education model for many. In fact — for the first time — more full-time students were enrolled in online MBA programs than residential MBA programs during the 2020-2021 school year. With these graduates in the job market, it is more competitive than ever, so job seekers must set themselves apart from other applicants. A specialized MBA in finance can be key to landing a high-level job in the crowded field of finance.
Stand Out With Essential Finance Skills
Earning an MBA with an emphasis in finance can offer you the competitive edge you need to attract recruiters’ attention and stand out to firms looking for finance professionals. Plus, with the online design of Southeastern’s finance MBA, you can study anywhere with an internet connection whenever it best suits your personal and professional schedule. This flexibility is a core component of what the modern, working student looks for in an MBA program.
A focus on finance means more today than it did in the past. The standard MBA core curriculum, coupled with a finance concentration, familiarizes degree candidates with the traits and skills required of C-suite executives. A comprehensive program like Southeastern’s prepares graduates with a foundation in investing, valuation, statistics, leadership, economics, strategy and marketing. Today, financial analysts must evaluate a wide array of investment opportunities, assist with mergers and acquisitions and translate financial data for fellow executives, investors and cross-functional teams.
What You Learn in an Online MBA in Finance Program
In addition to foundational knowledge, an MBA with an emphasis in finance program explores the nuances of various securities investments while monitoring the global economy for emerging business challenges. Further, these programs develop the technical skills that business-savvy students need to excel at financial management.
A standard MBA curriculum paired with finance-specific topics creates a powerful convergence of economic knowledge, leadership mastery and ethics-based business and financial management skills. These assets can help an individual stand out from competitors and find opportunities that suit their interests, personalities and lifestyles. Advanced, specialized expertise and skills are more important than ever, given the increasing emphasis today’s employers place on skills-based hiring.
Applying Your Finance and Business Insight in the Real World
Whether you aspire to move up to the C-Suite or become a premier actuary, finance courses are available to advance your career. With the right online MBA in finance program, you can expect to master real-world technical and analytical skills while avoiding the inconvenience of rigid class schedules in fixed locations. Graduates can pursue opportunities as sought-after leaders, chief financial officers (CFOs) and valued board members.
According to Indeed, a broad range of jobs are available to professionals with MBAs in finance. Further, Monster notes that finance is one of the most lucrative MBA specializations, leading to a number of the highest-paying jobs for MBA graduates. While finance MBA programs can be rigorous, they help students build the foundations required to compete in today’s global marketplace.
Learn more about Southeastern’s online MBA with a Concentration in Finance program.