While earning a Master of Business Administration is a great way to lay the foundation for a promotion with your company, it can also help open doors beyond your current industry.
Boise State University’s Online Master of Business Administration will prepare you to pursue your own MBA career change.
The program provides long-term value and MBA transferable skills across any industry by focusing on the people elements of business rather than profits alone — creating value for you, your organization, customers, employees and the community.
The Online MBA curriculum goes beyond entry-level work, focusing on advanced skills in leadership, management and strategy, empowering you to become a visionary leader who can make impactful and people-centered decisions valued by most companies.
Common career pivots
Once you graduate with an Online MBA from Boise State, you qualify for leadership roles across different industries that give you ultimate career flexibility. Three of those top roles, which include a salary range of 80-100,000 are:
- Investment Manager: Oversee financial portfolios for clients, making strategic decisions to grow and protect their assets. Analyze market trends, assess risk and select investments that align with goals.
- Senior Project Manager: Lead the planning, execution and completion of large-scale construction projects and manage project timelines, budgets and resources while coordinating with architects, engineers and contractors to ensure work meets quality standards.
- Compliance Director: Ensure that the cybersecurity practices of an organization meet regulatory and industry standards. Develop and enforce policies, conduct audits and oversee risk assessments to safeguard data and maintain compliance with legal requirements.
Other than these three examples, having an Online MBA under your belt can create numerous opportunities to work in different roles, across different industries that interest you.
Networking opportunities
Boise State’s Online MBA students come into the program with an average of eight-and-a-half years of professional experience at an average age of 35.
Through interactive class activities, you will gain access to a high-level group of managers from across the country that can help you potentially make an MBA career change.
The courses in the curriculum encourage collaboration and networking with a diverse, highly qualified peer group that gives you different business perspectives and sets you up to make deep connections.
“I have enjoyed getting to know my classmates and working with them and working with people in industries that are very different than mine,” current Online MBA student Carly Cash said. “It’s been eye-opening and fun.”
Employer perception
Employers value a respected, accredited MBA when looking to hire leaders. Boise State’s College of Business and Economics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), putting it in the top tier of business schools worldwide.
Only 6% of business institutions in 56 territories and countries have earned AACSB accreditation, which assures you that the program meets rigorous criteria and standards for excellence in education in engagement, innovation and impact.
“Getting my MBA has opened many opportunities, boosted my confidence to know that I am capable of achieving what I put my mind to and being an example to my girls,” 2024 Online MBA graduate Amy Woodard said. “It gives me a little bit of a leg up if I was in a position to need it.
“It sets me apart a bit, but it’s more for the learning. I am a continually lifelong learner. Because it’s very applicable to what I do, it has been that extra polishing and refinement to my existing skill-set.”
Frequently asked questions about MBA career changes
Will employers hire career changers with an MBA?
Yes. Employers actively look for candidates who bring diverse perspectives into their organizations. If a logistics firm hires a former healthcare professional with an advanced business degree, they aren’t just hiring a manager — they are hiring someone who deeply understands an entirely different client base.
What is the best way to leverage an online MBA for a career pivot?
Take full advantage of specialized emphasis areas and university career services while enrolled. By tailoring your elective tracks to your target industry, such as cyber operations, finance or marketing leadership, you build instant, niche credibility on your resume.
Learn more about the Online MBA
Earning an Online Master of Business Administration from Boise State University can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online degree is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.