MBA Career Paths
A Jenkins MBA opens doors to careers across industries, functions and sectors — in leadership, consulting, entrepreneurship and beyond — wherever your goals take you.
What can you do with an MBA?
An MBA is one of the most versatile graduate degrees available. Jenkins MBA graduates work as product managers, operations directors, marketing leaders, entrepreneurs and senior executives across every industry — from technology and healthcare to consumer goods, financial services and manufacturing.
Average accepted salary for Jenkins Online MBA grads, plus an average signing bonus of $23,792 (2023–2025)
AI is fundamentally disrupting how organizations create value. Companies across every industry are reimagining their business models, redefining competitive advantages and restructuring how they operate — and that shift is accelerating. This creates demand for leaders who can architect and drive enterprise-level transformation, not just analyze and optimize within existing systems. That makes the broad-based leadership perspective an MBA develops more valuable, not less — and because every organization needs leaders who can navigate complexity and drive results, that demand holds across economic conditions.
What is your MBA career goal?
An MBA means something different to everyone who pursues one. These are some of the most common goals Jenkins MBA students bring with them — and the careers that can follow.
MBA Career Paths: Where Jenkins Graduates Work
Jenkins MBA graduates work across a wide range of industries and functions. The table below reflect where recent graduates have landed — from their first post-MBA position to senior leadership.
| Function | Career Progression | Industries Where You’ll Work |
|---|---|---|
| General Management & Strategy | Business Analyst → Strategy Manager → Product Manager → Program Manager → Director of Strategy → VP of Operations → General Manager → Chief Operating Officer | Technology, financial services, manufacturing, healthcare |
| Consulting | Analyst → Associate → Senior Associate → Engagement Manager → Principal → Partner | Consulting firms, energy, healthcare, financial services |
| Finance & Accounting | Financial Analyst → Senior Financial Analyst → Finance Manager → FP&A Manager → Director of Finance → Chief Financial Officer | Financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, technology |
| Marketing & Sales | Brand Manager → Account Manager → Marketing Manager → Senior Marketing Manager → VP of Marketing → Global Customer Success Lead → Chief Marketing Officer → Chief Revenue Officer | Consumer goods, technology, retail, healthcare |
| Operations & Supply Chain | Supply Chain Analyst → Material Planner → Operations Manager → Senior Operations Manager → Director of Operations → VP of Supply Chain | Manufacturing, technology, energy, healthcare |
| Entrepreneurship & Innovation | Associate → Innovation Manager → Director of New Ventures → Founder → CEO → Principal Consultant | Across industries |
Jenkins MBA Alumni in Action
The NC State network of organizations hiring Jenkins MBA graduates spans industries, functions and sectors. Recent employers include IBM, McDonald’s, Lowe’s, Hitachi Energy, Nucor, Deloitte, ScottMadden, Fidelity Investments, Bandwidth and the NC Department of Commerce. View Career Outcomes.
Jenkins MBA alumni go on to lead teams, launch companies and drive change across every industry — applying what they learned at NC State to careers that look as different as the people who pursued them.
jenkins mba alumni careers
Clara Cabaniss (MBA ’25), Senior Project Manager, The Clorox Company
Clara’s Story
Marcus Rountree (MBA ’12), Group Product Manager – Reservation Technology, Delta Air Lines
Marcus’ Story
Stenisha Green (MBA ’09),
Founder and Principal Consultant, Ebveon LLC
Stenisha’s Story
Luke Hale, MBA ’23
Sr. Product Manager, IBM
Luke’s Story
Career Support From Day One
Your career development doesn’t begin after graduation — it begins during orientation week. The Poole Career Center works with Jenkins MBA students from the moment they arrive, providing the coaching, connections and resources to help you find your direction and pursue it with confidence.
- One-on-One Career Coaching – Work with dedicated career coaches who help you clarify your goals, refine your story and navigate the MBA recruiting process — whether you’re advancing in your field, changing industries or transitioning from the military.
- Employer Access and Recruiting – Jenkins MBA students connect with employers through on-campus recruiting, networking events, company visits and a structured recruiting cycle designed to give you every advantage in a competitive job market.
- Internship Experience – Full-time MBA students complete a paid, MBA-level internship between their first and second year — putting classroom skills to work in real business settings and building momentum toward full-time employment.
- Lifelong Career Support – Career support at Jenkins doesn’t end at graduation. Alumni have ongoing access to coaching, resources and the broader Poole network — because career growth doesn’t stop when you leave campus.
Which MBA format fits your career goals?
The Jenkins MBA is offered in two formats. Both deliver the same rigorous curriculum and access to the Poole Career Center — the right choice depends on where you are in your career and how you want to learn.
Full-time MBA
Best for professionals who want an immersive experience, the Full-time MBA access to a structured recruiting cycle and the opportunity to make a complete career change or transition — including from the military.
- Two-year, residential program
- Summer internship between years one and two
- Full access to on-campus recruiting and employer events
- Ideal for career changers and those seeking significant career acceleration
Online MBA
Best for working professionals who want to advance their careers without stepping away from them. The Online MBA offers the flexibility to keep working while building the skills and credentials to move into leadership.
- Part-time, fully online with optional in-person experiences
- Raleigh Residency and PACKed Saturdays for in-person connection
- Ideal for career advancers and professionals seeking leadership roles in their current field
The Jenkins MBA Career Advantage
A Jenkins MBA is built for career results. A STEM designation, a nationally recognized analytics curriculum and AACSB accreditation combine to give you a credential that employers recognize — and a skill set they’re actively looking for.
#8 for Business Analytics
No. 8 Online MBA program for business analytics | U.S. News & World Report 2024–25
#1 for Entrepreneurship
No. 1 Graduate Entrepreneurship program in the Southeast | The Princeton Review 2022
#6 for Employability
No. 6 Online MBA Employability in North America | QS World Rankings 2026
MBA Careers FAQs
Below we provide some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about MBA careers.
What can you do with an MBA degree?
An MBA opens doors across industries and functions — from general management and consulting to marketing, finance, operations and entrepreneurship. Jenkins MBA graduates work at companies ranging from global corporations to startups, in roles that span strategy, product management, supply chain, business development and beyond. The degree is valued not just for what you know, but for how you think and lead.
Is an MBA worth it for career changers?
For many professionals, an MBA is the most direct path to a meaningful career change. It gives you the business foundation, professional credibility and recruiter access to make a pivot that would be difficult to navigate on your own. The Jenkins MBA has a strong track record of supporting that kind of transition.
What is the difference between a full-time and online MBA for career outcomes?
Both formats deliver the same curriculum and access to the Poole Career Center. The full-time MBA is better suited for professionals seeking an immersive experience, a structured recruiting cycle or a significant career change. The online MBA is designed for working professionals who want to advance while staying in their current role. Compensation outcomes are strong across both — Online MBA graduates report an average accepted salary of $126,820 plus an average signing bonus of $23,792 (2023–2025).
How long does it take to see ROI from an MBA?
Many Jenkins MBA students begin seeing returns before they graduate — through internships, promotions or expanded responsibilities in their current roles. The timeline varies, but for most graduates the investment begins paying off well before the degree is complete.
Does the Jenkins MBA support entrepreneurship?
Yes — and NC State’s broader ecosystem makes it especially well-suited for founders. The Andrews Launch Accelerator, the Wolfpack Investor Network and NC State’s No. 1 Southeast ranking for graduate entrepreneurship (The Princeton Review, 2022) give students real resources to build and launch ventures — not just the academic foundation.
Is an MBA still valuable in the age of AI?
More than ever. AI is changing how decisions get made, but it’s increasing demand for professionals who can interpret data, lead teams and think strategically across an organization — not replacing them. The Jenkins MBA’s STEM designation and analytics curriculum are designed with exactly that shift in mind. Graduates leave with both the technical fluency and the leadership range that the evolving business landscape requires.
Learn More About MBA Career Paths
Ready the Experience the Jenkins MBA Difference?
Whether you’re looking to move into leadership, change your career entirely or build something of your own, the Jenkins MBA is designed to help you get there. Connect with our admissions team to learn more about the program, upcoming events and how to apply.