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What Can You Do With an MBA in Executive Management?

An MBA in Executive Management is an advanced degree designed to propel you into a world of leadership opportunities and management roles across various industries. Curated for working professionals, an executive management degree helps you augment your business expertise with leadership and

communication skills, strategic thinking, and more. Its curriculum is structured to address specific challenges executives and senior managers face, such as strategic decision-making, leadership development, and organizational management. In this article, we will explore the diverse leadership roles an MBA in Executive Management unlocks and the sought-after skills you can acquire to boost your management career.

Executive Management Careers

Whether your passion lies in finance, healthcare, technology, or consulting, an MBA in Executive Management can enhance your

career in these fields and more. Executive management careers require a combination of leadership skills, strategic thinking, and industry expertise. Executives must navigate complex challenges, drive innovation, and ensure the organization’s long-term viability and success.


The demand for skilled leaders capable of steering organizations toward sustained success translates to lucrative earning potential. Executive management salaries can average as high as $246,440, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition to expanding your skill set for your current position, an advanced executive management degree prepares you for a wide

range of roles, including:


  • Chief executive officer (CEO): As the highest-ranking executive in a company, CEOs are responsible for overall strategic vision, decision-making, and leadership.
  • Chief operating officer (COO): Oversees the day-to-day operations of the company, ensuring that business processes are efficient and aligned with the organization’s strategy. 
  • Chief financial officer (CFO): Responsible for financial strategy, budgeting, financial reporting, and the overall financial health of the organization.
  • Chief information officer (CIO): Runs the organization’s technology strategy, ensuring that information systems support the company’s goals and operations.
  • Chief marketing officer (CMO): Leads the marketing strategy, branding, and promotion efforts to enhance the company’s market position and customer engagement.
  • Chief human resources officer (CHRO): Oversees human resources functions, including talent acquisition, employee development, and workforce planning.
  • Chief strategy officer (CSO): Responsible for developing and implementing the organization’s strategic initiatives to achieve long-term goals.
  • Chief risk officer (CRO): Identifies and manages risks that could impact the organization’s financial stability and reputation.
  • Chief sustainability officer (CSO): Focuses on integrating sustainable business practices into the organization’s strategy, considering environmental and social impacts.
  • Chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer (CDEIO): Responsible for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
  • Regional or divisional executives: May lead specific regions or divisions within a larger organization, overseeing operations, sales, and strategic initiatives in those areas.
  • President or managing director: Oversees the overall management and performance of the company.
  • Executive director or managing partner: In nonprofit organizations or professional service firms, individuals in these roles lead the organization or business and are responsible for its overall success.

Executive Management Career Skills

An MBA in Executive Management enhances the skills and capabilities you already have as an experienced professional. Typical skills you will gain include:

  • Strategic thinking: Develop a broader and deeper understanding of business strategy.
  • Leadership and management: Study topics such as team dynamics, organizational behavior, and change management.
  • Decision-making: Learn to make informed and effective decisions by analyzing complex business situations.
  • Global business acumen: Gain an international perspective and insights into global business trends, cultural nuances, and international business strategies.
  • Networking and relationship-building: Build a strong network with fellow experienced professionals, faculty, and alumni, which can be valuable for career advancement.
  • Communication and negotiation: Enhanced communication skills, both written and verbal, are a key focus. Negotiation skills are often developed to help executives navigate complex business transactions.
  • Financial literacy: Executives gain a deeper understanding of financial management, analysis, and reporting, enabling them to make more informed financial decisions.
  • Innovation and entrepreneurship: Many executive MBA programs address innovation and entrepreneurship, encouraging executives to think creatively and strategically about business challenges.
  • Project management: Engage in projects and case studies and hone your project management skills to effectively lead and deliver successful projects.
  • Ethical leadership: Ethics and corporate social responsibility emphasize the importance of ethical decision-making in leadership roles.
  • Time management: Learn to balance demanding work schedules with the academic demands of the program, which will enhance your ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.
  • Adaptability and change management: Prepare to lead organizations through periods of transition and change.
  • Data analytics and technology management: Understanding how to leverage data and manage technology is crucial. You will study topics like data analytics, digital transformation, and technology strategy.
  • Crisis management: Learn to navigate and lead during challenging times so that you can handle crises and uncertainties in the business environment.

The MBA in Executive Management at CIAM

Unlike other executive management degree programs, the MBA in Executive Management from the California Institute of Advanced Management (CIAM) equips you with more than just business expertise. We help you develop your ethical leadership skills so you can make business decisions that will improve humanity. No matter your background, our flexible 24-month MBA in Executive Management program helps you make a difference in your current position or in a new executive management career. You will be prepared to tackle social issues like poverty, education, homelessness, unemployment, healthcare, and climate change with compassionate business practices. If you are ready to advance your career through ethical leadership, connect with us or apply today.