Business Analyst jobs for MBAs

From the link: http://www.ehow.com/info_8085214_business-analyst-jobs-mba.html

A master of business administration degree provides an in-depth education in business management and analysis. Many MBA recipients pursue careers in a variety of business analysis paths. A business analyst job permits a professional to apply scientific techniques and methods to solve a wide range of challenges. Many MBA recipients find jobs as management analysts, operations research specialists, business systems analysts and financial analysts.

1. Management Analyst

   • Economically lean times and an increasingly competitive business environment leave companies constantly searching for ways to improve their profit margins. Management analysts help companies accomplish this goal. Also known as management consultants, these types of business analysts assess a company's structure, searching for ways to help the business function more efficiently. Although a bachelor's degree is sufficient for some entry-level management analysis jobs, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that many private sector jobs require an MBA or other graduate degree. Management analysts earned an average of $73,570 a year in 2008, the bureau reported.

   Operations Research Analyst

   • Where a business once relied on the experience and intuition of management to make decisions, it increasingly relies on data, analyzing extensive sets of information to guide policies and resolve challenges. Operations research analysts specialize in using data mining and statistical analysis to interpret information and help business leaders make decisions. An MBA that includes extensive coursework in mathematics, statistics and computer techniques can prepare analytically minded men and women for careers as operations research analysts. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that these analysts earned an average annual salary of $69,000 in 2008.

   Business Systems Analyst

   • Most firms large and small rely on information technology to conduct business. Systems analysts assist companies by designing and developing computer systems. They also devise ways of applying these systems to new tasks and troubleshooting technology problems that arise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many business systems analysts work with computer systems that are specific to the type of organization for which they work, such as computer systems for accounting or engineering firms. The bureau reported excellent job opportunities in this field as companies continue to rely on technology, adding that many employers look for MBA graduates with a specialty in information systems. In 2008, systems analysts earned an average annual salary of more than $75,000.

   Financial Analyst

   • Financial analysts guide the investment decisions of businesses and other organizations, assessing the performance of stocks, bonds, commodities and other securities. Most financial analysts work for investment firms, banks and insurance companies, while others work for nonprofit organizations and other entities with large endowments, such as universities. Many financial analyst jobs require an MBA with a concentration in finance. They also may be required to earn licenses or certifications, such as a chartered financial analyst (CFA) designation from the CFA Institute. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that financial analysts in 2008 earned an average of more than $73,000 a year, excluding annual bonuses, which many analysts in investment firms may receive.