If you have great organizational skills and an ability to attend to detail, you might be interested in learning about the types of jobs available with an MBA in Operations Management. For most people working toward an MBA, classes in operations management seem boring and unnecessary. However, if you have a penchant for keeping track of inventory and an interest in the chain of supply, you can use an MBA specialization in operations to your advantage. In fact, you will likely work your way up in a company more quickly than the hordes of MBA grads who focused solely on strategy, marketing or finance.

Starting Out in Operations Management

One factor that keeps more MBA students from focusing on operations management is that starting out in this field tends to be less lucrative than starting out in finance or marketing, according to Business Week. In fact, some of the entry level positions might include some grunt work, but for those who do it well, the rewards are great. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the current average annual salary for individuals in operations management is around $100,000. So if that initial salary looks rather small, keep in mind that growth potential in the field is a good reason to stick around.

Job Titles Available in Operations Management

Since every company needs operations management, there is a wide variety in the work available to those with an MBA in the field. A person with the specific title of operations manager will focus primarly on optimizing the corporate infrastructure of a business, including supply chain, real estate and vendor management. Materials managers oversee all aspects of production as well as distribution of the finished product. A purchasing manager is responsible for making sure a company has the necessary inventory on hand. This might include parts for products as well as inventory for sale and items used at the business. Quality assurance managers focus on making sure a company’s product meets quality standards, and their workload often includes sampling products, testing and inspection.

The Career Path for an MBA Specialization in Operations Management

Many chief executive officers and chief operations officers work their way up in companies after having excelled in operations on a much smaller scale. Work as an inventory specialist, store operations specialist or in office management can help those with an MBA in Operations Management build their resumes. Skilled operations management saves companies a lot of money, and quality work in this field won’t go unnoticed, especially if you have the educational background to move up the corporate ladder.

Related Resource: Modular MBA Jobs

Many business people today are choosing MBA programs to help further their careers, and it can be easy to get lost in the pack. However, specializations in operations management are still rare enough to give you an opportunity to edge out the competition. With careful attention to details and an eye toward the future, you can have a promising career in operations among the many types of jobs available with an MBA in Operations Management.