Graduates from accredited Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs are well-versed in various aspects of business, including finance, management, and marketing. They are considered ideal candidates for a wide range of careers in either the corporate or government sector. While a corporate career is generally more lucrative, some MBA students perceive greater benefits and job stability working for a government agency. Such students often inquire as to what are good government jobs for someone with an MBA degree. Fortunately, an MBA degree provides them with an array of solid, government-based, career opportunities.

Major Federal Agencies

MBA degree-holders are candidates for employment at such important government agencies as the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The department has more than 250 types of jobs available, and a large percentage of those careers are suitable for MBA graduates. According to the Department of the Treasury website, possible careers for MBAs include accountants, financial analysts, economists, and marketing specialists. Jobs within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are also available to those with MBA degrees. Average salaries for U.S. Treasury employees are dependent on the specific job; economists and policy advisers earn upwards of $100,000, while financial analysts and researchers earn around $90,000. Jobs at the main headquarters pay more than bureau jobs, but they are highly competitive. Other major government agencies with high-ranking employment opportunities for MBA holders are the Labor Department and Commerce Department.

United States Postal Service

The USPS has several positions available for MBA recipients. Like many other government agencies, the USPS has a sector known as the Office of Inspector General. This office has a select team that deals with financial and procurement services. They must provide financial reports to the top executives of the USPS and Congress. Their mission is to increase revenues, minimize costs/waste, and detect fraud and mismanagement. The USPS also hires MBA graduates as economists, public policy analysts, budget analysts, and in audit operations.

Public Health Departments

Although working in a public health department may not seem applicable, MBA graduates actually have a variety of rewarding career opportunities at health departments. Health departments often seek out MBA holders to fill major positions, such as the Chief Administrative Officer. This is a senior leadership position that pays an annual salary between $130,000 and $170,000. The pay reflects the great load of responsibilities assigned to a health department’s CAO. CAOs are responsible for the department’s administrative operations and business functions. They must ensure that department operations meet all federal, state, and county-level sanctions. Additionally, they oversee the budget, human resources, and risk management. Other health department career opportunities available for MBAs include business development specialists, accountants, and program advisors.

County-Level Budgeting

If one wishes to work at the county-level, there are excellent job opportunities available in the budgeting department. Budget directors earn in the vicinity of $75,000 – $120,000 per year. A major responsibility of their job is preparing official budget documents and meeting with county administrators to determine budget policy. Other great MBA careers at the county level include accounting/fiscal services directors and internal services administrators.