Business Careers Beyond the Cubicle

I am currently going to school to finish my bachelor's degree in business management. I will finish in about four months. I will start the program for an MBA in the fall. What kind of position can I hope to get when I have a master's degree? I am currently the senior fiscal analyst for my company. I handle all of the accounts payable and payroll. I have been working in the accounting industry for about 20 years, but I want to branch out from the typical behind the desk job for 8 hours. I want a more exciting career. My children are older. I'm more mobile, and my schedule is more flexible now.

Your business degrees should open many avenues for you. An MBA is a versatile qualification, which can offer you quite a few unique career directions that you might find interesting:

• Forensic Accounting could be a more active, exciting extension of your current career. Forensic accountants investigate and prepare evidence for financial misconduct trials. Forensic accountants spend time out of the office testifying at court and interviewing people involved in the case. Many forensic accountants work on a freelance basis, allowing you still more freedom from the 9-5 grind. If you choose this path, however, you'll need to get some additional specialized training and a CPA license.
• Management Consulting may be a good choice if you want to shift into a business career with plenty of variety. Management consultants work with companies to address specific problems and recommend solutions. Projects typically last several months and involve considerable travel. Since the issue, location, and people with whom you work can change frequently, there's never a dull moment. In addition, you'll get a bird's-eye view of different career paths in business.
• Teaching is a great way to add some variety to your work days. Many schools look for part-time instructors with real-world experience. Your 20 years of experience in accounting could lead to a side job teaching online or at a local community college. Your MBA should be sufficient qualification for both positions.

These are just a few of the possible career paths that can open to you when you earn your MBA. You should have plenty of options for breaking free of the office cubicle.