Kamaldeep
15 May, 2023
Table of Contents
The misconception that MBA programmes are exclusively designed for business students is widespread but inaccurate. In reality, MBA programmes emphasise practical and experiential learning rather than just theoretical knowledge, and they attract students with diverse interests and backgrounds, particularly in India.
Pursuing an MBA programme is more than simply earning a business degree; it also involves comprehending the mechanics of business processes and acquiring the skills to run a successful organisation.
According to the Graduate Management Admission Council, which oversees the GMAT test, more than 50% of new MBA students come from non-business backgrounds. Therefore, to address whether someone with a BA in History can pursue an MBA, the answer is a resounding YES.
BA History graduates already have access to many job opportunities due to their diverse specialisation streams, but an MBA can further amplify these opportunities. Combining BA History with an MBA promises a highly rewarding career with the potential to progress into various streams and occupy notable roles in business development.
The MBA degree course gives arts graduates the freedom to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys with a solid knowledge base. The curriculum is designed to provide you with experience in fundamental business administration and specialised subjects, enabling you to understand the functioning and performance of any organisation and offer satisfactory solutions to management-level challenges.
You can also pursue managerial roles in marketing, logistics, human resources, and other areas besides entrepreneurship. Some common recruitment sectors for MBA after BA History graduates include digital marketing, business process outsourcing, law, logistics, international relations, hotel, and economics management.
| Job Role | Average Salary | Highest Salary |
| Management Consultant | ₹ 21.6 LPA | ₹ 41 LPA |
| Business Analyst | ₹ 6.5 LPA | ₹ 15 LPA |
| HR Manager | ₹ 6.6 LPA | ₹ 18 LPA |
| Marketing Manager | ₹ 7.0 LPA | ₹ 22 LPA |
| Product Manager | ₹ 16.8 LPA | ₹ 35 LPA |
| Product Marketing Manager | ₹ 16.0 LPA | ₹ 33 LPA |
| Project Manager | ₹ 12.0 LPA | ₹ 28 LPA |
| Operations Manager | ₹ 6.9 LPA | ₹ 18.7 LPA |
| Supply Chain Program Manager | ₹ 22.0 LPA | ₹ 55 LPA |
| Manufacturing Manager | ₹ 13.8 LPA | ₹ 30 LPA |
Source: AmbitionBox
After completing an undergraduate degree programme, opting for an MBA provides numerous career opportunities and potential career advancement. Whether you come from an arts or technical background, pursuing an MBA can broaden your knowledge base and provide a solid foundation for your career. The key benefits of pursuing an MBA after a BA in History are outlined below:
Earning an MBA degree enhances job opportunities for graduates and increases their potential for higher salaries. As the preferred qualification for managerial positions, an MBA is traditionally associated with high-paying jobs. Therefore, pursuing an MBA can significantly enhance the likelihood of securing a top-level management role and facilitate upward mobility in one’s career.
An MBA degree opens up a wide range of diverse opportunities for graduates. The programme covers key fields such as human resource management, statistics, technology & information systems, economics, and finance. These areas of study equip MBA graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to work across various fields and industries.
MBA students have numerous opportunities to build their professional network in the corporate world. For example, many universities organise events and initiatives for students to connect with experienced professionals and business leaders from top multinational companies.
However, the most crucial network that MBA students can cultivate is through their peers and alums. These classmates will become business leaders, entrepreneurs, CEOs, and CFOs in the years to come.
Likewise, many schools facilitate student-alumni interactions through mentorships or on-field work experience, providing their students with valuable networking opportunities.
Pursuing an MBA equips students and professionals with the necessary skills to anticipate and navigate changes in the business world. Management schools provide the best tools for adapting to the inevitable shifts in industries, markets, and business practices.
Entrepreneurs who start their own companies often discover that earning an MBA enhances their credibility in the market. Investors and companies are more inclined to work with entrepreneurs with a formal business education, which an MBA provides. This degree ultimately positions candidates as experts in their field, specifically in understanding the market.
Furthermore, an MBA provides mastery in a specific area or sector, such as finance, management, business consulting, or marketing.
An MBA degree from a top business school certifies the competency of graduates in core areas and major managerial positions within an organisation. The degree is widely recognised globally, and its consistency with other similar managerial degree programmes makes it a valuable qualification for exploring career options in any part of the world.
Contemporary MBA programmes prioritise the development of students’ personalities, soft skills, and professionalism. In addition, they equip students with exceptional communication abilities, advisory skills, and a fresh outlook on life and the business world.
These qualities are now considered to be essential employment skills required to manage the ever-increasing complexities of the business world and the workplace environment.
Communication is a valuable life skill regardless of your field of work. It enables you to articulate your ideas, inspire others, and establish a professional network. That is why communication is an integral component of every MBA programme, irrespective of the area of specialisation. By developing communication skills students can engage proficiently with colleagues, managers, employers, and other professional contacts in their future endeavours.
An MBA degree also equips history graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to start and manage their businesses. Many MBA graduates become young entrepreneurs by learning to manage markets, plan strategically, and build financial plans for their ventures. These skills are essential for any entrepreneur who wants to succeed in starting their own business.
The eligibility requirements for pursuing an MBA after completing a BA in History are as follows:
To be eligible for an MBA after completing a BA in History, it is necessary to have obtained at least 50% marks in the undergraduate degree.
In order to be considered for admission into a reputable university’s MBA programme, students must obtain a minimum overall score in one of the commonly accepted entrance exams, such as CAT, GMAT, GMAT, GRE XAT, MAT, and others.
Besides national-level entrance exams, some universities may require their own entrance exams for admission into their MBA programmes. Therefore, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria and pass national and university-level exams to be considered for admission.
Applicants must clear the personal interview or group discussion round to get admission into any reputable university.
The following table provides information on top MBA specialisations available for BA History graduates.
| MBA in Marketing | MBA in Finance |
| MBA in Fashion Designing | MBA in Operations |
| Business | MBA in Banking |
| MBA in Interior Designing | MBA in Information Technology |
| MBA in Entrepreneurship | MBA in Agriculture |
| MBA in Human Resources |
Pursuing an MBA after completing a BA in History may seem unconventional, but it can offer numerous benefits for graduates interested in business management and entrepreneurship. While the two-degree courses do not have any subjects in common, making the switch is easier than it may seem. However, it can open up new opportunities and higher-paying job prospects in the market.
If you have a passion for marketing, human resources, sales, or business management, an MBA can provide you with fundamental business administration-related skills and help you explore new horizons. The degree course is diverse, with specialisations ranging from fashion to agriculture, and so aspirants have the liberty to zero in on the specialisation that they feel will be the best fit for them.
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