To make creating your plan easier, I've put together a list of what to include. I’ve also compiled a few different strategic marketing plan templates where you can easily fill in the blanks.

In this article, we're going to discuss:

• Key Career-Focused MBA Specializations
• • Marketing and Analytics
  • Strategic-Finance
  • Operations-Management
• MSU’s A-MBA Program

Key Career-Focused MBA Specializations

The marketing plan outline we discuss will help you create an effective plan that easily generates buy-in from stakeholders.

1. Marketing and Analytics

Marketing Management and Data Analytics are the two most trending MBA specializations that have emerged in 2024. It focuses on key areas like commercial advertising, developing robust business plans, analyzing the latest market trends, and maintaining public relations. This dual-focused specialization combines marketing and analytical skills, making you highly valuable in both MNCs and startups globally.

With the rise of digital marketing and data reliance, there is high demand for marketing professionals with strong analytical skills. Pursuing an MBA in Marketing and Analytics can help you get various job roles such as:Marketing Executive: The demand for marketing executives in India is higher and is expected to grow extensively in the upcoming years. The salary for marketing executives ranges from ₹2 lakh and ₹4 lakh in a year.

Business Development Manager: In India, the salary for a business development manager can range from ₹6 lakh to ₹15 lakh per year, while a senior business development manager can earn ₹8 lakh to ₹18 lakh per year.

Branding and Advertising Manager: In June 2024, about 4226 marketing professionals were hired across branding and advertising departments, implying the increased demand for such personnel in the country.

PR Manager: The PR industry in India is expected to grow at an annual rate of 11% and reach ₹3,500 crores by 2027. This role is in great demand in the market as these professionals are associated with shaping the organization's image and communicating with the public.

Business Analyst: In India, business analysts are increasingly in demand, particularly as organizations seek to leverage data to improve decision-making and business strategies. Salaries for business analysts typically range from ₹4 lakh to ₹9 lakh annually, depending on the sector and level of experience. 

Business Intelligence Officer: Earning between ₹5 lakh and ₹12 lakh annually, these professionals design and implement business intelligence solutions, gather data, and provide insights to drive organizational growth. 

Database Administrator: As businesses expand their digital infrastructure, the demand for database administrators is soaring. Their responsibilities include database management, ensuring data integrity, and optimizing database performance, minimizing potential security threats. Individuals in this job role are expected to earn salaries up to approximately ₹12 lakh annually, depending upon industries and experience. 

By specializing in Marketing and Analytics, you will develop critical skills in project structuring, analytical reasoning, problem-solving, , and creative thinking, along with a deep understanding of data analytics.

2.Strategic-Finance

If you enjoy working with numbers and aspire to a career in investment banking, financial planning, or corporate finance, this MBA program could be your pathway to success. It equips you with advanced skills in investment decision-making, risk management, and financial analysis, which are critical for navigating the financial complexities of modern businesses.

Graduates with an MBA in strategic finance often land roles such as:

• Financial Analyst: With India’s financial services industry projected to grow by 9.5% annually, financial analysts are crucial in guiding investment decisions for businesses and helping them align with market trends.
• Investment Banker: This role remains highly rewarding, with professionals in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru earning between ₹15 lakh and ₹35 lakh per year.
• Corporate Financial Consultant: In India’s growing corporate landscape, these consultants earn an average of ₹10 lakh to ₹25 lakh annually, working with companies to enhance their financial health and strategies.
• Risk Manager: With an increased focus on risk mitigation in sectors like banking and insurance, demand for risk management professionals is expected to rise significantly, with salary packages ranging from ₹12 lakh to ₹30 lakh depending on experience.

A specialization in strategic finance provides deep insights into managing organizational finances strategically, ensuring long-term profitability and sustainability. Graduates can excel in roles involving capital budgeting, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate restructuring, making them invaluable assets in shaping a company’s financial direction.

3.Operations Management

Operations management is also an in-demand specialization area where one can develop skills for performing diverse job responsibilities in the dynamic job market. These include strategizing, production and sales, resource management, task supervision, quality management, and other related functions which will contribute to your work experience exponentially. In case you are looking to expand your career prospects in this field, attaining an MBA specialization in Operations Management will be an appropriate choice for you. The salary range for an operations manager in India is between ₹7 lakh and ₹15 lakh per year.

Specialization in this field will open diverse career options for you such as:

• Quality Manager: This is one of the highly demanded jobs across the Indian manufacturing sector. In this role, one can advance to senior management level or work as a freelance quality consultant, earning a competitive salary based on experience.
• Business Process Manager: The market size of Business Process Management in India is projected to increase considerably from USD 16.48 billion in 2024 to USD 37.84 billion by 2032 at a growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9%. The rapid shift in advanced technologies and methodologies is fueling market growth, creating demand for skilled business process managers. 
• Production Manager: The growth of India's manufacturing sector has sharply increased demand for production managers, promoting more efficient production processes. The average salary of expert professionals in this role is around ₹4 lakh per year which can be a good career boost for aspirants in the country. 
• Logistics and Inventory Manager: India's warehouse market is growing, with rising demand and supply creating opportunities for skilled logistics and inventory managers. Concerned professionals are exposed to getting a salary package of between ₹35k and ₹1.8lakh annually, drawing the attention of aspirants.

In India, the employment level of operations managers will increase by 6% by 2030. Hence, an MBA in Operations Management can help you attain better job roles with huge salary packages, boosting your career growth and achieving professional goals. 

MSU’s A-MBA Program

Medhavi Skills University (MSU) offers cutting-edge MBA specializations tailored for aspirants through its new Accelerated Skill MBA (A-MBA) program. The University has launched CRUX (Centre for Reskilling, Upskilling and Extension), offering best executive MBA specializations such as Marketing and Analytics, Strategic Finance, and Operations Management. It is a 15-month accredited online MBA program for working professionals with at least 3 years of experience, allowing them to pursue an MBA while working and have their prior learning recognized. If you enjoy working with numbers and aspire to a career in investment banking, financial planning, or corporate finance, this MBA program could be your pathway to success.