Last updated on June 21st, 2025 at 11:12 pm
The finance industry is undergoing a transformation in 2025, driven by rapid advancements in technology, data, and global regulatory shifts. Traditional finance roles are evolving and with them, so are the skills needed to thrive. Today’s most in-demand finance professionals are no longer just experts in accounting or analysis they are also equipped with cutting-edge knowledge in AI, machine learning, quantitative modeling, ESG investing.
As a result, a new wave of emerging finance courses has taken center stage offering MBA graduates, and working professionals an opportunity to specialize in future-focused domains. Whether you’re aiming to become a quant analyst, ESG strategist, fintech product leader,these new-age courses can position you for high-growth, high-impact careers in 2025 and beyond.
From systematic trading and blockchain finance to green investing and probabilistic risk modeling, these programs blend technical depth with practical application making them essential for those who want to stay competitive in today’s data-driven, sustainable, and globally dynamic financial landscape.
In 2023 Reuters published a report on employability of MBA’s and the results are shocking. 80% Of the MBA’s are jobless.At the same time unemployment is at a high of 8.1% according to CMIE Data.Considering the above statistics, In my opinion its high time that you has an MBA candidate or pass out, pay special heed to skills. In this small article, I discuss courses after MBA focussing on finance, accounts and generic skills.So it’s no doubt that short term courses after mba finance are a must for placements.
| Top Courses After MBA |
| Financial modeling course |
| FRM(GARP) |
| CFA |
| CRMA(Risk assurance) |
| SAP Certification(FICO) |
| US CMA(Management accounting) |
| CFP(FPSBP US) certified financial planner |
Why Courses After MBA Finance is Important.
Short-term courses provide numerous advantages for career enhancement. Let’s explore some key benefits:
- Bridging the Skill Gap: While an MBA equips you with a broad range of business knowledge, short term courses help you acquire specialized skills and expertise that complement your MBA education. They bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring you have the necessary skills to succeed in your chosen field.
- Enhancing Marketability: The job market is highly competitive, and employers constantly seek candidates with advanced skills. By enrolling in short term courses, you can differentiate yourself from other MBA graduates, making you more marketable to potential employers. These courses showcase your commitment to professional development and continuous learning.
- Staying Competitive: Industries are evolving at an unprecedented pace due to technological advancements and changing market dynamics. Short-term courses allow you to stay updated with the latest trends, industry best practices, and emerging technologies, ensuring you remain competitive in your field.
How to Decide Courses after MBA Finance?
Before diving into the world of short term courses after MBA, it’s crucial to assess your current skill set, identify areas for improvement, and align your career goals accordingly. Here are a few steps to guide you through the process:
Self-Assessment: Take the time to evaluate your strengths, weaknesses, and areas where you want to grow. Reflect on the skills you acquired during your MBA and identify any gaps that need to be addressed to achieve your career objectives.
Career Aspirations: Consider your long-term career goals and the industries or roles you aspire to work in. Research the skill sets and qualifications required for those positions, and compare them to your current skill set.
Industry Demands: Stay informed about industry trends and emerging skills that are in high demand. Identify the skills that are valued by employers in your target industry, and prioritize short-term courses that can help you acquire those skills.
Top Courses After MBA Finance
So let me list out the some professional courses which could become the answer to your question on. “After MBA what next”. In case your MBA was in finance then you can make your profile more niche by pursuing these charters.
Financial Risk Management (FRM)
Financial Risk Management (FRM) is a globally acknowledged degree offered by the GARP (Global Association of Risk Professionals) that aims at equipping individuals with risk management skills. Moreover, the primary goal of the course is to educate you on how to handle credit, liquidity, market, and non-market financial risks. Because of the multiple opportunities it gives, FRM has become one of the most popular degrees after the MBA. This course can be pursued in two ways: by enrolling in a degree programme or by taking the FRM exam.
Duration:
200- 240 hours of studying
Example
Rohan Miranda( Currently working with Morgan Stanley Mumbai) who’s is an FRM and CFA charter holder says ” I was working with Wipro when the process was related to risk management and I felt the need to get more depth. So my manager suggested FRM”
Rohan Miranda, CFA, FRM (Morgan stanley)
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
One of the widely recognised courses popular in finance industry developed to fulfil the demands of the financial sector is Chartered Financial Analysts. It is one of the most recognised short term courses after an MBA and is offered by the CFA Institute. CFA is divided into three levels and may be pursued with a job. This degree has the potential to add credibility to the global market and would be one of the best choices in the list courses for mba finance students.
Duration:
1.5-4 years
Example
who started his career in credit with CRISIL says. I used to accompany my seniors who were CFA charterholders, and I realised the depth with which they used to talk to their clients. That made me realise that CFA was the course after MBA I need to pursue
Nikhil Singh, CFA
Impact of CFA on Career Progression In india
Key Findings as per the CFA Institute career impact report 2023.
- Increase in Income.• The average annual income of CFA charterholders increased by almost 192% from the time they were new Level I candidates up to when they were recently given the CFA charter.• A brand new CFA charterholder having about six years of work experience makes an average annual salary of Rs 2.86 Mn, close to expected Rs 3.17 Mn for current candidates.• The yearly range of average salaries for new Level I candidates to CFA charterholders is between INR9.8 lakh and INR44 lakh.
- Career Progression• CFA Program has had a “big effect” on career progression according to 66% of respondents.• It is at its highest level, stated by 78%, when beginning as Level one participants.
- Expectations of Compensation• In the next year, 76% anticipate a rise in compensation with increments expected between 5% and15%.• The CFA program clearly affected compensation growth for half (51%) of respondents.
Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA)
The Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) is another popular choice after an MBA as it recognises people who have extensive knowledge and abilities in organisational risk management. This accreditation from the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) demonstrates knowledge in risk assessment, identification, response, and controls.
Duration:
2 years
CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
It is a financial planning course that covers tax preparation, insurance planning, investment planning, and retirement planning. There are two options: regular status and challenge status. Students pursuing an MBA can choose regular status, while graduates can choose challenge status. Moreover, to obtain the certification, candidates must pass five tests, which are held three times a year.
Duration:
18-24 months
Certificate Programme in Business Analytics (CBA)
Business Analytics has become a growing part of the Business Administration community. Moreover, companies are always on the lookout for Data Managers for analysing business performances and steering towards positive growth of the company. This short-term course is beneficial where business planning is taught using statistical tools. This rigorous but beneficial session will provide candidates with extensive knowledge of business planning and open up avenues in working with data collection and analyses.
Duration:
12 Months
SAP Certification
The SAP course, also known as Systems Applications and Products, is educational and assists students in improving their abilities. A popular short term course after MBA, it helps specialists learn how to utilise SAP and its capabilities. Moreover, all organisations use SAP to maximise the value of their initiatives. There are two components to the training: the Technical Course and the Functional Course.
Duration:
6-10 weeks
Digital Marketing Certification
Nowadays, digital marketing is the go-to marketing option. With the Covid scenario, more firms are concentrating on building a larger digital marketing team that can use this circumstance to create related content for various products and services. If you have an MBA in Marketing, then a digital marketing course after MBA is just what you need to boost your resume
Duration:
3-8 months
Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
If you wish to pursue supply chain management courses after you earn your MBA, CPIM is certainly a suitable course to take. This globally accepted accreditation is offered by APICS, and the education is available online. It comprises five courses and two major APICS examinations, with each exam costing $495 for APIC PLUS members and $690 for CORE members or non-members. Moreover, you will be able to pursue higher-level opportunities in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, and Material Management after completing this short-term certification course.
Duration:
18-24 months
US CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
By pursuing the US Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification after your MBA, you can gain specialized knowledge in management accounting, as a result, enabling you to make strategic financial decisions with precision. Additionally, with global recognition, this certification enhances your career prospects, showcasing your commitment to excellence in financial planning, analysis, and control.
Duration:
6-9 months
CPA
There are often late boomers who might discover their passion of accounting as a career option very late. And in such cases CA might not be a very wise option. In such cases CPA makes an excellent choice for higher studies after MBA.
Duration:
1-2 Years
ESG
Today’s heightened global focus on sustainability, the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, has launched its flagship IICA Certified ESG Professional. Impact Leader Programme a six-month intensive online certification designed for mid-career and senior professionals aiming to spearhead ESG initiatives within their organizations.
Recognized as one of India’s most comprehensive ESG credentials, this program is ideal for executives from finance, operations, CSR, or strategy functions looking to:
- Integrate ESG into corporate strategy
- Strengthen organizational resilience
- Lead sustainable transformation across industries
If you’re ready to be an ESG trailblazer, this six-month program empowers you to drive meaningful impact through expert-led learning and practical application.
AI in finance
The Certificate Program in Artificial Intelligence for Finance (CPAIF) from the Indian Institute of Quantitative Finance (IIQF) is a comprehensive 9‑month, live online, instructor-led weekend certification designed to equip mid-career finance and risk professionals with advanced AI, machine learning, and quantitative finance tools .
The curriculum blends foundational theory with practical application, covering:
- Core statistical and mathematical principles
- Python programming for finance analytics
- Big Data, ML techniques (supervised/unsupervised/deep learning), NLP, reinforcement learning, and model explainability
- Industry-specific financial use-cases in risk, trading, pricing, and generative AI
Hands-on capstone projects that require Python-based implementation and writing a whitepaper on practical AI/ML applications in BFSI domains
Quantitative finance
Indian Institute of Quantitative Finance (IIQF) is a 6‑month, instructor‑led, live online weekend certification meticulously designed to elevate finance professionals capabilities in quantitative analytics, risk assessment, and derivative modelling.
Participants dive deep into:
- Advanced financial mathematics and investment finance
- Derivatives pricing across asset classes (equities, rates, currencies, commodities)
- Risk analytics, including credit, market, and operational risk
- Python-based model development, validation, and real-world applications
3 Tips to Select the Right Courses After MBA Finance
With numerous options available, selecting the right short term course after MBA requires careful consideration for the best career in finance. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Course Content: Review the course curriculum and ensure it covers the specific skills and knowledge you want to acquire. Moreover, look for courses that offer practical learning experiences and case studies to apply your newfound knowledge.
- Reputation and Accreditation: Research the reputation of the institution or organization offering the course. Additionally, check for industry recognition, accreditations, and reviews from past participants to ensure the course meets high standards of quality and credibility.
- Alumni Feedback: Reach out to alumni or professionals who have completed the course you are considering. Since their insights and experiences can provide valuable information about the course’s effectiveness and relevance to your career goals.
Assessing Course Delivery Options
Short term courses after MBA are available in various formats, such as full-time, part-time, and online. Consider the following options:
- Full-Time Courses: These immersive programs offer intensive learning experiences over a short duration. They are ideal if you can commit to dedicating your time solely to the course, allowing for focused learning and networking opportunities.
- Part-Time Courses: If you are working or have other commitments, part-time courses offer flexibility. They allow you to balance your professional and personal life while acquiring new skills and knowledge.
- Online Courses: Online courses provide the convenience of learning from anywhere at your own pace. They are particularly useful if you have time constraints or geographical limitations. Ensure the online course offers interactive elements, such as discussions, assignments, and live sessions, to maximize engagement and learning outcomes.
Networking and Industry Exposure
Short term courses after MBA provide excellent opportunities to expand your professional network as well as gain industry exposure. Here’s how you can make the most of these opportunities:
- Networking Events: Firstly, take advantage of networking events organized by the course provider or industry associations. Moreover, engage with fellow participants, instructors, and industry professionals to build valuable connections that can lead to future collaborations or job opportunities.
- Industry Interactions: Short term courses often invite guest speakers and industry experts to share their experiences and insights. Therefore, take advantage of these interactions to learn from their expertise, ask questions, and showcase your enthusiasm and commitment to professional growth.
- Professional Platforms: Lastly, leverage professional platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your newly acquired skills and certifications. Join relevant groups and engage in discussions to expand your network as well as attract potential employers or clients.
Courses After MBA Finance- Comparison
Now, let me give you a simple table which simplies your decision making for choosing any of the courses.
This table compares the most relevant certifications for MBA graduates, including their focus area, cost, preparation time, and difficulty level. Financial Modeling is marked as a must-have skill.
| Course | Function Targeted | Estimated Cost (USD) | Preparation Time | Difficulty Index | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPA | Accounting | $3000 | 12-18 months | High | |
| CFA | Investment Analysis | $2500 | 2-3 years | High | |
| FRM | Risk Management | $1500 | 1-1.5 years | High | |
| Financial Modeling | Financial Analysis | $500 | 1-3 months | Easy | ✅ |
| CMA | Management Accounting | $2000 | 12-18 months | Medium | |
| CFP | Financial Planning | $2000 | 9-12 months | Medium |
Frequently Asked Questions
After MBA what next to study?
There is a lot to study and not from academia perspective. But in my experience, the best teacher is the industry.For example, if you happen to enter investment finance then. You will get automatically guided to pursue CFA. Not because everyone else is pursuing CFA but because you would notice the depth that your friend CFA charter holder has when he talks to a client.
After mba which course is best in india?
Thats a very broad question but you could use the following framework to arrive at the answer
- Which domain are you working on?
- Do you lack theoretical or practical skills?
- How important is it from the perspective of your day to day functions
For example if I was asking the same question: After MBA what next to study in India and lets suppose I was working in digital marketing. Then this is how my search would begin;
- I am working in SEO (Content)
- I lack the theorictal background of SEO optimisation
- Very important for regular SEO work
Hence now I would zero in one a course that works on the SEO mechanics of google.
After MBA which course is best for job?
Let me try to list out the short term courses which are skill related which can be either pursued post completing your MBA or during.
- Financial Modeling course for jobs in finance and research
- Digital Marketing course for one’s interested in marketing
- SAP Fico course if you are interested in working with SAP based profiles.
What course should I do after an MBA in HR?
- Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD)
- SAP HR Certification
- Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certification
What are the best courses to pursue after completing an MBA?
These are the most recognised short term courses after mba finance in India.
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Financial Risk Manager (FRM)
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
- Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Digital Marketing Certifications
- Business Analytics Programs
How can courses enhance my career after an MBA?
There is no way in today’s ever changing technological environment, that you cannot upgrade yourself. Even professionals working in the industry are now days upgrading themselves. Hence as a MBA fresher, this is even more important because you haven’t even entered the industry.
Are online short-term courses recognized by employers?
The only way employer recognises your short term courses is through tests conducted during an interview. So even if your short term course is from Harvard, it has no meaning unless you can prove it.
Can I pursue short-term courses while working full-time?
Ofcourse,now days there is no other alternative because today skills plus experience is the way to go. All courses but no expereince is equal to no Job.
What is the typical duration of courses after an MBA?
The duration varies depending on the course. Some certifications can be completed in a few weeks, while others may take several months to a year.
Which courses offer the highest salary prospects after an MBA?
Courses like CFA, FRM, and PMP are known to open doors to high-paying roles in finance, risk management, and project management.
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