Jobs after Doctor of Business Administration in India & Abroad
By upGrad
Updated on Aug 29, 2025 | 9 min read | 7.72K+ views
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Did You Know? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, top executives in the US earn a median salary of $206,420, highlighting the high earning potential for Doctor of Business Administration graduates pursuing C-suite and leadership roles abroad |
A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) can take your career to the next level. With this degree, you can step into C-suite leadership, build a consulting practice, or move into academia as a professor or researcher. The career after DBA degree is packed with opportunities, both in India and abroad.
In this blog, we’ll look at the most in-demand jobs after DBA degree, explore career opportunities in India and overseas, highlight high-paying roles, and discuss how specializations can shape your path.
Looking to land high-paying jobs after DBA Degee in India or abroad? upGrad's Post Doctoral Degree are designed to boost your career, open global opportunities, and fast-track you to leadership roles.
What Jobs Can You Get After a Doctor of Business Administration?
A Doctor of Business Administration opens diverse career paths across leadership, consulting, research, and teaching. Whether you want a C-suite job after DBA degree, a consulting role, or a career in academia, the degree gives you global recognition.
Below, we’ll tell you about Doctor of Business Administration jobs in India, Doctor of Business Administration jobs abroad, academic roles, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Before you decide, check out upGrad’s top Online DBA programs, designed to maximize your ROI and prepare you for high-paying jobs in India and abroad.
- Executive Doctor of Business Administration from SSBM
- Doctor of Business Administration from ESGCI
- Doctor of Business Administration in Emerging Technologies & Gen AI
What Job Roles do DBA Graduates get in India?
In India, DBA graduates are highly valued for strategic leadership and research-driven decision-making. Many lands in executive, consulting, and academic roles.
Top jobs after DBA degree in India include:
- CEO, CFO, or COO (C-suite leadership)
- Strategy Consultant or Advisor
- University Professor or Researcher
- Senior roles in Banking & Finance
If you want to know more about the salaries these job roles can offer, then check out this detailed guide
What Job Roles do DBA Graduates get Abroad?
Globally, DBA professionals often work in multinationals, universities, or consulting firms. Countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Singapore are top destinations.
Doctor of Business Administration jobs abroad include:
- Executive Director
- Global Business Consultant
- Professor in Business Schools
- Policy Advisor in government or NGOs
To learn more about international career paths and scope after a DBA degree, check out scope of DBA in India & Abroad
Can Doctor of Business Administration Graduates become Professors or Researchers?
Yes, one of the most popular career opportunities after Doctor of Business Administration is in academia. Universities value DBA graduates for their ability to blend practical business insights with research.
Possible roles:
- Business School Professor
- Adjunct Faculty (teaching part-time)
- Research Director
- Academic Consultant
What Consulting and Entrepreneurship Opportunities are Available after the Doctor of Business Administration?
DBA graduates often choose consulting jobs after Doctor of Business Administration or start their own ventures. Their skills in problem-solving, analytics, and leadership make them trusted advisors and entrepreneurs.
Consulting roles:
- Management Consultant
- Strategy Advisor
- Corporate Trainer
Also read: How to become a management consultant!
Entrepreneurship opportunities:
- Launching a research-based start-up
- Advisory firms for SMEs and MNCs
- Innovation-driven ventures
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Executive Doctor of Business Administration from SSBM1:1 Thesis Supervision
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How Does a Doctor of Business Administration Help in Leadership and Executive Roles?
A DBA degree is designed for professionals who want to step into leadership and decision-making roles. It doesn’t just prepare you for C-suite jobs after DBA Degree, but also builds credibility in academia, global companies, and entrepreneurship.
Which C-Suite Roles can you get after a Doctor of Business Administration?
Doctor of Business Administration graduates are equipped with advanced research and problem-solving skills that make them strong contenders for executive leadership.
Common C-suite jobs after DBA Degree include:
C-suite Role |
Focus Area |
Why a DBA Helps |
| CEO | Strategy & Vision | Research-based decision-making |
| CFO | Finance & Risk | Data-driven financial planning |
| COO | Operations | Process optimization & leadership |
| CSO | Growth Strategy | Market analysis & forecasting |
Further Read: COO Job Description
Is Doctor of Business Administration better for Academic or Industry Careers?
One of the biggest career opportunities after Doctor of Business Administration is its flexibility, which works for both academia and industry.
- Academic Career: Teaching, research, becoming a professor or research director.
- Industry Career: Consulting, strategy, and executive roles.
Can a Doctor of Business Administration help you get Jobs in Multinational Companies?
Yes, Doctor of Business Administration jobs abroad and in India’s MNCs are in demand. Global firms hire DBA professionals for their ability to solve complex business problems using research-backed strategies.
Here are some of the leading companies hiring Doctor of Business Administration graduates:
MNC’s |
Top DBA Job Role |
Annual Salary in India |
| Deloitte | Business Strategy Consultant | INR 25.2L |
| IBM | Senior Business Manager | INR 42.4L |
| TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) | Business Transformation Consultant | INR 16.6L |
| Accenture | Management Consultant | INR 31.5L |
| Amazon | Strategy Manager | INR 28.6L |
| JP Morgan Chase | Strategic Finance Manager | INR 30.9L |
| Infosys | Solutions Consultant | INR 15.6L |
| Microsoft | Corporation Director | INR 83.7L |
Source: Ambition box
Can a Doctor of Business Administration make you a CEO or top executive?
Yes, a DBA is often a steppingstone to CEO or executive leadership because it blends academic depth with real-world application. While an MBA is more about management practice, a DBA adds research-backed leadership strategies-ideal for top positions.
Why a DBA fits CEO-level roles:
- Builds authority in strategic decision-making
- Enhances research-driven leadership
- Provides global recognition for leadership roles
What is the Salary After Doctor of Business Administration in India and Overseas?
Salaries after a DBA depend on geography and industry. While Doctor of Business Administration jobs in India are growing, the international market offers higher pay due to demand for global leaders.
Country/Region |
Average (Per Year) |
| India | ₹30,00,000 |
| USA | $101,000 |
| UK | £75,000 |
| Canada | CAD 120,000 |
Source: PayScale
You can also Read: Doctor of Business Administration Salary in India
What Are the Job Roles and Typical Salaries for DBA Graduates in the US, UK, and Canada?
Job titles after DBA range from consultant to CEO. Each role has a different pay scale depending on the industry. These roles are often seen in Doctor of Business Administration jobs abroad.
Job Roles & Salaries:
Job Role |
US Salary (Annual) |
UK Salary (Annual) |
Canada Salary (Annual) |
| Management Consultant | $101,196 | £53,445 | C$86,193 |
| Business Strategy Director | $143,796 | £71,818 | C$125,077 |
| Professor/Research Leader | $94,404 | £55,000 | C$85,000 |
| Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | $174,658 | £72,292 | C$150,624 |
Source: PayScale
How upGrad Can Help You Achieve Global DBA Career Opportunities
With upGrad’s Online Doctor of Business Administration programs, you don’t just earn a degree; you gain access to world-class faculty, global networking opportunities, and industry-aligned research projects. Whether your goal is to advance into C-suite leadership, transition into academia, or establish an international consulting career, upGrad offers the right mentorship, career guidance, and placement support to help you succeed, both in India and abroad.
Looking to explore high-paying jobs after DBA Degee in India or abroad? Book a free counseling session with upGrad and discover the right DBA program that maximizes your ROI and career growth.
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References:
https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Doctorate_(PhD)%2C_Business_Administration/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Degree=Doctorate_(PhD)%2C_Business_Administration/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Degree=Doctor_of_Philosophy_(PhD)%2C_Business_Administration/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Degree=Doctorate_(PhD)%2C_Management/Salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/deloitte-salaries/strategy-consultant
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/ibm-salaries/senior-business-manager
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/tcs-salaries/business-transformation-consultant
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/accenture-salaries/management-consultant
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/amazon-salaries/strategy-manager
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/infosys-salaries/solution-consultant
https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/microsoft-corporation-salaries/director
https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Management_Consultant/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Management_Consultant/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Management_Consultant/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Director_of_Strategy/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Business_Director/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Director_of_Strategy/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Professor%2C_Postsecondary_%2F_Higher_Education/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Research_Assistant_Professor/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Research_Assistant_Professor/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Chief_Executive_Officer_(CEO)/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Chief_Executive_Officer_(CEO)/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Chief_Executive_Officer_(CEO)/Salary
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do specializations and skills impact DBA careers?
Specializations such as finance, marketing, and strategy help DBA graduates build expertise in specific domains, making them more attractive to top employers. Combined with skills like leadership, data analysis, and research, they significantly improve career growth and salary potential.
2. Which specialization in DBA leads to the best career options?
Finance, international business, and strategy specializations are among the most rewarding. They prepare professionals for leadership roles in consulting, global corporations, and executive management, offering some of the best career opportunities.
3. What skills do employers look for in DBA graduates?
Employers value strong research and analytical skills, leadership qualities, and the ability to drive organizational growth. Communication, problem-solving, and strategic decision-making are equally critical for top-level management roles.
4. What are the high-paying sectors for DBA holders worldwide?
High-paying sectors include management consulting, banking and finance, information technology, and healthcare. These industries frequently hire DBA graduates for senior leadership and decision-making roles with lucrative compensation packages.
5. What are the highest paying jobs after a DBA Degree?
Top-paying career options after a DBA include CEO, CFO, business strategist, management consultant, and senior professor. These roles can offer salaries crossing ₹50 LPA in India and $200,000 annually in international markets.
6. What is the demand for DBA professionals in India and internationally?
DBA professionals are in high demand for executive, consulting, and academic roles. Globally, organizations value their ability to solve complex business problems using research-backed strategies, making the career scope strong in both India and abroad.
7. Can a DBA help in career advancement within an organization?
Yes, a DBA equips professionals with leadership and analytical skills that fast-track promotions to senior management and C-suite positions. Employers recognize the degree as a marker of strategic thinking and decision-making capability.
8. Are DBA graduates suited only for large corporations?
While MNCs and large firms hire DBA graduates for leadership roles, startups, SMEs, and family businesses also benefit from their strategic and consulting expertise. Entrepreneurship is also a common path.
9. How does a DBA compare to an MBA in terms of career opportunities?
Unlike an MBA, which focuses on managerial skills, a DBA emphasizes research-driven decision-making and strategic leadership. This makes DBA graduates eligible for C-suite jobs, consulting, and high-level academia, giving broader career opportunities.
10. Can a DBA lead to global work opportunities?
Absolutely. The DBA is recognized internationally, opening doors to executive, consulting, and academic roles in the US, UK, Canada, Singapore, and other countries, making it ideal for professionals aiming for Doctor of Business Administration jobs abroad.
11. How long does it take to see a significant salary increase after a DBA?
Most professionals see a notable salary jump within 2-3 years post-completion, especially when moving into leadership or consulting roles. Top performers in C-suite roles can achieve high-paying jobs after Doctor of Business Administration within 5 years.
12. Is consulting a popular career choice after DBA?
Yes. Many DBA graduates take up consulting roles because their research skills and strategic expertise make them highly valuable advisors. Consulting jobs after Doctor of Business Administration are available in strategy, management, and financial consulting.
13. Can DBA graduates work in government or public policy roles?
Yes, DBA graduates can work in government agencies, think tanks, and policy advisory roles. Their research and strategic skills help in shaping business policies and organizational reforms at a national or international level.
14. Do DBA jobs exist outside metro cities in India?
Yes. While most executive and consulting opportunities are concentrated in metro hubs, industries like manufacturing, IT, and finance in Tier 2 cities also hire DBA professionals for leadership and strategy roles.
15. Which industries in India value a DBA the most?
Banking & finance, technology, healthcare, and management consulting sectors actively hire DBA graduates. These industries offer a mix of high-paying jobs, C-suite roles, and consulting opportunities.
16. What is the role of research in a DBA career?
Research is at the core of a DBA, helping professionals analyze complex business problems and provide actionable solutions. This skill differentiates DBA graduates from MBA holders in leadership and consulting roles.
17. Can DBA graduates switch careers after completing the degree?
Yes. The degree build professionals with skills in strategy, analytics, and leadership, enabling career switches into consulting, entrepreneurship, academia, or executive roles in a new industry.
18. How much work experience is needed to earn a good salary after a DBA?
Most high-paying jobs after DBA Degee require 5-10 years of relevant experience in management, consulting, or strategic leadership. Your prior work experience plays a key role in determining your salary and the pace of career advancement.
19. What is the salary of DBA graduates in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia?
DBA graduates abroad can earn between $90,000 and $300,000 annually, depending on the role and industry. Leadership positions, consulting, and executive management roles often pay even higher, making international DBA programs highly attractive.
20. What is the difference between DBA salaries in developing vs. developed countries?
Salaries for DBA graduates in developing countries like India are generally lower than in developed markets due to economic factors. However, Indian salaries are steadily increasing, while countries like the US, UK, and Canada offer higher pay, broader career opportunities, and global recognition.
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