Working conditions vary according to the position, employer and industry. You just cannot expect any standardised pay packet or work environment or set of responsibilities. Most managers, however, work long hours and in some industries regularly work night shifts too. The pace of work also varies. In media, managers are subject to constant deadlines, in the retail trade businesses, seasonal changes in activity are pronounced. Managers are decision makers. They set goals and policies and work through other people to reach them. As a business executive or manager, you are directing others in sales, research, production,accounting,and purchasing. There is often a lot of teamwork involved.

Management consulting and financial services have always been the traditional routes to top jobs and high salaries for MBA graduates. Both these sectors have cut MBA recruitment in recent years.

Management consultants collect, review and analyse data, make recommendations and assist in the implementation of proposals. An Operations manager improves productivity and performance of an organisation. They are problem solvers, problems typically revolving around inventory control, personnel schedules,security,forecasting,resource allocation, product mix and distribution systems.

Personnel and Industrial Relations/Labour Welfare Officers/Managers deal with people ---some deal with interviewing, selecting and recommending, others handle union-management relations ,some handle wage and salary administration, others specialise in training and career development on the job. Commonly know as human resource manager, they may oversee several departments, each headed by an experienced manager specialising in one of the above-mentioned activities.

Financial managers oversee the cash flow and develop information to assess the future financial status of a business.

An MBA may become a Bank manager in the private sector or in a foreign bank. Banks are in the "money" business and the bank manager is responsible for the management of the bank's business.

Market analysts use market research to plan, implement and analyse surveys to learn more about consumers' want, needs and spending patters. Marketing is a fascinating and challenging job that is attracting top MBA students because of its influence on company business strategies.