Many people who enroll in an MBA program fear that they’re going to diminish their chances of getting the job they want because they chose the wrong MBA specialization. However, experts in the field insist that the specialization is not going to severely affect what job you’re able to get. According to InfoWorld:

Realize that the bulk of the course load in most MBA programs consists of a core curriculum covering the gamut of general business studies: accounting, finance, marketing, operations and management. You often don’t have to declare a specialization right away, or can change your initial choice. Take the core classes, see what floats your boat and “specialize” in that.

Keep in mind the “specialization” or “area of study” is often only 4-6 courses, and you’re expected to take a few advanced courses outside the area of specialization. (Blanket statement disclaimer: your MBA program may differ, but this is what I’ve seen in most).

Under those guidelines, you should be able to tailor-design a program that meets your areas of interest. And if you can’t squeeze it all into the MBA program, take post-MBA classes (some schools offer a post MBA certificate or other accreditation).

Lastly, while the “MBA diploma” can be the key to getting you into some interviews, it’s the actual learning during the program (and the ability to convey and use it) that gets you the job and keeps you there. So take what you find interesting and you think employers will find valuable.

It is also suggested that students need to be educated in a variety of business disciplines more than they need to be significantly educated in any one. Students should talk to their MBA program advisor in order to develop a course list that best fits their career goals.