Becoming a business manager is an exciting career path that allows you to oversee operations, make key decisions, and help lead a company to success. Though the road to becoming a manager may seem daunting, with the right education, skills, experience and drive, you can achieve this rewarding position.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the step-by-step process of how to become a business manager.
Step 1: Build a Strong Educational Foundation
The first key step is developing a strong educational foundation. While some manager roles may not require a college degree, having one shows commitment and gives you vital skills for the job.
Consider earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, finance, accounting, marketing, human resources or a related field. This provides fundamental knowledge in core business disciplines and principles. Programs with concentrations or electives in management give useful specialized instruction.
In addition to a bachelor’s degree, consider earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Many employers view an MBA as a significant advantage for managerial candidates. This advanced degree builds high-level skills in areas like strategy, leadership, analytics and operations management.
Some joint degree options, like an MBA/JD or MBA/MS, allow you to combine business education with specialized expertise in fields like law, healthcare and engineering. This expands your capabilities as a manager
Step 2: Develop Key Management Skills
In addition to education, you need to actively build skills that make an effective manager Some of the most important abilities include
Leadership: Managers need strong leadership capabilities to provide vision and strategic direction. Take initiative and develop qualities like self-confidence, integrity, accountability and decisiveness.
Communication: Success hinges on clear verbal and written communication to coordinate teams, share information and give performance feedback. Especially focus on active listening.
Critical thinking: Analyze complex situations, weigh various options and make reasoned decisions. Approach problems proactively and creatively.
Project management: Oversee projects end-to-end, from planning to execution. Be adept at delegating tasks, managing budgets/schedules and implementing quality control.
Business acumen: Understand core business concepts and how companies operate. Continuously build financial, operational, technical and industry knowledge.
Look for opportunities in your education work and activities to demonstrate and improve these skills. They are essential for directing teams driving growth and managing workflows.
Step 3: Pursue Mentorship and Build Your Network
Finding mentors already in management and actively networking provide enormous benefits.
Mentors give invaluable advice, share wisdom from experience and provide insider tips for advancing your career. They can be managers you work for, professors, family friends or other professional contacts. Don’t be shy about reaching out to request informational interviews and ongoing mentor relationships.
Building your professional network ensures you have supporters to turn to for career advice, job leads and general assistance. Attend industry association events, connect on LinkedIn and develop meaningful contacts at all levels, from executives to entry-level employees. These relationships help open doors.
Step 4: Gain Hands-On Management Experience
While education establishes a foundation, real-world experience delivers vital on-the-job training. Look for opportunities to take on management responsibilities in roles like:
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Team lead/supervisor: Manage direct reports and oversee team workflows.
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Assistant manager: Support managers with duties like scheduling, reporting and operations monitoring.
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Project manager: Drive assigned projects from conception through delivery.
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Committee/association leader: Coordinate groups and lead planning for initiatives and events.
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Volunteer coordinator: Recruit, train and manage volunteers for nonprofit organizations.
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Shift manager: Run daily frontline operations and personnel in retail/restaurants.
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Entrepreneur: Launch and operate your own small business while managing all aspects.
These progressively advanced roles allow you to apply classroom skills in real workplace settings. That hands-on experience makes candidates stand out.
Step 5: Start with Entry-Level Management Roles
Once you have the requisite education and experience, you can start applying for actual manager titles in your industry of interest.
Common first roles to target include:
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Management trainee: Structured development programs that rotate through departments.
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Assistant manager: Right-hand support to department/store managers to learn ropes.
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Project coordinator: Manage start-to-finish operations for specific projects.
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Team leader: Supervise small group and handle administrative tasks.
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Shift supervisor: Oversee hourly staff activities and duties.
Though the scope is limited, these entry-level management positions let you take on leadership responsibilities in a structured environment. They are stepping stones to higher manager roles.
Be willing to work your way up and prove yourself before becoming a manager over large, complex groups and functions.
Step 6: Commit to Continuous Learning and Development
Even after reaching a management position, the learning never stops. Great managers continue advancing their skills throughout their careers.
- Take on new challenges and rotations to broaden your experience.
- Attend seminars, conferences and training programs.
- Join professional organizations for networking and development opportunities.
- Follow business news/trends to stay on the cutting edge.
- Read books and articles on leadership, productivity, communication and other relevant topics.
- Seek regular feedback and assessments to improve weak areas.
- Consider an executive MBA or management certificate program.
Make lifelong education a priority. Continuing to strengthen your capabilities will serve you well at every stage of your management career.
Key Takeaways for Becoming a Business Manager
Follow this step-by-step guide to set yourself up for success on the path to a management position:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree, and consider an MBA or specialized master’s program.
- Develop critical skills like leadership, communication, analysis and project management.
- Pursue mentorships and actively grow your professional network.
- Gain hands-on management experience in roles like supervisor, coordinator and team lead.
- Start with entry-level management jobs like assistant manager, trainee or project coordinator.
- Commit to ongoing training, learning and professional development.
With the right combination of education, skills, experience and drive, you can become a business leader and help drive your company’s success as a manager. Follow these steps and invest in your own growth. The opportunities are wide open for talented, motivated professionals to build rewarding management careers.
What Is a Business Manager?
A business manager is essentially responsible for assembling the right pieces to help any company succeed. They work to positively assemble a winning team, a productive workplace, a feasible budget, and operational best practices to ensure minimal wasted time and maximum productivity.
Employees and corporate directors alike depend on a business manager to maintain a clear vision for the future and execute strategies that bring the company closer to achieving its financial and cultural goals.
How Much Does a Business Manager Make?
The exact income of a business manager varies based on a wide range of factors, including employer, employer location, years of experience, years of education, and existing skill set.
On average, the salary of a business manager is $63,072. The top 10% of business managers will earn as much as $116,000 in a year, while the lowest 10% of earners will make an estimated $42,000 during that same timespan.
How to become a business manager?
How do I become a business manager?
Here are 10 steps a person can take to earn a position as a business manager: 1. Earn business credentials A credential is a qualification or achievement that shows readiness and preparation for a job or career. Relevant credentials can be certifications, professional development courses or degrees recognized by other business professionals.
How do I start a career in management?
You can start your career by completing a bachelor’s or associate degree program in business administration or business management. While a degree is typically optional, earning one can qualify you for many management jobs. Completing a business program can help you learn the best practices for managing departments and organizations.
What education should a business manager have?
Most important when it comes to the education of a business manager is their familiarity with a business environment. Business managers should consider earning at least a bachelor’s degree in business management, or a closely related field.
Do you need a business management degree?
To excel in a business management career, you need a holistic appreciation for the nuanced ways in which business owners, employees and consumers interact. A business management degree teaches future business leaders the craft of running a profitable business. After all, the business world can be fickle.
