Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed by听Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP,听Dean, College of Business and IT
A manager who oversees business operations in a larger company might only manage operations for a single department. In smaller organizations, an individual in that same kind of role is often in charge of many or all departments.
Business managers take on several responsibilities that directly influence their company鈥檚 success; they implement strategies that help companies meet monthly performance benchmarks and pursue success. In this role, these managers also keep a close eye on the competition, modifying business models to adapt to new or existing market demands.
Many businesses benefit from the leadership of someone in a dedicated business management role, regardless of location or market. This means such managers might work in a variety of locations, depending on the nature and needs of the company. Some of the primary areas covered include:
However, there are roles in nearly every industry that someone with a business management degree could apply for.听
Business management relies on several key skills to help companies cultivate success. These skills will help effective decision-making, overcoming hurdles and clear communication among all team members.
The skills a business manager might need include:
These and other skills are important for efficient, effective business management. Many of these abilities 鈥 including financial management and team motivation 鈥 can be improved over time. With practice and evaluation from company leaders, a manager can grow in their role along with the companies they help change.听
Before you can inspire employees, implement goals and integrate forward-thinking business strategies, you鈥檒l need to complete a few steps.
First, you鈥檒l likely want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Management or a degree in a closely related field. Your bachelor鈥檚 degree will familiarize you with many of the basic skills you鈥檒l need as a business manager, such as leadership, marketing, finance and strategic planning.
Business students also might want to look into passing a 鈥 a standardized exam that measures critical knowledge. The 120-question test assesses ability to analyze business theories, use data tables and apply analytical methods to solve problems that business managers face.
There are also one or more certifications that can be obtained before a business manager goes to work. Some companies hire employees contingent on certification, while others may pay for the certification after the hiring process. These certifications help deepen knowledge of specific business fields, further helping ensure success.
Here are just a few certifications or licensures to be considered:
Some states also require that you obtain one or more additional certifications, in addition to any listed above. To save time and money, some students choose to pursue business degree options that combine education and operations management certification courses.
Employment for business managers is expected to remain favorable over the next decade. From 2022 to 2032, , according to data from BLS.
Many of the anticipated new positions will be created by workforce shifts. As current business managers retire or change careers, opportunities for younger business managers will become available.
Over the next 10 years, business managers will likely maintain a large focus on efficiency, facility improvements and environmental standards. In addition to other business duties, business managers will need to ensure that company facilities use energy-saving methods to conserve output.
BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS鈥 projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to 爱污传媒 students or graduates.
Becoming a business manager is a career option for many individuals. 爱污传媒 offers several degree programs in business management:
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A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at 爱污传媒 where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology,听Kathryn Uhles has served 爱污传媒 in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining 爱污传媒, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in 爱污传媒.
This article has been vetted by 爱污传媒's editorial advisory committee.听
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