Becoming a business manager is a great career choice for those who want to lead teams and help a company succeed. This role is important because it involves managing daily operations, resources, and making sure the company reaches its goals. Know the steps on how to become a business manager, including the education, skills, and experience you’ll need.
Getting to Know the Business Manager
A business manager is someone who oversees the operations of a business or a specific department. They make sure things are running efficiently, set goals for their team, and help solve problems as they come up.
Whether you’re managing a small team or a larger department, business managers make important decisions that impact the company’s success. Business manager roles can vary, but the core responsibilities are similar across different industries.
What Does a Business Manager Do?
The responsibilities of a business manager can differ based on the size and type of company. However, some common tasks include:
Team Leadership
A business manager leads and motivates a team, ensuring everyone is working together to achieve company goals.
Financial Management
Business managers handle budgets, track expenses, and make sure the company spends wisely.
Strategic Planning
They develop plans to grow the business, looking at market trends and identifying opportunities for success.
Problem Solving
When problems develop, corporate managers respond fast to keep things running smoothly.
Communication
Business managers need to clearly communicate with their team, upper management, and sometimes clients.
Performance Monitoring
They monitor the team’s performance and look for ways to increase efficiency.
How to Become a Business Manager: Step-by-Step
If you’re interested in becoming a business manager, there are clear steps you can follow to reach your goal. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide on how to become a business manager.
1. Get the Right Education
The first step in your quest to becoming a business manager is to obtain the necessary education. A bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, or a similar subject is typically necessary. This education provides a solid foundation in business principles like finance, marketing, and organizational behavior.
Bachelor’s Degree
A degree in business administration or a similar subject is an excellent starting point.
Master’s Degree (Optional)
Some business managers choose to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) for more in-depth knowledge and leadership training.
2. Develop Key Skills
To succeed as a business manager, there are certain skills you need to develop. These include both technical and people-related abilities.
- You’ll be responsible for leading teams, and strong leadership skills will help you guide your team to success.
- You’ll need to understand budgets, financial reports, and how to allocate resources effectively.
- Clear communication is essential, whether you’re speaking with your team or senior management.
- Often face challenges, so being able to think quickly and strategically is crucial for problem-solving.
To stay organized and fulfill deadlines while managing various jobs and responsibilities, you must have strong time management abilities.
3. Gain Experience
While education is important, experience is just as crucial. Many people start in entry-level positions before progressing to management. You can obtain experience in positions such as supervisor, team leader, and department coordinator. These positions will provide you the necessary experience to lead a team and oversee business operations.
4. Learn About the Industry
While the role of a business manager is similar across industries, each sector has its own unique challenges. To stand out, it’s helpful to gain industry-specific knowledge. For example, if you want to be a business manager in tech, understanding the latest trends and technologies will help.
5. Earn Certifications
Certifications can help you improve your CV and demonstrate to potential employers that you have the necessary knowledge for the position. Some useful certifications for aspiring business managers include:
Project Management Professional (PMP)
This certification demonstrates that you know how to handle projects efficiently.
Certified Business Manager (CBM)
This certification focuses on the abilities required to manage business operations.
Six Sigma
If you want to increase operational efficiency, a Six Sigma certification is quite valuable.
6. Build a Network
Networking with other business experts might lead to prospects for career progress. By connecting with mentors, peers, and industry leaders, you can learn from their experiences and find new opportunities for growth. Attend conferences, participate in industry forums, and develop ties to help you advance in your profession.
Business Manager Roles in Different Industries
The business manager roles can vary across industries. For example:
Healthcare
Business managers in healthcare may oversee operations at hospitals or medical practices, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and stays within budget.
Retail
In retail, business managers may be responsible for store operations, customer service, and inventory.
Tech
Business managers in the tech industry may manage product development teams or oversee the implementation of technology solutions.
The core responsibilities stay the same, but each industry may require specific knowledge and experience.
Salary and Job Outlook for Business Managers
According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a business manager in the United States is $77,274 as of December 24, 2024. Salaries may be greater depending on industry, region, and amount of expertise. Business managers in industries like tech or finance often make more than those in retail or smaller businesses.
The demand for business managers is expected to grow by 5% from 2023 to 2033, which is about average for most jobs. As businesses continue to grow, the need for skilled managers will stay strong, creating many opportunities across different industries.
A Career as a Business Manager is Worth Pursuing
Becoming a business manager isn’t just about managing tasks—it’s about leading change and helping a company grow. This role gives you the chance to develop important skills like financial management and team leadership, all while making key decisions that affect the business. With the proper education, experience, and certifications, you may develop a prosperous career. As businesses expand, the demand for talented business managers will increase, giving several chances for those willing to take on the task.