How to become a business manager

Is becoming a business manager right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do business managers do?

Still unsure if becoming a business manager is the right career path? to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a business manager or another similar career!

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How to become a Business Manager

Becoming a business manager requires a combination of education, work experience, and strong leadership skills. Here are the essential steps:

  • Bachelor's Degree: Start by earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Business Management, or a related field. This foundational education helps you understand key business concepts such as finance, marketing, and human resources, all of which are critical for managing a company effectively.
  • Entry-Level Positions: Begin your career in entry-level positions such as administrative assistant, sales associate, or project coordinator. These roles provide hands-on experience in business operations and help you develop the skills needed to manage teams and projects.
  • Skills Development: Focus on developing essential skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving. Business managers must be able to lead teams, make informed decisions, and tackle challenges that affect the organization’s success.
  • Certifications or Advanced Education: Consider pursuing certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP) (see below) or an MBA (Master's in Business Administration). These qualifications can further enhance your expertise and career opportunities as a business manager.

Certifications
Earning certifications can help business managers enhance their skills, demonstrate expertise, and improve career opportunities. Here are some valuable certifications:

  • Project Management Professional (PMP): This certification, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), validates your ability to manage projects, lead teams, and achieve business goals. It is ideal for managers who oversee complex projects and need to demonstrate strong project management skills.
  • Certified Manager (CM): Provided by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), this certification covers leadership, business strategy, and organizational management. It is designed for individuals who want to strengthen their management capabilities and advance in leadership roles.
  • Certified Business Manager (CBM): This certification focuses on broad business management principles, including finance, marketing, and operations. It is a great option for those looking to enhance their general management skills and improve their business decision-making abilities.
  • Six Sigma Certification: Six Sigma certifications, such as Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt, help managers improve efficiency and reduce waste in business processes. These are valuable for business managers in operations, manufacturing, and quality control roles.
  • Chartered Manager (CMgr): Offered by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), this certification is recognized as a mark of professional excellence in management and leadership. It demonstrates a high level of competency in strategic thinking, decision-making, and team leadership.