Management

Management degrees are offered at many colleges and universities across the country and at many levels, including at the associate's, bachelor's, master's degree levels. Management degree programs prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and concepts needed to excel in the professional and career world. This includes helping students to develop strong leadership, organizational, and communicational skills as well as the ability to work well on a team and with other people. The courses in management degree programs are designed to teach students the importance of forming and implementing successful and effective policies, and the procedures for the business or company that they will be employed with. Management professionals are essential to the success of any business or organization, so the employment outlook of management professionals should continue to grow over the next several years.

Common Career Paths:

Office Manager

An office manager is a common career path for those that have earned a degree in management. Office managers provide support to their staff so that they can work efficiently and effectively while also planning and implementing policies and strategies for the smooth functioning of an office or department. Office managers also ensure that the polices are maintained and that they are working effectively in favor of the business or company. Office managers are also generally responsible for allocating work assignments with deadlines, ensuring that assignments are completed on time, and overseeing other employees and their performance. While specific requirements will likely vary between employers, many employers require that office managers have an associate's or bachelor's degree in management or a closely-related discipline, such as business administration. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of office managers is expected to grow about as average as other jobs, by about 11% with keen competition, likely meaning that the best job opportunities will apply to those that have educational and job related experience. Office managers can be employed in a number of fields including accounting, marketing, advertising, IT, healthcare, sales, and almost any other industry. While the salary of an office manager varies greatly, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average annual wages of an office manager were $45,790 in 2008, the most recent information available by the Bureau.

Management Analyst

A management analyst analyzes and creates new ways to improve the structure, efficiency, profits, and overall success of a business or organization. As the business world continues to evolve and become more complex, management analysts are needed to help businesses remain pertinent and competitive. Management analysts often work on a contractual basis and are often hired to evaluate and propose changes when a business is experiencing major shifts in its operations. Many businesses hire management analysts when they experience rapid growth or downsizing in staff, business mergers, or other major changes to the company because it can be beneficial to have outside expert help assess the company to help in the transition. Management analysts may work independently, be employed by large international organizations or firms, or be employed by the government, and can specialize by industry or by type of business or function. While specific degree and hiring requirements will vary by employer, many employers require that their employees have at least a bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a closely related discipline to be eligible for hire. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of management analysts is expected to grow by 24% over the next several years, which is much faster than the average occupation. Keen competition is expected for jobs as management analysts, so those with degrees and/or experience in the field should have the best job prospects. The Bureau reported that while the salary of a management analysis will vary widely between employers, their median annual wages in 2008 were $73,570.

Operations Manager

An operations manager, or general manager, is generally responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating the operations of companies and organizations. The job duties and responsibilities of operations managers include creating and implementing polices and procedures, managing the daily operations of the business or organization, and implementing the use of materials and human resources that are too general in nature to be delegated into one area of management, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This can include in personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Operations managers are needed in a number of industries and companies and sometimes their duties can overlap with those of CEOs. Many employers require that operations managers have at least a bachelor's degree in business administration, liberal arts, management, or a closely related field. Some employers may even require operations managers to possess a graduate degree in the field. Employment change of operations managers isn't expected to see much increase. However, because these individuals are essential to the running of a company, specific need will vary between industries and their growth at the time. The best job opportunities will likely be available to those that have the most educational and work related experience in the field. While the salaries of operations managers will vary between employers, their median annual wages were $91,570 in 2008, with the middle 50% earning between $62,900 and $137,020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.