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Degrees and Schools
Most general managers have at least a bachelor's degree in business administration or an area relevant to the kind of industry within which they work. In many cases however, their hiring is based more on their substantial work experience in management than the specific nature of their degree. Some roles do require a graduate degree, such as a master's degree in education administration for school superintendents, a doctoral degree in their field for college presidents, or a graduate-level degree in health services administration for health commissioners.
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredits business schools.
Classes
Students in business administration degree programs usually study:
- Management and business law
- Research and data analysis
- Economics, accounting and finance
- Mathematics and statistics
- Technology and operational procedures
- Human resources management
Many programs require participation in a coordinated internship program.
Online Classes and Programs
Online business administration programs are a popular option for today's students. There are many to choose from, and they range widely in their offerings. Although they may be convenient, they may not offer the internship programs and job placement assistance that campus-based programs do. Some campus programs offer online classes as part of their curricula.
Online courses should be part of an institution with accreditation from agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or United States Department of Education (USDE).
Employment Requirements
A bachelor's degree (plus substantial relevant work experience) is considered the minimum requirement for most general managers. In some industries, a master's or doctorate degree is expected.
Obtaining an optional Certified Manager (CM) credential through the Institute for Certified Professional Managers can bolster employability for managers at any level.
How to Evaluate Schools
Prospective students who intend to go into general management should evaluate degree programs in business administration for:
- Ranking - Is the program ranked among other national or regional programs? Is the school ranked among other schools? Obviously a highly ranked school can be desirable but not necessarily the only or primary factor to consider.
- Accreditation - Has the school been accredited by the AACSB? If it is an online program, does its parent institution have accreditation recognized by CHEA or USDE?
- Location - Is the school located in a geographical region where the desired industry is well developed? For example, students interested in the financial industry may wish to choose a school based in New York City or Charlotte, NC - two major financial capitols.
- Course offerings - Does the program provide a balanced, comprehensive approach to the different areas of business administration? Does it deliver the necessary education for not just entry-level positions but executive-level management as well?
- Tuition, fees and amenities - How much assistance is offered to students considering financial aid such as student loans, scholarships, grants, and work/study? Do amenities such as career centers, libraries, recreational facilities, online resources and athletic teams add value as well as additional cost to tuition?
- Class size and demand - Is the program difficult to get into? Will academic progress be delayed because required introductory classes are full?
- Experiential learning - Does the school coordinate internships? Are the opportunities both plentiful and desirable?
- Graduate success - How many graduating students have successfully found work through the school's career services over the past several years?
General Manager Job Description
Within any organization, executive staff members are responsible for leading its different areas so that established organizational goals are met. In businesses, non-profit organizations, institutions and government agencies, general managers oversee all aspects of day-to-day operations. Their responsibilities may include:
- Setting goals and creating or managing programs to reach them
- Managing directors and other lower-level executives
- Appointing department heads and planning organizational restructuring
- Authorizing budgets, large purchases, and use of materials and technology
- Handling complex human resources issues such as setting policy or hiring and firing
- Evaluating financial trends within the organization through detailed reports
- Creating detailed proposals to garner support from board and staff members
- Assessing competition, security and loss prevention
- Acquiring or selling different parts of a business, and establishing partnerships between companies
Some general managers occupy roles similar to chief executive officers. Substantial travel between offices and to attend conferences is common.
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