Graduating from university opens many career doors, but the goal is clear for many students: they want to become managers. Targeted applicants chase management jobs that give them the power to oversee teams and resolve dilemmas. The difficulty is in entering this field with managerial experience. This article investigates the crucial actions and skills for finding a management role upon graduation.
Getting Started: How Do I Become a Manager?
Transitioning into a management position may seem daunting without experience, but there are several entry-level pathways to help you break into management:
- Roles as either a Trainee or Assistant Manager.
Various businesses present trainee management positions for you to start as an administrative assistant or in a similar role. In these roles, you acquire real-world insights that foster your transition into management and enhance your experience through practice.
- Programs designed to develop leaders among graduates.
Through these programs, leadership development for future leaders is intended. Even if you do not begin as a manager immediately, you will gain significant training and growth chances to become a leader eventually.
- Working Your Way Up
You can start a non-management company job and rise through the ranks. Putting your talents on display enables you to rise to management by accumulating a successful record in your starting role.
Regardless of your direction, it is essential to recognize the management positions for proper alignment.
What Are ‘Management Jobs’ Anyway?
Management is not a one-size-fits-all career. Broadly, there are three main categories of management roles:
- People/Team Management (Line Management)
As a line manager, your primary responsibility is overseeing a team and ensuring they meet their business objectives. Whether managing a department or just a few employees, line managers must support and guide their team to perform their roles effectively.
- Project Management
Project managers focus on completing specific projects with clear start and end dates. They coordinate resources, timelines, and personnel to ensure the project is delivered successfully. Some graduates may find entry-level project management roles, but many professionals transition into this field after gaining experience.
- Management of a Business Function
These managers oversee particular business processes, such as risk management or compliance, rather than a team. For example, a risk manager ensures the business complies with regulations, while a commercial manager may focus on sales or overseeing project costs.
These roles can overlap. For instance, people managers might also manage projects or specific functions, and project managers may handle team management responsibilities within their projects.
Which Career Sectors Offer the Most Graduate Management Schemes?
Several industries offer abundant opportunities for graduates to enter management positions:
- Healthcare Management and the NHS
Healthcare offers many graduate programs to fast-track students into managerial roles, including the NHS management training scheme.
- Public Sector (Civil Service Fast Stream, Local Government)
Programs like the Civil Service Fast Stream offer leadership opportunities within government institutions.
- Construction and Property
The construction sector often seeks managers to oversee projects and property developments.
- Retail Banking and Consumer Finance
Graduates may find management opportunities in bank branches or within customer service teams.
- Retail and Hospitality
While opportunities have become more limited in these sectors due to the pandemic, roles such as store management and hotel management are still available.
Large companies also offer Graduate Leadership Development Programs, especially in consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and professional services. These programs are designed to build a pipeline of talented managers.
How Do You Apply for Graduate Management Training Schemes?
Applying for graduate management schemes is a competitive process with multiple stages, including:
- Online Application
Start by completing an online application form. Depending on the employer, this could involve submitting your CV, answering questions, or completing online assessments.
- Online Ability Tests or Games-Based Recruitment
Many companies use timed tests or recruitment games to evaluate skills such as numeracy, reasoning, or how you’d handle certain workplace situations.
- Telephone or Video Interviews
This stage typically involves answering questions about your skills, experience, and motivations for pursuing management. Video interviews may involve recording responses to pre-set questions.
- Assessment Centres
During an assessment centre, you’ll face various tasks to assess your management potential, including role-playing scenarios, problem-solving exercises, and sometimes even on-the-job evaluations.
- Final Interview
If you progress past the assessment centre, a final interview is usually conducted with senior managers. This interview will likely focus on your fit for the role and your potential within the company.
What Degree Do I Need to Get a Graduate Management Job?
Surprisingly, many management schemes accept graduates from all degree disciplines. For example, the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme welcomes applicants from any background. While some industries—such as construction and logistics—may prefer specific degrees (e.g., construction management or logistics), the key requirement is often a 2:1 degree or higher.
What Skills Do Managers Need?
Successful managers possess a range of critical skills. Employers are typically looking for graduates who can “make things happen.” Essential managerial skills include:
- Decisiveness and Problem Solving
Managers must assess situations and make quick, informed decisions, even with limited information.
- Team Building and Motivation
Interpersonal skills are essential for building and leading teams. You must inspire, motivate, and influence team members to achieve objectives.
- Communication and Listening
Effective communication with a wide range of people is crucial. You must be able to adjust your communication style to suit different audiences.
- Drive and Self-Motivation
Managers need to be self-driven to meet targets and lead others effectively.
- Creative Problem-Solving
A manager must come up with innovative solutions to the challenges faced by their team or department.
- Organizational and Time Management
Balancing multiple tasks and responsibilities is a regular part of a manager’s role.
- Commercial Awareness
Managers need to understand the business implications of their actions and how their work impacts the company’s bottom line.
What Work Experience Do I Need to Get a Management Job?
Gaining relevant work experience is essential to landing a graduate management role. Many companies offer formal internships designed to give students a glimpse into management. However, there are other ways to develop management skills:
- Volunteering
Taking part in volunteer projects can demonstrate your ability to lead, communicate, and manage tasks.
- Student Societies
Taking a leadership role in a student society, organizing events, or managing social media accounts can develop your leadership and organizational skills.
- Part-Time Jobs
Many graduates need to pay more attention to the leadership potential of part-time jobs. Training new staff or handling additional responsibilities in a part-time role can show ambition and leadership.
Employers want graduates who can “do” and “supervise,” so any experience demonstrating a strong work ethic and the ability to complete tasks effectively is valuable.
Conclusion
Obtaining management roles as a graduate could seem challenging; nonetheless, a well-defined strategy can help you succeed. Learning about diverse entry points and the different management positions will position you for a successful career in management; regardless of your pursuit of a graduate position or internal promotion in a company, you need to be resolute and prove your leadership potential while enhancing your skills.
