It seems that the profession of a manager does not require special skills and great responsibility, and working in a managerial position in a company is a real pleasure. Let’s see if that’s the case!
Most often, we hear about the profession of a manager in the circle of business people, but few people understand what a representative of this profession does, what are his main responsibilities and what key skills he should have.
Who is it manager ?
A manager is a specialist on whom the further efficiency of the entire enterprise depends. This is an employee who can organize the work of both a small department in a large company and the entire organization. The English word “management” in translation means “to manage”, and the manager is the one who manages, that is, the manager. Every organization needs it.
Manager is a very broad concept that includes many positions, from the lowest, such as the administrator of a beauty salon, managing a small store, to the general or executive director.
Specializations
There are a lot of specializations in the profession of a manager, which differ in the work duties of an employee.
An office manager is a specialist who monitors the smooth functioning of the office and its life support. Creates a comfortable environment for colleagues and clients, acts as a clerk or secretary, keeps records of production costs.
The sales manager establishes a connection between the company and the client or buyer. He must be able to establish and manage dealer relationships, fill out contracts, and maintain a good relationship with the buyer after the transaction. But most importantly, he must be able to sell goods or services, find new customers, thereby increasing the company’s profits.
Account Manager. This specialty speaks for itself: this specialist takes over the work with clients. Maintains databases of current customers, searches for new ones, helps customers place an order and the necessary documentation for it, draws up contracts with customers, and agrees on the most beneficial terms of interaction for both parties.
The advertising manager deals with everything related to the presentation of the product on the market. He finds the most cost-effective and effective ways to advertise a product or service. He searches for special platforms, chooses an advertising format from the whole variety, coordinates the design, analyzes how effectively this or that type of advertising works, what benefits it has brought to the company. Advertising managers are not only in firms selling goods or services. These specialists also work, so to speak, on the other side – in companies that provide advertising space. In this case, the manager’s tasks include searching for advertisers, coordinating and placing orders for advertising.
Advantages of the manager’s profession
There are many advantages to being a manager.
Good wage
In many managerial positions (for example, in sales and advertising), in addition to a fixed salary, there is a percentage of the value of the transaction that the manager receives as an incentive. There are also bonuses for the implementation of the plan. Therefore, the salaries of such specialists can be very high.
Career
For the majority of specialists, a system of education in courses and trainings is provided, which contributes to their career growth.
Useful acquaintances
As a rule, managers have well-developed communication skills, communicate with many people on duty, and easily make acquaintances. Often this is very useful when changing jobs.
Disadvantages of the manager’s profession
The profession of a manager also has certain disadvantages.
Competition
There is a lot of competition among managers. Sales managers compete with each other for each customer, account managers – for everyone who agrees to replenish the base of potential customers, advertising managers – for advertisers. There is also competition in the labor market – there are a lot of applicants for managerial positions.
Stress
Managers work with a large flow of information and a huge number of people. Constant communication and concentration on details provoke stress.
Strict corporate rules
Managers usually work in offices where corporate rules apply: you can’t be late, you can only have a lunch break at a certain time, and the clothes must be strict and businesslike.
Where to get an education
At the initial stage of a manager’s career, education does not play a big role. To work in a managerial position, a diploma in a specialty related to job functions is suitable: for example, a tourism manager can work with an education in the field of tourism and hospitality. But in many educational institutions there are training programs in the direction of “Manager”. They are suitable for those who want to specialize in business management.
Educational establishments
Universities train specialists in the direction of “International Management”, “Management of Finance”, “Production Management” and many other specializations.
You can become a certified manager by graduating from a secondary specialized educational institution.
Courses
To work effectively and move up the career ladder, a manager must take advanced training courses.
Courses are offered both face-to-face and online. The cost of training varies, the duration is from 40 academic hours. The cost depends on the chosen program and the number of academic hours. The courses focus on effective management skills.
During the training, the student will receive a new specialty, and after graduation will be able to start working.
Demand
Good managers who can coordinate the work of a small department and the entire company, as well as manage their own projects, will always be in demand. The high demand of managers can be explained by the fact that they can work in all areas of the business. Experienced managers are well versed in psychology, marketing, economics, and advertising.
Employment and career
A specialist who has just received a diploma can get a job in a company for any managerial position as an assistant, junior manager or office manager. As you develop your sales, advertising, and client and document management skills, you can expect to be promoted up to the head of the department. Features of the manager profession allow you to start a career while still studying, becoming an intern in one of the company’s divisions.
Prospects for the future
The profession of a manager will be in demand for many more years, because it covers too wide a range of tasks. And above all, this is live communication: establishing contacts, negotiating and building long-term mutually beneficial relationships cannot be undertaken by any automated machine.