7 answers
Aaron
Student
Clovis, New Mexico
5
Questions
Asked
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How many years do you need to be able to be a part of management?
I am in the 11 grade and I'm 17 how old would i be to consider management.
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7 answers
Daniel Seris
Business transformation
1
Answer
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Hello Aaron,
Whenever I'm asked about the role of a manager, I always counter with the same question: why do you want to be a manager? Do you understand what it entails?
Being a manager isn't as glamorous as it seems. It's about gaining respect and taking care of your team. Despite societal pressures to become the boss, it's not a role suited for everyone and it's certainly not an easy one.
You're young, there's no need to rush. Begin with a role that you're passionate about, deliver your best, and opportunities will naturally come your way. It's not so much about age, but more about attitude. I've found that, like money, if you chase after it, it tends to elude you. However, if you focus on doing your current job well, your efforts will lead you to success. But be aware, once you reach the top, it may not be what you anticipated.
Best of luck!
Whenever I'm asked about the role of a manager, I always counter with the same question: why do you want to be a manager? Do you understand what it entails?
Being a manager isn't as glamorous as it seems. It's about gaining respect and taking care of your team. Despite societal pressures to become the boss, it's not a role suited for everyone and it's certainly not an easy one.
You're young, there's no need to rush. Begin with a role that you're passionate about, deliver your best, and opportunities will naturally come your way. It's not so much about age, but more about attitude. I've found that, like money, if you chase after it, it tends to elude you. However, if you focus on doing your current job well, your efforts will lead you to success. But be aware, once you reach the top, it may not be what you anticipated.
Best of luck!
Robert Epstein
General Manager
82
Answers
Naples, Florida
Updated
Robert’s Answer
That’s a question well worth considering. I assume you mean managing other people to accomplish a task or run a business activity. (There are also folks who just manage a project by themselves.) Although it depends somewhat on how much natural ability you have as a leader, you can develop your management skills starting in high school. Consider becoming the head of a club you enjoy (photography, fishing, chess, a sport, etc.). Read books about management and talk with managers about their job. In a large corporate setting, it usually takes a few years to become part of the management team. I've known corporate business managers in their early 20s, and some entrepreneurs who are even younger. But, you’ll have to work hard and develop successful leadership skills. Corporations rarely set a time limit or age to become a manager. It’s based on your accomplishments, skills, and how well you get along with people. Smooth sailing to you, Aaron!
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
521
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
The path to a management role can vary significantly depending on your field, industry, and career goals. However, here are some general guidelines to consider:
1. **Education:** Many management positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. This typically takes four years of undergraduate study after high school.
2. **Experience:** Beyond education, management roles often require several years of relevant work experience. Entry-level positions are a common starting point, and individuals gradually progress to management roles as they gain experience and demonstrate leadership skills.
3. **Skills and Competencies:** Developing strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills is crucial for management roles. Consider participating in leadership development programs, workshops, or extracurricular activities that help you build these skills.
4. **Advanced Education (Optional):** Some individuals pursue advanced degrees like a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to accelerate their path to management or to qualify for higher-level management positions. An MBA typically takes two years to complete after earning a bachelor's degree.
5. **Networking:** Building a professional network can also be beneficial for advancing into management roles. Attend industry conferences, join relevant associations, and connect with experienced professionals who can offer guidance and mentorship.
6. **Industry and Company Factors:** The timeline to management can vary depending on the industry and the specific company. Some industries promote younger talent into management positions quickly, while others have more traditional career progression timelines.
Given your current grade level and age, you have several years ahead to prepare for a potential management role. Focus on your education, gain relevant work experience through internships or part-time jobs, and actively seek opportunities to develop leadership skills. Remember that the path to management is not solely about years of experience; it's also about your abilities, initiative, and readiness to take on leadership responsibilities.
1. **Education:** Many management positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. This typically takes four years of undergraduate study after high school.
2. **Experience:** Beyond education, management roles often require several years of relevant work experience. Entry-level positions are a common starting point, and individuals gradually progress to management roles as they gain experience and demonstrate leadership skills.
3. **Skills and Competencies:** Developing strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills is crucial for management roles. Consider participating in leadership development programs, workshops, or extracurricular activities that help you build these skills.
4. **Advanced Education (Optional):** Some individuals pursue advanced degrees like a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to accelerate their path to management or to qualify for higher-level management positions. An MBA typically takes two years to complete after earning a bachelor's degree.
5. **Networking:** Building a professional network can also be beneficial for advancing into management roles. Attend industry conferences, join relevant associations, and connect with experienced professionals who can offer guidance and mentorship.
6. **Industry and Company Factors:** The timeline to management can vary depending on the industry and the specific company. Some industries promote younger talent into management positions quickly, while others have more traditional career progression timelines.
Given your current grade level and age, you have several years ahead to prepare for a potential management role. Focus on your education, gain relevant work experience through internships or part-time jobs, and actively seek opportunities to develop leadership skills. Remember that the path to management is not solely about years of experience; it's also about your abilities, initiative, and readiness to take on leadership responsibilities.
Terrell Dinkins, MBA, ChFC®, RICP®
Investment Advisor
27
Answers
Jonesboro
Updated
Terrell’s Answer
That is an excellent question, and unfortunately, I will have to give the generic reply that it all depends. Management positions are based on your experience and capabilities. You may have a manager who sees something in you that warrants placing you in a management position. When I graduated from college, I went through a management training program to master the book skills to become a manager of people. Having a business background and a college degree helped me get into the management training program. Whatever job you seek, discover the skills needed to become a manager. You will likely need training in a company before being allowed to manage people. Experience is always the best teacher.
Sarah Lanton
Team Lead for Client Onboarding and Maitnenance Service Center
4
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Depending on your performance and grasp of the business you can move up to a leadership role relatively quickly. Using my personal experience as an example - I changed careers from Arts and Entertainment to Financial Services. Because I focused on being the best I could be in my role, I was able to grasp the subject matter for my business very quickly. This let me advance into a Subject matter expert role in 8 months. I maintained great relationships with my peers and leadership and was offered a role as the line manager by the 1 year mark. You can acheive it more quickly if you have a base level skill set or secondary degree. It really is all about the work you put in to boosting your skills, business mindset and strategic thinking. Best of luck on your journey!
Marcelo Coelho Campos, PMP
Construction Manager
1
Answer
São Paulo, Brazil
Updated
Marcelo’s Answer
This is a bit relative and depends a lot on the area of activity.
I can only answer from my point of view. Firstly, you need to start working with the Manager to understand the routines and take your first steps.
You can, after understanding what the profession is, start investing in training and preparatory courses.
If you are in the IT area, I would recommend taking a look at Scrum and Prince II... or you can start by learning about Six Sigma...
As for certifications, you could start with PMI's CAPM (but before investing money, think if that's really what you want).
I can only answer from my point of view. Firstly, you need to start working with the Manager to understand the routines and take your first steps.
You can, after understanding what the profession is, start investing in training and preparatory courses.
If you are in the IT area, I would recommend taking a look at Scrum and Prince II... or you can start by learning about Six Sigma...
As for certifications, you could start with PMI's CAPM (but before investing money, think if that's really what you want).
Shannon Heaney
Delivery Manager
5
Answers
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Updated
Shannon’s Answer
The path to management can certainly vary based on the type of company or industry you're targeting. Smaller companies often present a quicker route to leadership roles, even if you have less experience. On the other hand, larger corporations typically require more seasoned professionals for management positions.
In my personal journey, I found it beneficial to start in a role such as an engineer. Spending a year or so at a small company or startup allows you to gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry and business operations. It's a great way to familiarize yourself with the various departments within a company before transitioning to a larger corporation.
Remember, every experience is a learning opportunity. Embrace them all and continuously strive to expand your knowledge. Surrounding yourself with a robust network of supportive and knowledgeable individuals can also provide invaluable mentorship and guidance. Keep pushing forward, and you'll find your way to the top!
In my personal journey, I found it beneficial to start in a role such as an engineer. Spending a year or so at a small company or startup allows you to gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry and business operations. It's a great way to familiarize yourself with the various departments within a company before transitioning to a larger corporation.
Remember, every experience is a learning opportunity. Embrace them all and continuously strive to expand your knowledge. Surrounding yourself with a robust network of supportive and knowledgeable individuals can also provide invaluable mentorship and guidance. Keep pushing forward, and you'll find your way to the top!