6 answers
William
Student
Novi, Michigan
2
Questions
Updated
930 views
What's the best college plan to get into a management field?
Say I want to get a management position in the Software Development field. Should I get a bachelor's degree in Computer Science first, and then get an MBA? Should I do this while working/internship or focus on just getting the MBA?
Login to comment
6 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6182
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello William,
Best College Plan for a Management Position in Software Development
There are several paths you can take to become a manager in the software development field. Here are some steps you can consider:
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
A bachelor’s degree in computer science can provide you with a strong foundation in programming, algorithms, data structures, and software engineering principles. This knowledge is essential for anyone looking to work in the software development field. Many software development managers have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.
Work Experience and Internships
While pursuing your bachelor’s degree, it’s important to gain work experience and internships in the software development field. This will give you hands-on experience and help you develop the skills necessary to become a manager. Many employers prefer to hire candidates with work experience, so internships can be a great way to get your foot in the door.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
An MBA can provide you with the business knowledge and skills necessary to become a manager. An MBA program will teach you about finance, marketing, operations, and strategy, which are all important areas for a manager to understand. Many MBA programs also offer specializations in areas such as technology management or entrepreneurship, which can be particularly useful for someone looking to work in the software development field.
Combining a Bachelor’s Degree and an MBA
One option is to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science first and then an MBA. This approach can provide you with both the technical knowledge and business skills necessary to become a manager in the software development field. You can consider pursuing this combination while working or interning to gain practical experience. Alternatively, you can focus solely on getting your MBA and take some computer science courses as electives.
Pursuing an MBA While Working
Another option is to pursue an MBA while working in the software development field. Many MBA programs offer part-time or online options that can accommodate working professionals. This approach allows you to gain work experience while pursuing your degree, which can make you a more attractive candidate for management positions. However, it can be challenging to balance work, school, and personal life, so it’s important to ensure that you have the time and energy necessary to succeed in both your job and your studies.
Authoritative Reference Titles:
Management Information Systems, by Seung Hyun Kim, et al. (Pearson) - This textbook provides an overview of the role of information systems in organizations and how they can be used to support management decision-making. It covers topics such as database management, systems analysis and design, and e-commerce. The book was used to provide context on the importance of information systems in management positions within the software development field.
The Art of Software Development, by Mark Cassey (O’Reilly) - This book provides practical advice for software developers looking to advance their careers. It covers topics such as communication skills, teamwork, and leadership, which are all important for managers in the software development field. The book was used to provide insights on how software developers can transition into management roles.
Mastering Business Administration, by Peter Ewer (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform) - This book provides an overview of the key concepts and theories covered in MBA programs. It covers topics such as finance, marketing, operations, and strategy, which are all important areas for managers to understand. The book was used to provide context on the value of an MBA for individuals looking to pursue management positions within the software development field.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
Best College Plan for a Management Position in Software Development
There are several paths you can take to become a manager in the software development field. Here are some steps you can consider:
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
A bachelor’s degree in computer science can provide you with a strong foundation in programming, algorithms, data structures, and software engineering principles. This knowledge is essential for anyone looking to work in the software development field. Many software development managers have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.
Work Experience and Internships
While pursuing your bachelor’s degree, it’s important to gain work experience and internships in the software development field. This will give you hands-on experience and help you develop the skills necessary to become a manager. Many employers prefer to hire candidates with work experience, so internships can be a great way to get your foot in the door.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
An MBA can provide you with the business knowledge and skills necessary to become a manager. An MBA program will teach you about finance, marketing, operations, and strategy, which are all important areas for a manager to understand. Many MBA programs also offer specializations in areas such as technology management or entrepreneurship, which can be particularly useful for someone looking to work in the software development field.
Combining a Bachelor’s Degree and an MBA
One option is to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science first and then an MBA. This approach can provide you with both the technical knowledge and business skills necessary to become a manager in the software development field. You can consider pursuing this combination while working or interning to gain practical experience. Alternatively, you can focus solely on getting your MBA and take some computer science courses as electives.
Pursuing an MBA While Working
Another option is to pursue an MBA while working in the software development field. Many MBA programs offer part-time or online options that can accommodate working professionals. This approach allows you to gain work experience while pursuing your degree, which can make you a more attractive candidate for management positions. However, it can be challenging to balance work, school, and personal life, so it’s important to ensure that you have the time and energy necessary to succeed in both your job and your studies.
Authoritative Reference Titles:
Management Information Systems, by Seung Hyun Kim, et al. (Pearson) - This textbook provides an overview of the role of information systems in organizations and how they can be used to support management decision-making. It covers topics such as database management, systems analysis and design, and e-commerce. The book was used to provide context on the importance of information systems in management positions within the software development field.
The Art of Software Development, by Mark Cassey (O’Reilly) - This book provides practical advice for software developers looking to advance their careers. It covers topics such as communication skills, teamwork, and leadership, which are all important for managers in the software development field. The book was used to provide insights on how software developers can transition into management roles.
Mastering Business Administration, by Peter Ewer (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform) - This book provides an overview of the key concepts and theories covered in MBA programs. It covers topics such as finance, marketing, operations, and strategy, which are all important areas for managers to understand. The book was used to provide context on the value of an MBA for individuals looking to pursue management positions within the software development field.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
Adam Zhang
business strategy
11
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Adam’s Answer
Hello and this is a great questions! I think actually it is hard to study pure business to get into business management. Instead, pick something that you are interested in and develop some passion for it so you are willing to dive deep and become a subject matter expert. Your sense of business on certain things will graduate grow after you really understand it. But with that said, there are indeed a couple majors in college that can quickly jump start you on that. Look into something like Industrial Engineering, Management Science, or business administration majors. These are interesting fields that will allow you to build up some specialization while getting a general sense of what management could be like. Good luck!
Daniel Warcup
People Business Partner
2
Answers
Canton, Georgia
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
As a seasoned Human Resources professional, I've spent years assisting employees in the Software Engineering and Development sector. It's common to see team members with undergraduate degrees in disciplines such as computer science or information technology. While internships in Software Engineering can be beneficial, they are not always essential.
Upon earning your degree, it's advisable to seek a role as a Software Engineer with a focus on software development. After gaining 1-2 years of experience in this field, it might be worthwhile to contemplate whether pursuing an MBA could be your next strategic move. In my experience, while not all managers opt for an MBA, there's undeniable value in obtaining one.
Numerous companies place a significant emphasis on learning and development, especially in management development areas. Some even offer specially designed courses for employees aspiring to leadership roles within the next few years.
While you're employed as a software engineer or developer, I'd encourage you to seize opportunities to work on unique projects or to lead teams. This will provide a platform to showcase not only your technical expertise but also your leadership skills.
Upon earning your degree, it's advisable to seek a role as a Software Engineer with a focus on software development. After gaining 1-2 years of experience in this field, it might be worthwhile to contemplate whether pursuing an MBA could be your next strategic move. In my experience, while not all managers opt for an MBA, there's undeniable value in obtaining one.
Numerous companies place a significant emphasis on learning and development, especially in management development areas. Some even offer specially designed courses for employees aspiring to leadership roles within the next few years.
While you're employed as a software engineer or developer, I'd encourage you to seize opportunities to work on unique projects or to lead teams. This will provide a platform to showcase not only your technical expertise but also your leadership skills.
Thomas Fister D.O., M.B.A.
Doctor - Psychiatrist
1
Answer
Little Rock, Arkansas
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Howdy, I work as a physician MBA but I think I have transferable experience. I would suggest working for a couple of years before you seek an MBA. There are multiple reasons for this including understanding the business/operational environment you will be managing it is hard to do if you don't have on-the-ground experience, in addition, this makes you more relatable and you will find buy-in with your team much easier than if you did not spend a couple years understanding how things "really work". Second, an MBA is a significant investment but it is only as valuable as you make it. Most of my peers who came from business school right into a master's program were not prepared, they may have attended classes and may have even scored well but they missed out in a lot of ways. Those with life experience were a lot better at engaging with professors and networking and this is where you learn, this is after hours where wisdom is transferred, and where you will learn to stand out and be exceptional. I can speak with authority as I graduated top of my class and was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, I think part of my success was in really engaging with the professors and learning how to think compared to what is expected in a classroom.
Also since I am thinking about it, make sure you read a lot. Not all education is formal. Reading will help you identify your strengths and passions. I would recommend several books if you are open to it:
- Drive, Daniel Pink
- To Sell Is Human, Daniel Pink
- Talking to Strangers , Malcolm Gladwell
- Start With Why, Simon Sinek
- David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell (good if you feel things are insurmountable)
- Copy This, Paul Orfalea (good if you feel you screwed up, he was very successful but his start was pretty rough)
Dr. J DO MBA
Also since I am thinking about it, make sure you read a lot. Not all education is formal. Reading will help you identify your strengths and passions. I would recommend several books if you are open to it:
- Drive, Daniel Pink
- To Sell Is Human, Daniel Pink
- Talking to Strangers , Malcolm Gladwell
- Start With Why, Simon Sinek
- David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell (good if you feel things are insurmountable)
- Copy This, Paul Orfalea (good if you feel you screwed up, he was very successful but his start was pretty rough)
Dr. J DO MBA
Marcus Pugh
Services Director
5
Answers
Pensacola, Florida
Updated
Marcus’s Answer
Greetings! I'm part of a top-tier industrial software corporation. I would strongly encourage you to kickstart your journey with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. As you approach your final year in college, be proactive and search for internship opportunities. These internships might not always align perfectly with your software development aspirations, but they'll provide valuable insights and benefits in various ways.
Once you've secured your Bachelor's degree, aim to gather 1 - 2 years of full-time experience. This will help you determine if a management role aligns with your career goals. If you find that you're more drawn to the technical aspects of software development, you might not need to pursue an MBA.
However, if you're certain about a management role, an MBA could be a worthwhile investment. It will be even more meaningful and applicable when complemented with real-life experience. Remember, your career path is all about finding what truly fulfills you and aligns with your goals. Keep exploring, keep learning, and you'll find your way!
Once you've secured your Bachelor's degree, aim to gather 1 - 2 years of full-time experience. This will help you determine if a management role aligns with your career goals. If you find that you're more drawn to the technical aspects of software development, you might not need to pursue an MBA.
However, if you're certain about a management role, an MBA could be a worthwhile investment. It will be even more meaningful and applicable when complemented with real-life experience. Remember, your career path is all about finding what truly fulfills you and aligns with your goals. Keep exploring, keep learning, and you'll find your way!
Dhimant Korant
IT Product Manager
50
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Dhimant’s Answer
Taking the traditional academic path can be extremely beneficial for you. If you're contemplating a career in management, particularly within the software or technology industry, obtaining a degree in computer science could be a great first step. After that, gaining 2-3 years of work experience can provide you with practical insights and skills. Following this, enrolling in an MBA program at a well-regarded university can further enhance your knowledge and qualifications. By building a solid foundation, you're setting yourself up for a stronger, more secure position in the future. This approach can really empower you on your career journey.