Business Manager

A business manager is in charge of the daily operations and overall functioning of a public or private company. In a nutshell, a business manager ensures the smooth and efficient running of an enterprise by overseeing a wide range of departments and activities.

Business managers compose, evaluate, and implement employment policies, coordinate human resources, and plan for the use and distribution and materials. They are responsible for making sure all of the parts of a company work together to achieve common goals and objectives.

A business manager usually begins in a lower-level position and then moves into management after becoming familiar with a company’s systems and policies. An advanced degree, especially in business administration, can help an aspiring business manager move up the career ladder more quickly.

Degrees for Business Managers

A business manager for a smaller company usually holds at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration or related subject. In some instances, an associate degree plus experience may be sufficient. Some employers may even pay for an employee to pursue an advanced degree.

In larger companies, however, a master’s in business administration (MBA) is often required.

In any event, those hoping to pursue this career path should take courses in business, business administration, human resources, and accounting. Excellent interpersonal skills are a must as business managers interact with a wide range of individuals both inside and outside of a company.

Business Manager Salary*

Salaries of business managers vary greatly depending on education, experience, size of the company, and geographic location. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual income for general and operations managers in 2008 was $91,570.

Those with recently earned bachelor’s degrees can expect to start in entry-level positions and then look for opportunities to move up into management; those at the higher end of the pay scale also tend to have advanced degrees.

*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic