By: Amanda
Managers work in a vast array of fields. The responsibility and everyday life of a manager working for a supermarket chain will be vastly different from that of a manager working in a construction company. Of course, the standard responsibilities differ depending on where the manager is working, but one can expect to attend numerous meetings both internal and with customers and clients. That said, if you are interested in becoming a manager this article will help shed some light on what you can expect.
Training You Will Get as a Manager
Graduated training schemes tend to differ from employer to employer, but all are expected to provide you with the training, skills as well as the knowledge on various aspects, including the six sigma tools, required to become an ideal manager.
Training basically consists of on-site coaching as well as formal training schemes. Some companies ideally provide a mentoring scheme. The John Lewis retail graduate programmes, for instance, has seen recruits coupled up with a partner and a senior mentor as well. McDonald’s, on the other hand, has been using an intensive in-store 20-week training scheme where the potential managers learn about commercial skills in domains like leadership, HR as well as finance.
Qualifying as Trainee Manager
Some management training programmes will take you through a formal qualification, be it a professional qualification through an industry organisation or an academic postgraduate degree. The NHS management schemes, for instance, have in the past lead to a postgraduate certificate in healthcare leadership in addition to qualifications that are specific to the area chosen. An example is the Chartered Institute of Management Accounts qualification for graduates under the financial management training programmes.
Some companies will put you through a masters in business administration, but this is often aimed at those who have several years of experience. The masters in business administration can be studied part-time or full time and takes anywhere between 10 to 24 months to complete. There’s also the option of distance or online learning.
Social Responsibility Projects
Some graduate manager training programmes will ideally see recruits undertaking a corporate social responsibility project or other forms of fundraising. This offers an excellent opportunity to develop stronger bonds with colleagues and even a chance to give back to the community. The John Lewis Partnership graduate management programmes ideally focus on corporate social responsibility and will see recruits working on something with a social enterprise organisation.
The Perks of Being in Charge
There’s usually a lot of responsibilities in the early stages. Most programmes usually have the trainees working as assistant or deputy managers. Progression, however, can be quick, and this is especially true in the retail field, where graduates can see themselves running a department in just a few months and a multi-million-pound store in 2 to 3 years.
The starting salary is often quite generous and there can be other benefits such as health insurance, company car, and bonuses for completing projects on time or meeting targets. However, all this depends on the company you work for.
Challenges You Can Expect in a Graduate Management Programmes
Some programmes require relocation. Tesco is an example of companies that usually only recruit those who are flexible in terms of their location.
Long and unsociable hours. If there is a deadline that needs to be meet or a project due, you are expected to deliver it on time. However, if you possess excellent organisational skills and can balance your work and life, it will be almost a walk in the park.
You’ll have to work on concepts that you have no prior knowledge, especially if you did not study management or business. For example, you might be working to manage stakeholders expectations or keep them happy.
When the Graduate Programmes is Over
Most programmes come with a guaranteed spot at the end of the training period. However, with some schemes, you are expected to apply for a specific position with the firm at the end of the programmes. If your case is the latter, you can expect help and support while you are completing your application.
