Career Overview
An education in organizational leadership can prepare you to lead the staffs of businesses and organizations. Some choices in this field include human resources manager, chief executive officer and management analyst. Below is a brief look at these careers:
| Human Resources Manager | Chief Executive Officer | Management Analyst | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | Human resources managers oversee the personnel department in a business or organization. | Chief executive officers are the top leaders in an organization and set the company's goals. | Management analysts work with an organization to improve an area of the business. |
| Education Requirements | Bachelor's degree | Master's degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Program Length | About 4 years | About 4 years for a bachelor's and 1-2 years for a master's | About 4 years |
| Certification and/or Licensing | Certification is voluntary, but available | Certification is voluntary, but available | Certification is voluntary, but available |
| Experience Requirement | Some employers require previous management experience | Extensive managerial experience is often necessary | None, entry-level |
| Job Outlook for 2012-2022 | Average growth of 13% predicted* | Average growth of 11% predicted* | Faster-than-average growth of 19% predicted* |
| Median Salary (2014) | $102780* | $173,320* | $80,880* |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Human Resources Manager
Human resources managers direct and oversee the hiring, firing and training of personnel for a business or organization. They might first work with department managers to determine an organization's human resource needs and organize plans to attract and recruit talented workers to the company. In large organizations, human resources managers may specialize in a particular area of the field, such as benefits, payroll or labor relations.
Requirements
A minimum of a bachelor's degree is needed to work as a human resources manager. Upper management positions may require a master's degree education. Degree programs in business administration, organizational leadership or human resources can prepare you for a career as a manager. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employers usually require experience in the field of human resources to work as a manager.
Below are some examples of positions that were available for human resources managers in November 2012:
- An Ohio employer in the healthcare industry was looking for a human resources manager to oversee all functions of the company's human resource department, including recruitment, compensation and benefits. Applicants must have had a minimum of a bachelor's degree in business administration and 5 to 7 years in human resources management.
- An employer in Texas in the insurance industry was seeking a human resources manager to design and implement the company's human resource programs. Applicants must have had a bachelor's degree in human resources or business administration and eight years of experience in a specialization area. In addition, applicants should have had at least five years of experience in a leadership position and five years of experience in human resources.
- A California employer in the healthcare industry was searching for a human resources manager to supervise the company's human resources department. Applicants must have had a minimum of a bachelor's degree in business or human resources management and five years of experience in the field to qualify for the position.
Standing Out
The Society for Human Resource Management offers voluntary certifications for professionals in the field to help them demonstrate their expertise. While the credential is voluntary, it may help you stand out in the job market.
Chief Executive Officer
Chief executive officers are the presidents, vice presidents and directors of organizations. The president of a business sets the goals, manages all company operations and determines the direction the company will take. In large businesses, chief executives may focus on an area of the company such as finances or operations. The leadership of a business also hires managers and supervisors for each department in the company.
Requirements
A minimum of a bachelor's degree is necessary to qualify for an executive position, but many candidates have a master's degree education, according to the BLS. Experience in a management or leadership position and the company's area of business is necessary for a top executive career. Many companies hire top managers from within the organization.
Below are some examples of chief executive positions available in November 2012:
- A Connecticut employer in the healthcare industry was looking for a chief executive to manage the company's recruitment, patient care, clinical management and government relations policies. Applicants must have had a minimum of a graduate degree and at least five years of experience in an executive position in the healthcare industry.
- An employer in Louisiana in the accounting industry was seeking a chief executive to manage all departments in the organization. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, financing or a technical area. The employer required at least 10 years' experience in management with a minimum of five years in a leadership position.
- In Kentucky, an employer in the healthcare industry was searching for a chief executive to oversee all areas of the company and promote the direction and vision for the business. Applicants must have had a master's degree in communication disorders and at least five years' experience in education administration. In addition, successful applicants must have had a minimum of five years' experience in a leadership role in a business providing services to disabled adults and children.
Standing Out
The Institute of Certified Professional Managers offers voluntary certification for those who meet the eligibility requirements in education and experience. The credential is not a requirement for a top executive position but may help you stand out in the field.
Management Analyst
Management analysts consult with organizations to find ways to improve their processes and procedures. Analysts may contract with a business as a self-employed consultant or work with a management analyst firm. Some analysts work for the company they are improving. Management analysts may specialize in an area of business such as finance or organizational structure.
Requirements
According to the BLS, management analysts must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree to qualify for a position. Some companies prefer to hire analysts with a master's degree. Management analysts may complete degree programs in business administration, management, economics, finance or accounting. Employers often prefer applicants with experience in business.
Below are some examples of management analyst positions available in November 2012:
- An employer in Georgia in the telecommunications industry was seeking a management analyst to oversee the company's content creation and management system. Applicants must have had a bachelor's degree and skills in content creation, software programs and programming.
- A New York employer in the consumer products industry was looking for a business analyst to manage the company's supply chain and procurement software. Applicants must have had knowledge and skills in the company's software programs.
- An employer in Michigan in the advertising industry was searching for a management analyst to manage the company's information technology division. Applicants must have had a minimum of five years' experience as a business analyst.
Standing Out
The Institute of Management Consultants offers a voluntary certification that can help you stand out in the field. The Certified Management Consultant designation demonstrates the analyst's education, experience and knowledge in the field.
