A Day in the Life of a Manager

A Day in the Life of a Manager ⁽¹⁾
Many managers plan, strategize, organize, and coordinate projects, people and operations. Across industries, managers may assume leadership roles to ensure that the day-to-day operations of a business are productive and efficient.

What Does a Management Career Involve?
Strong organizational awareness, interpersonal communication skills, and leadership abilities should come into play on a daily basis among effective managers. A day might begin with a staff meeting to provide project updates and set a work plan for the week. During the day, you might spend time talking on the phone and communicating via email to gather information relevant to your project. Many managers work as part of teams, so the ability to engage in productive teamwork is important.

Getting There with a Management Degree
Those with an online management degree often find employment opportunities in a range of industries, including banking, insurance, government, health care, and many others. Your management degree could provide a good basis of knowledge for many of your daily tasks, which could include the following, depending on your level of expertise and education:

• Entry-level: Attend staff meetings, assist in the preparation of presentations, help develop a project timeline, gather information for a project
• Mid-level: Assign tasks to team members, interface/liaison between entry-level management and upper-level management, assist in budget development, research ways to ensure operations are productive and efficient
• Upper-level: Oversee several departments, approve budgets, give presentations, develop long-term growth strategies

Managers should be analytical, detail-oriented, decisive, and flexible. They should have excellent written and verbal communications skills and be adept at putting ideas into action. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many jobs in management are expected to grow from 2008 through 2018. A manager’s salary may vary by experience education, and particular industry.