What is a manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Experts
Dr. John C. Niser,
Kerem Cakirer Ph.D.
introduction image

A manager is responsible for overseeing and directing tasks and resources to achieve organizational goals. Managers plan, organize, lead, and control teams within a company or department to achieve objectives efficiently. They set expectations, delegate tasks, and monitor performance to ensure quality work. Managers also communicate with colleagues, superiors, and customers to resolve issues. They analyze data and make decisions to improve operations and achieve desired outcomes.

What general advice would you give to a Manager?

D

Dr. John C. NiserDr. John C. Niser LinkedIn Profile

Director, Fairleigh Dickinson University

The wrong approach is to look for a job for the sake of employment alone. The right approach starts by understanding who you are, what you are passionate about, and what you are good at doing. Think of it as choosing a business partnership in which you have to be sure you can bring something valuable to the enterprise and, in exchange, get something that is rewarding for you. It is also OK to try things out, especially using internships, but always put your heart into the job, even if it turns out not to be your favorite long term option. Lastly, cultivate your network, make sure you give a lot, and take as little as possible from it until you really need it.
ScoreManagerUS Average
Salary
4.6

Avg. Salary $58,651

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
9.6

Growth Rate 6%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.47%

Asian 6.44%

Black or African American 6.26%

Hispanic or Latino 15.46%

Unknown 4.35%

White 67.02%

Gender

female 48.98%

male 51.02%

Age - 44
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44
Stress Level
9.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
9.2

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
3.6

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Manager?

Pros

  • Opportunity for leadership and making a positive impact

  • Higher salary and potential for bonuses

  • Professional growth and advancement

  • Exposure to different areas of the business

  • Job security

Cons

  • High level of responsibility and pressure

  • Long hours

  • Difficulties managing conflicts and difficult employees

  • Need to constantly adapt and stay up to date on industry changes

  • Potential for disciplinary action or legal issues

Manager career paths

Key steps to become a manager

  1. Explore manager education requirements

    Most common manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    49.3 %

    Associate

    18.0 %

    High School Diploma

    17.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific manager skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Customer Service19.12%
    Payroll9.31%
    Food Safety8.40%
    Financial Statements4.38%
    Management4.07%
  3. Complete relevant manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real manager resumes.
  4. Gain additional manager certifications

    Manager certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for managers include Food Safety Manager Certification and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage both BOH and FOH operations exceeding company specifications.
    • Manage logistics and security for high net worth individuals and corporations.
    • Manage budgets and payroll records, review financial transactions to assure expenditures are authorize and budget.
    • Guide and manage the administrative day-to-day academic program and the implementation of strategies by providing leadership to faculty and staff.
  6. Prepare your manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Manager Resume templates

    Build a professional Manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Manager resume.
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  7. Apply for manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Manager Job

N

Natalie Lihacova

Manager

Before I entered the IT world, I was a musician, particularly a choir leader in the last years of my musical career. That experience taught me to lead and manage people of all sorts - from most talented and unruly, to humble but musically mediocre, and to make them sing like one organism.

After switching to my IT career, I started as a user support specialist. But soon, when my company management went into some turbulent times, I felt responsible for the quality of all client interactions, so I took the initiative, which eventually put me into a position of managing the company and, later, being the Chairwoman of the Board. After several years the company management returned to full capacity, and I started my own business - a software development consultancy, which I am running to date.

I believe the key was my high sense of integrity - I just couldn't look my clients (and later my employees) in the eyes if something was subpar - either the quality of our services or the financial obligations. That motivated me to take more responsibility because no one else was available :)
J

Julie Zaryczny

Manager

My name is Julie Zaryczny, I am 33 years old and I have managed 3 companies since the age of 16. I started out as any youngster wanting to work so that I could get a car, and make some money of course. I graduated high in my class in High school with a lot of academic achievements and sports recognitions. I began my career working retail, gas stations, etc. By time I hit 20 years old, I had started getting certifications in EMT, Medic, and nursing. I attended community college and South University of Richmond School of law as well during the time of working at car washes, Merchandising jobs, and volunteering at the fire station. During a lot of career switches, I focused on Criminal law for a while and did an internship with a law firm as well. During this time, I became incredibly engaged in drug use and alcohol. I ended up messing up my career with Law/legal when I was in a severe accident March 12, 2017 caused by myself. I was charged with a DUI first offense and that's when my life changed. I received my punishment and fate at that time and realized that I had a problem. I became sober that day and checked into rehab and completed a 12 step program. During this time I was a regular associate for Napa Auto Parts. I worked extremely hard, without a license and going through the motions of sobriety and during the toughest moment of my life I Was able to stand tall and became a store manager of the Largest NAPA WAREHOUSE DC in the state of VA. I took everything I learned wisdom wise from rehab, the motivation to stay clean and focus on success. I worked long hours, and made sure I took the initiative on a lot of company projects, policies and provided excellence in customer service which led me to be the number one store in the district. During all the downfalls a constant reminder was to never give up, to always move forward, to not get discouraged based off of age, downfall or race. I managed NAPA auto parts for about 6 years before receiving the invite to go and turn around Orielly Auto parts. I then managed that location for about 2 years as well. I went through a lot of ups and downs when it comes to management. You constantly are working long hours and have a lot of responsibility. You are on the go for over 16 hours a day with early mornings which takes a lot of discipline and dedication. You really have to become one with the company. It is also very important; however, to have good work life balance. During my tremendous success, I encountered two

Average manager salary

The average Manager salary in the United States is $58,651 per year or $28 per hour. Manager salaries range between $37,000 and $92,000 per year.

Average Manager Salary
$58,651 Yearly
$28.20 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do managers rate their job?

4.57/5

Based On 7 Ratings

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Manager reviews

profile
5.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2022
Pros

I have leadership skills I always hire employees who like to work in a team I like to see sales increase and love to see the best customer service is given

Cons

In reality, i do not complain as its who i am


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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2021
Pros

I do like the creative control that I get to have with my position. I do enjoy getting to know all of the guests and also getting to know my employees. It is a fun business to be in.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Pros

Ability to resolve issues, timely delivery on goals and mantainance of inter personal relationship and organizing.

Cons

Insurbordination, failure to deliver on tasks and targets.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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