High School

The educational background of business managers varies as widely as the nature of their diverse responsibilities. Many have a bachelor's degree in liberal arts or business administration. If you are interested in a business managerial career, you should start preparing in high school by taking college preparatory classes in a variety of fields. Because communication is important, take as many English classes as possible. Speech classes are another way to improve your communication skills. Courses in mathematics, business, and computer science are also excellent choices to help you prepare for this career. Knowledge of a foreign language may also be helpful.

Postsecondary Training

Business managers often have a college degree in a subject that pertains to the department they direct or the organization they administer; for example, accounting or economics for a business manager of finance, computer science for a business manager of data processing, engineering or science for a director of research and development. As computer usage grows, many managers are expected to have experience with the information technology that applies to their field.

Graduate and professional degrees are common among business managers. Many managers in administrative, marketing, financial, and manufacturing have master's degrees in business administration. Managers in highly technical manufacturing and research activities often have a master's degree or doctorate in a technical or scientific discipline. A law degree is mandatory for business managers of corporate legal departments, and hospital managers generally have a master's degree in health services administration or business administration. In some industries, such as retail trade or the food and beverage industry, competent individuals without a college degree but who have extensive experience in their field may become business managers.

Certification or Licensing

There is no national certifying organization for business managers, but to help advance their careers managers of all levels may attend various executive training programs. The Institute of Certified Professional Managers also offers, among other certificates, the certified manager credential, which requires training and passing an examination. While not required for career advancement, it may help demonstrate a person's professional management skills.

Future business managers are usually attracted to management because it appeals to their entrepreneurial, decision-making, social, and leadership-oriented personalities. A position in management requires on-the-job experience and specific training in the field for a period of one or two years. Candidates for training should have an associate's or bachelor's degree. Many companies have training programs in management, and the Institute of Certified Professional Managers offers a certificate program in this area. Academic subjects required by a manager generally include mathematics, economics, accounting, and proficiency in English, including the meaning and spelling of words, and the rules of composition and grammar. Speaking, listening, reading, and problem-solving skills are necessary to understand and communicate information effectively to coworkers. Personality traits needed by managers include dependability, attention to detail, self-control, initiative, integrity, and persistence in overcoming obstacles.