How to Become a Department Manager?

Are you thinking of becoming a Department Manager or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become a Department Manager, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Department Manager job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.

Steps to Become a Department Manager

If you're considering starting your Department Manager career path, it's important to note the skills, qualifications, and time it takes to become a professional Department Manager and how to advance your career path. Below are the steps generally required to begin and advance your Department Manager career.
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1

Earn a Degree

To begin your Department Manager career path, a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field is usually necessary in order to remain a competitive option for employers. Focus on industry-specific skill development during your education in order to be properly equipped when applying for entry-level positions and entering the job force. A Department Manager internship may be required to earn your Bachelor's Degree and acquire necessary on-the-job skills before entering the workforce.
2

Choose a Specialty in Your Field

As an Department Manager, you may be required to choose a specialty within your field. Determine which part of the Department Manager field you feel strongest in, and continue taking active steps toward growing in your chosen Department Manager specialty.
3

Get an Entry-Level Position as a Department Manager

Once you've acquired a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, you'll typically begin your career as an entry-level Department Manager. In general, you can become a Department Manager after completing your 4 year Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline. Depending on the type of Department Manager role you’re pursuing, you may want to explore certification in certified food service manager.
4

Advance in Your Department Manager Career

Following entry-level, there are several Department Manager career path levels to advance into. It can take 2 years as an entry-level Department Manager to progress to the next seniority level position. Each advanced Department Manager position requires approximately 2 years of experience at each level to advance in your Department Manager career path. It may be necessary to receive additional education, an advanced degree such as a Master's Degree in a related field, or special certifications in order to advance your Department Manager career path.
5

Continued Education for Your Department Manager Career Path

Not all industries and companies require continued education to advance your Department Manager career path. However, earning this degree may help you advance to higher-earning positions more quickly. Earning a Graduate Degree in Electrical Engineering can take 4 years to complete. People that have earned their Graduate Degree typically make $77,215 compared to $27,259 for those without that type of degree.

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Related Careers in the Business Industry

Interested in other Business careers? Below are occupations that have high affinity with Department Manager skills. Discover some of the most common Department Manager career transitions, along with skills overlap.

Manager
0% skills overlap
34% transitioned to Manager