How to Become a Strategy Manager?
Steps to Become a Strategy Manager
Strategy managers have business and finance skills that allow them to help businesses achieve various goals. To pursue a career as a strategy manager, follow these steps:Get your bachelor's degree in a strategy-related field.
A four-year degree gives you the foundation you need to pursue a career as a strategy manager. Score well on entrance exams like the ACT and SAT and maintain a good high school GPA to better your chances of getting into a good program. A major in a field like economics, finance, or business is the best first step to becoming a strategy manager.
The courses provided in these majors will help you gain work experience and will make you an attractive candidate to graduate programs. Don't skip math and statistics. Maintain a solid GPA and pursue some extracurriculars while getting your bachelor's to add to your overall knowledge and skills base.
What type of degree should you pursue to become a Strategy Manager?
88% of people working as a Strategy Manager earned a Bachelor's Degree
What skills do you need to be a Strategy Manager?
- Consulting Experience
- Excellent Communication
- Powerpoint
- Statistics
- Written Communication
- Strong VERBAL
- Critical Thinking
- SQL
Accumulate work experience in a business.
Between getting your undergraduate and graduate degrees, spend two to three years gaining work experience in business. Look for roles that will give you skills in project management, finance, and analysis. Work experience helps you later when you're ready to look for a job, and it helps your graduate school application stand out.
Strategy managers need a variety of skills, like project management, good communication, and the ability to multitask. Take on leadership positions if available because strategy managers need to be able to make decisions and to report to company executives. Get confident with public speaking, too, as these professionals will have to do presentations.
Pursue a master's degree in a strategy-related field.
Employers look for candidates with a master's of business administration, finance, economics, or something similar. To go to graduate school, you'll need to research schools, prepare applications, and take the GRE or GMAT exams. Some master's programs offer concentrations in strategic management.
Get certified by The Association for Strategic Planning or the Strategy Institute.
Employers do not require certifications for entry-level strategic managers, but getting certified can give your resume an edge over other applications. Certifications will matter as your career progresses, so consider starting early. Look at the certifications employers prefer; a few are available, such as from The Association for Strategic Planning or the Strategy Institute.
Pursue work opportunities as an associate or assistant strategy manager.
Once you have your master's degree and some relevant experience under your belt, it's time to find your first job as a strategy manager. You may start out as an associate or assistant strategy manager, which gives you the chance to learn directly from someone experienced. Look out for mentorship programs as well. Your first role is a great chance to continue to develop your skills, especially if you plan to move into a more specialized strategic management role in the future.
Move into senior strategy management roles.
Keep current on the industry your company operates in and identify trends in the market. As you gain experience and knowledge of the field, take on additional responsibilities at work, and consider gaining professional certifications. Engage in professional development opportunities if your workplace offers them, and talk with your boss about opportunities to move up.
Strategy Manager Career Path
Strategy Manager
Senior Strategy Manager
Lead Strategy Manager
Total Pay Trajectory
Strategy Manager Career Path
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