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It's almost impossible to think of an industry or organization that does not need qualified professionals to oversee its operations. Mangers direct and supervise employees, and often oversee the functioning of the organization they work for, or the part of the organization they are hired to manage. Just a few of many management specialties include:

• Project manager
• Sales manager
• Technology manager
• Purchasing manager
• Administrative manager
• Business manager
• Construction manager

Regardless of the size or type of organization, a good manager uses interpersonal and leadership skills to help an organization and its employees excel.

How to Prepare for a Career in Management

To learn the professional skills you need to excel in the field, a management degree is often highly valuable. For entry-level management positions, a bachelor's or associate's degree is usually a requirement. Senior management positions often call for a master's degree such as an MBA (master's of business administration).Most management programs involve teaching skills such as: business leadership, communication skills, leadership and development, accounting and administrative practice and industry-specific management skills, i.e. health service management. Job outlook for managers is often specific to the type of industry one works in. Technology managers, for example, should see faster than average job growth, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, because of the growth of computer and information systems as an industry. Some other fast-growing industries for managers include:

• Medical and Health Services Management (Average annual salary: $88,750)
• Human Resources, Training, and Labor Management (Average annual salary: $58,230)
• Construction Management (Average annual salary: $89,770)

Having a well-rounded management education can prepare you to confidently make the transition from student to professional. Don't wait to earn your management degree--before you know it, you could rule the boardroom.