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How to become a business manager

This article was updated on November 10, 2026.

Reviewed by Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP, Dean, College of Business and IT

Man with briefcase running up steps to signify how to become a business manager

Fittingly, business managers can manage all kinds of aspects of a business. The industries and specific responsibilities vary significantly and are often dictated by the industry and level of specialization. A manager who oversees business operations in a larger company might only manage operations for a single department. In smaller organizations, an individual in that same kind of role is often in charge of many or all departments.

What does a business manager do?

Business managers take on several responsibilities that directly influence their company’s success; they implement strategies that help companies meet monthly performance benchmarks and achieve their goals. In this role, these managers also keep a close eye on the competition, modifying business models to adapt to new or existing market demands.

Supervising employees — Maintaining objective-driven relationships with employees to effectively monitor their work performance.
Implementing business strategies — Creating specific action plans that drive an organization toward success while navigating supply chain issues, market setbacks or other challenges.
Resolving company issues — Solving issues between employees, vendors or customers that could compromise success.
Streamlining sales and marketing processes — Developing processes that help businesses find and connect with customers.
Recruiting employees — Identifying and onboarding talent that can help companies meet their objectives.
Monitoring company finances — Creating budgets, monitoring spending and establishing realistic short- and long-term financial goals.
Tailoring regular reports — Designing and preparing reports for directors, stakeholders and other executives that summarize recent company performance.

Where do business managers work?

Many businesses benefit from the leadership of someone in a dedicated business management role, regardless of location or market. This means such managers might work in a variety of locations, depending on the nature and needs of the company. Some of the primary areas covered include:

International management
Economics
Finance
Marketing
Operations

However, there are roles in nearly every industry that someone with a business management degree could apply for.

Skills needed for business management

Business management relies on several key skills to help companies cultivate success. These skills help with effective decision-making, overcoming hurdles and clear communication among all team members.

The skills a business manager might need include:

Interpersonal communication — The ability to correspond effectively with employees, managers, executives, vendors and customers.
Financial management — The ability to handle an organization’s budget, investments, savings and spending habits to generate ongoing profits.
Problem-solving — The ability to mitigate disputes in ways that promote workplace efficiency and ongoing compliance.
Project management — The ability to manage projects and team members, delegate tasks, evaluate talent and complete assignments before deadlines arrive.
Mentorship — The ability to teach, motivate and nurture employees in ways that help them develop skills and grow into leaders at a company.
Decision-making — The ability to evaluate a company’s progress and make decisions that drive an organization toward continued success.
Public speaking — The ability to deliver information in front of potentially large groups of people.

These and other skills are important for efficient, effective business management. Many of these abilities — including financial management and team motivation — can be improved over time. With practice and evaluation from company leaders, a manager can grow in their role along with the companies they help change.

How to become a business manager

Before a manager can inspire employees, implement goals and integrate forward-thinking business strategies, they’ll need to complete a few steps.

Education

Candidates for this position will likely want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Management or a degree in a closely related field. A bachelor’s degree familiarizes students with many of the basic skills needed for business management, such as leadership, marketing, finance and strategic planning.

Certifications and licensure

Business students also might want to look into passing an ETS major field test — a standardized exam that measures critical knowledge. The 120-question test assesses ability to analyze business theories, use data tables and apply analytical methods to solve common business management problems.

Some companies hire employees contingent on certification, while others may pay for certification after the hiring process. These certifications deepen knowledge of specific business fields and help ensure success.

Here are just a few certifications or licensures to be considered:

Some states also require that one or more additional certifications, in addition to any listed above. To save time and money, some students choose to pursue business degree options that combine education and operations management certification courses.

Business manager job outlook

Employment for business managers is expected to remain favorable over the next decade. From 2025 to 2035, management occupations are projected to grow an estimated 5%, according to data from BLS.

Many of the anticipated new positions will be created by workforce shifts as managers retire or change careers.

Over the next 10 years, business managers will likely maintain a large focus on efficiency, facility improvements and environmental standards. In addition to other business duties, they will need to ensure that company facilities use energy-saving methods to conserve output.

BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2025-2035 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.

Is a degree for business manager right for you?

Becoming a business manager is a career option for many individuals. University of Phoenix offers several degree programs in business management:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at University of Phoenix where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology, Kathryn Uhles has served University of Phoenix in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining University of Phoenix, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in Phoenix.