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Management Career Pathing
Management majors work in every kind of business across various industries, assuming roles that may include: recruiting and developing talent, training and leading teams, managing projects, negotiating contracts, directing operations, facilitating organizational growth and change, analyzing and implementing business strategy, consulting. Optional Management Major Concentrations in Isenberg include Sustainable Business Practice, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, and Human Resource Management. Managment majors may also consider pursuing a Business Analytics Certificate.
Industry Areas, Concentrations, and Salaries
Business/Data Analytics
Business analysis involves identifying, analyzing, and evaluating business needs and problems to develop practical solutions and improve organizational processes. It utilizes various techniques, such as requirements gathering, process modeling, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement, to bridge the gap between business objectives and IT solutions.
Construction Management
Construction management is essential for driving economic growth and development within communities as it involves successful and timely completion of projects like homes and housing complexes, commercial buildings, roads and bridges. Construction managers oversee preliminary aspects of projects such as creating cost estimates, determining budgets, and acquiring permits. They effectively schedule and coordinate project teams including engineers, subcontractors, architects, municipal workers, and they ensure projects meet all building and safety codes.
Consulting
Consulting involves providing expert advice, guidance, and solutions to organizations or individuals seeking assistance with specific business challenges or opportunities. Consultants leverage their expertise, industry knowledge, and analytical skills to assess situations, recommend strategies, and drive positive change within client organizations.
Education
Educational administrators/managers play an essential role within elementary and secondary schools as well as institutions of higher education. Education management professionals may work directly within a school or district, in a government-affiliated agency, a private company, or a non-profit organization with a focus on developing education policy, conducting research, or evaluating educational staffing, processes, or systems.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
An entrepreneurial venture is the creation of a new business or project that involves risk, innovation, and opportunity. An entrepreneur is the person who initiates and leads the venture, and who assumes the greatest amount of risk and reward. Entreprenurial ventures can range from small-scale enterprises to large-scale operations, and can generate wealth, growth, and innovation.
Financial Services
Someone in a management role in the financial services industry will have a focus on overall operations and strategic planning, which more specifically includes setting financial goals, financial planning and analysis, forecasting and financial modeling, risk management, team leadership and development, client relations and stakeholder communications, compliance and regulatory oversight, technology and process innovation, strategic partnerships and business development.
Government
Government managers play a crucial role in ensuring the effective functioning of municipal, regional, and/or national government agencies and the delivery of public services. They combine leadership skills, policy expertise, and management acumen to navigate complex governmental systems with responsibilities such as strategic planning and policy development, budgeting and financial management, project and program management, personnel management, stakeholder engagement and communication, regulatory compliance, emergency and crisis management, policy analysis and research, or intergovernmental relations.
Healthcare
Healthcare management provides the overall management of a public or private healthcare facility such as a clinic, urgent care facility, nursing home, short- or long-term rehabilitation facility, university health service facility, hospital, or hospital system. Healthcare managers also work in the insurance and pharmaceutical sectors. A manager’s role may include operational oversight, financial planning and management, medical technology management, personnel management, public relations, risk management, or strategic partnerships.
Hospitality
Hospitality management provides oversight of various departments within a hotel, resort, or casino setting. Managers often specialize in specific areas such as food service, guest experiences, information systems/technology, or event planning with higher-level managers having knowledge and experience within each area. Managers assume responsibilities such as administration and personnel management, training and development, department inventory and schedule management, budget and financial management, marketing and communications, risk assessment, and compliance.
Human Resources
Human Resources manages the employee life cycle including recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training and development, benefits administration, compensation, performance management, and termination. HR roles may also include labor and resource distribution, contract negotiation, union and other strategic partnerships, technology management, risk assessment, company policy and legal compliance.
Insurance
Managers in the insurance industry oversee various aspects of a company’s operation which may include analyzing market trends, identifying growth and business development opportunity, product development and pricing, underwriting and customer/policy risk assessment, claims management, sales and distribution channel management, regulatory compliance, digital technology and transformation, stakeholder management, and strategic partnerships.
Manufacturing
In the manufacturing sector, individuals in management positions hold crucial responsibilities in overseeing the production processes, optimizing operations, and ensuring an efficient and dynamic organization. Their roles involve production planning, budgeting and financial management, quality control and assurance, process improvement, supply chain management, health and safety compliance, technology and automation, and business sustainability.
Non-Profit
In the non-profit sector, individuals in management positions hold significant responsibilities in overseeing the operations, activities, projects, and programmatic structure in order to uphold the organization’s mission. Key responsibilities may include community needs analysis and strategic planning, fundraising, and resource development, team and program evaluation, financial management, board and volunteer engagement, community outreach and engagement, staff management and development, advocacy and public relations, legal and regulatory compliance, and measuring organizational impact.
Project Management
Project management is the practice of planning, organizing, and overseeing the execution of a project to achieve specific goals within defined constraints such as time, budget, and resources. It involves coordinating tasks, managing teams, and monitoring progress to ensure successful project completion and the attainment of desired outcomes.
Restaurant
Restaurant management provides oversight of daily schedules and operations, training and managing staff, vendor and inventory/supply management, menu planning, quality control and food safety, business profitability and financial management, marketing/promotion and brand management, customer satisfaction and experience, and compliance and licensing.
Retail
Retail management consists of providing overall operational oversight that drives sales and profitability, builds and retains a customer base, and ensures a positive customer experience. Aside from store operations, staff recruitment and training, and overseeing customer service, a retail manager may analyze sales data and monitor sales performance, oversee inventory processes, direct visual merchandising and design store layouts, collaborate with marketing teams for sales and promotion campaigns, and manage security and loss prevention.
Sales
Sales managers play a pivotal role in driving sales performance and revenue growth within organizations. They combine leadership skills, sales expertise, and a customer-centric approach to guide sales teams, build strong customer relationships, research and analyze competitors and current markets, forecast sales, optimize business processes, and achieve sales targets.
Sustainability
Managers in sustainable business practices understand the significant environmental and social concerns facing the global economy. They drive the modern business structure to address pressing and critical social issues, research and analyze data and key metrics to assess environmental and social performance and strategize how businesses can adopt sustainable practices at every level of the operation.
Technology
In the technology sector, individuals in management positions hold significant responsibilities in overseeing technology projects, managing teams, driving innovation, and ensuring the successful delivery of technology solutions. Their roles involve strategic planning, resource management, technical leadership, project management, collaboration with stakeholders, vendor and outsourcing management, risk management and security, research and development, and remaining competitive in a global market.
Salary Ranges
The salary range for professionals in management can vary significantly based on factors such as job role, industry, years of experience, level of responsibility, geographic location, and the size and type of organization. To obtain more accurate and up-to-date salary information, consult industry salary surveys, job postings, professional associations, and resources specific to your location and industry. These sources can provide more detailed insights into the salary progression along career trajectory.
- Isenberg median starting salary: $57,000
- Isenberg entry level salary range: $40,000 – $78,000
- Entry-level salary range in Management in Massachusetts: $45,000 – $65,000
- Mid-level salary range in Management in Massachusetts: $60,000 – $90,000
- Entry-level salary range in Management in U.S.: $40,000 – $60,000
- Mid-level salary range in Management in U.S.: $55,000 – $85,000
Top Employers & Job Titles
Top Employers
- TJX Companies Inc.
- Raytheon
- Target
- ALKU
- Marriott International
- Oracle
- IBM
- Granite Telecommunications
- Aldi
- Northwestern Mutual
- Liberty Mutual
- Massaro
- Newell Brands
- Wayfair
- Consigli
- General Electric (GE)
- Shawmut Design and Construction
- Massachusetts Bay Transportation
Common Job Titles
- Account Representative or Executive Benefits Administrator
- Buyer or Director of Procurement
- Compensation Analyst
- Customer Service Manager
- Director of Business Development
- District or Regional Manager
- Human Resources Manager
- Market Representative
- Marketing/ Merchandise/Product/Retail/Sales/Store Manager
- Project or Program Manager
- Quality Control Manager
- Recruiting Manager
- Sustainability Coordinator/Consultant/Specialist
Clubs/Organizations & Professional Organizations
Isenberg & UMass Clubs
Management majors may be interested in getting involved in the following student organizations:
- Advancement of Diversity in Business (ADB)
- Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA)
- Business Analytics Club
- Club Management Association of America (CMAA)
- Delta Sigma Pi (DSP)
- Isenberg Global Citizens
- Isenberg Management Association (IMA)
- Isenberg Sales Club
- Isenberg Undergraduate Consulting Group (IUCG)
- Isenberg Women in Business (WiB)
- Jewish Leaders in Business and Entrepreneurship (JLBE)
- Protect Our Breasts (PoB)
- UMass AdLab
- UMass Entrepreneurship Club
- Women of Isenberg Conference (WoI)
- 180 Degrees Consulting
Professional Orgs
Some organizations by industry are the following:
- General Management (non-industry specific): American Management Association (AMA)
- Human Resources: Association for Talent Development (ATD); Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM); Human Resources Management Association (HRMA) of Western New England
- Sustainability: American Sustainable Business Council; International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP); Network for Business Innovation & Sustainability; U.S. Green Building Council
- Entrepreneurship: Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network; U.S. Association for Small Business & Entrepreneurship; International Business Innovation Association
- Facilities Management: International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
- Health Care Management: The American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM); American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE); American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA); The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA)
- Project Management: Project Management Institution (PMI)
Skills & Certifications
Technical Skills & Tools
- Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Advanced Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project, Visio)
- Google Suite
- Data Analysis and Mining (Python, Tableau)
- ERP [Enterprise Resource Planning] Systems (SAP, Oracle Netsuite)
- CRM [Customer Relationship Management] Systems (Salesforce)
- HRIS [Human Resources Information Systems], TMS [Talent Management Systems], and LMS [Learning Management Systems]
- Accounting and Invoice Management Software
- Project Management and Workforce Management Software
Broad Skills
- Leadership
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Detail Oriented
- Professionalism and Customer Service
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Performance Management
- Financial Management
- Workflow and Resource Management
- Solutions Generation and Process Improvement
- Change Management
- Business Process and Strategic Planning
Certifications by Industry
- Human Resources: Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
- Sustainability: Certified Sustainability Development Professional (CSDP); ISSP Sustainability Associate (ISSP-SA)
- Entrepreneurship: Certified Entrepreneurial Advisor (CEA); Innovation & Entrepreneurship Certificate
- Project Management: Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) [0-3 years project management experience]; Project Management Professional (PMP) [3+ years project management experience]*
* A comprehensive list of Project Management Institute’s progressive PM certifications can be found here: Certification Framework.
Four Year Success Habits for Isenberg Students
Year 1
Learn more about Management and other Isenberg major academic and career paths! Connect with a Career Peer, ask your Transitions TA for connections, and come chat with a Career Coach.
Explore Vault Guides and Lightcast Research tool on the IConnect’s Management Major page for an overview of jobs and careers by industry related to Management.
Follow companies of interest on LinkedIn and other social media outlets!
Explore The UMass Business Collection Resources (under the Career Exploration tab):
- Career One Stop (search Management Occupations)
- O*Net (in “Find Occupations” box, click Job Family > Management; in “Crosswalks” box, click Occupation Handbook and enter “management”; in “Crosswalks” box, click DOT > Go [leave search field empty], then enter “management” in the DOT Crosswalk Search field and click Go)
- IBISWorld (enter “management,” “venture capital,” “human resources,” “manufacturing,” “sales,” “health,” “education” or other related general industry terms in the search box to find several related industries to research)
Read management industry publications such as Harvard Business Review (HBR), MIT Sloan Management Review, Forbes McKinsey Quarterly, Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Strategy + Business, Academy of Management Journal, Management Science, HR Magazine, Fast Company
Discover and get involved in management clubs such as Isenberg Management Association (IMA), Club Management Association of America (CMAA), UMass Entrepreneurship Club, and other business clubs that offer management experiences – this includes most or all other Isenberg clubs as well as the broader UMass club 180 Degrees Consulting. There are ample opportunities for involvement related to career interests as well as affinity groups – you can also join student government, residential life, or volunteer for community service opportunities.
Set your preferences in IConnect to receive tailored and relevant information including jobs, blogs, resources, emails, and event blasts based on your major, affinity group, and more!
Apply to participate in the Isenberg Strategy Summit (Capsim Strategy Simulation Competition and Isenberg Undergraduate Consulting Group [IUCG] Case Competition). Learn more by contacting IUCG, or by stopping by or calling the Management Department Office (Isenberg room 227; 413-577-7022).
Get to know our Business Librarian, Alison Messier, by going to in-person Isenberg or virtual office hours. Learn how the Business LibGuide resources can support your future internship and job search activities.
Begin to “professionalize” your experience profile! Gain skills and work experience through a micro-internship/externship (i.e. Paragon One or Parker Dewey), or simulated work experience (i.e. Forage or Bright Networks). Some specific management-related Forage experiences include “Entrepreneurship and Innovation” offered by Moreton Bay or “Explore Human Resources” by GE Aerospace
Consider working at one of the various Student Businesses on campus, not only to gain work experience in a small venture but to build your network of entrepreneurial peers.
Take relevant LinkedIn Learning courses/paths such as “Stay Competitive Using Design Thinking,” “Develop Your Skills as a Program Manager,” “Develop Your Strategic Planning Skills,” “SAP ERP Essential Training,” Salesforce and HubSpot CRM trainings, and more!
Get started on writing your Isenberg Resume, developing a LinkedIn Profile and building your Competency Inventory.
Learn from others: Ask an upperclassman to have coffee with you, get to know your Transitions peers and TAs, or chat with a Career Peer! Practice networking in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. This success habit continues as you move through your professional development process!
Follow “Isenberg Management Department,” “Isenberg School of Management, UMass Amherst,” “Isenberg School of Management, UMASS Amherst, Official Alumni Group” and other management-affiliated professional organizations and publications on LinkedIn (i.e. “American Management Association,” “Academy of Management,” “strategy + business,” “MIT Sloan Management Review,” “Project Management Institute”).
Search postings on job boards (Handshake, LinkedIn, Indeed) to familiarize yourself with the keywords and desired skills and experiences sought after in management roles and in the specific industry or area that you hold an interest
Check out in-person and virtual career events such as employer series, meet and greet opportunities, information sessions, and career fairs posted on the calendar through IConnect and in Handshake.
Talk with employers tabling in the Learning Commons (in the Hub), and attend other career events to practice your professional communication and networking skills!
Leverage the search terms “freshman” “freshmen and “rising sophomore” on job boards (UMass Handshake, LinkedIn, Indeed.com) if seeking summer internships.
Learn how your town’s Chamber of Commerce = Internships (Career Coaches can show you how!)
Year 2
Check out how credits work for internships at Isenberg.
Learn the difference between externship, internship and co-op. Discover how a Co-op = Resume Booster! (Ask a Career Peer or Career Coach!)
Thinking of Going Abroad? PLAN NOW and meet with a Career Coach to understand how being abroad may impact internship recruiting timelines.
The Undergraduate Business Analytics Certificate program helps prepare students to analyze data and make data-driven recommendations to improve business performance. Consider pursuing this option if you have an interest in analytics and boosting your resume!
Pay attention to IConnect blasts in your Sunday-evening Isenberg email to stay on top of career-related activities and job postings.
Identify SOPHOMORE and Affinity Group-focused “Summit”, “Leadership” and other early professional development engagements hosted by numerous employers.
Seek and step into committees and/or leadership positions in your Isenberg and UMass clubs and organizations to allow you to gain skills in project/event/team management.
Interested in Consulting? Apply to the Isenberg Undergraduate Consulting Group as a junior analyst or join UMass consulting groups, 180 Degree Consulting or UMass BUILD!
Apply to be a Career Peer in the Office of Career Success!
Develop career readiness with the SCH-MGMT 200: Career and Professional Development course. Build your confidence about your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, interviewing skills and ability to use numerous career-focused resources.
Pursue (an optional) Management Major Concentration (Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management, Sustainable Business Practices, or Human Resource Management) and build out your class schedule with courses focused on specific areas of interest.
Build technical skills by learning about management tools and software used across the industry for Inventory, Records, Project/Program, Performance, Workforce, Property, and Asset Management, as well as technology systems used across industry such as Point of Sale (POS), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and Systems Analysis Program Development (SAP), Python and Tableau (data analysis and mining).
Update your Competency Inventory with new skills and accomplishments. Bring to Career Coach appointments to help further progress!
Investigate Early Talent and Diversity & Inclusion programs offered by employers and other organizations.
Find the Networking/Job Search Excel Template on IConnect and make it yours! This organization tool will be your BEST resource for gathering information about companies, professional contacts, industry keywords, and MUCH MORE.
Build relationships with advisors, faculty, and staff. They can provide you with insights and understanding that could influence your choice of a major or pursuit of a career. They may also become a key part of your professional network.
Network with UMass Alumni in various Management careers through LinkedIn and Connect UMass. Consider setting up an informational interview with them to ask questions and gain valuable advice!
Use IConnect, UMass Handshake, and your club networks to find out about key employer or industry events at Isenberg and across campus. Hone in on your career interests by attending events and asking thoughtful questions during Q&A or Meet & Greet times.
Check out the resources available through the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network. Consider launching your own venture and contact MSBDC staff for support – UMass Amherst is home to the MSBDC State Office (located at 23 Tilson Farm Road).
Use “Sophomore” as keyword in job board searches (Handshake, LinkedIn, Indeed). Realize the efficiency of using Handshake filters! You can refine your job/internship search and find opportunities that align with your preferences and qualifications. Remember to adjust the filters as needed to tailor your search to your specific needs and career goals.
Participate in on-campus recruiting and explore internship and co-op options early. Application deadlines vary but may be as early as September for major employers and many internships. Check out postings on Handshake, UMass Student Employment Job Board, LinkedIn, Indeed, and company websites to learn about the required skills and qualifications. Connect with students and employers on Handshake and LinkedIn to find out more about specific opportunities.
Year 3
Make time in your weekly schedule for career and professional development activity. This success habit continues as you move through your academic career in Isenberg!
Stay Informed about the latest trends, innovations, and technologies shaping the industry. Subscribe to industry newsletters and publications; follow relevant blogs, company profiles, and social media accounts; engage in discussions with peers and faculty members!
Explore aggregate job boards such as Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Monster, CareerBuilder, SimplyHired, and ZipRecruiter to see what types of entry-level management jobs are posted and which may be most helpful as you begin to launch your job search process.
Search internships and co-op options early to prepare for early fall deadlines. Find postings on Handshake, LinkedIn, industry-specific job boards, and direct company sites.
Become a Management 301 TA – learn more about the opportunity and the application process by stopping by or calling the Management Department Office (Isenberg room 227; 413-577-7022).
Apply to be a Career Peer in the Office of Career Success!
Study Abroad or experience a Domestic Exchange program. Meet with a Career Coach to talk through any career questions and concerns!
Stay positive. Maintain a positive attitude and be flexible and realistic. The internship/co-op search can take time. Have at least one focus area, but pursue alternatives.
Update and refine your resume and LinkedIn profile to include industry keywords, relevant projects, and specific coursework such as Human Resource Management, Environmental Law, Entrepreneurship and Society, and Small Business Management.
Identify and participate in Case and Pitch Competitions, and on-campus conference events to expand your resume and skills!
Utilize your Competency Inventory and experiences to draft “STAR” examples for interview questions. Practice interviewing on Big Interview and make time to mock interview with Chase Career Coaches.
Develop your professionalism: Enhance communication and time management skills, practice business etiquette, seek mentorship, maintain a professional online presence, and more!
Become a student member of a professional organization that aligns with your field/industry of interest (i.e. SHRM, PMI, AMA). These organizations offer discounted or free membership rates for students.
Prioritize time for building connections, networking, and maintaining relationships. Continue to collect all information in your Networking/Job Search tracking document.
Expand your network with Isenberg seniors and recent graduates to learn about possible internships/co-ops and contacts.
Identify alumni on LinkedIn and Connect UMass who have experience in target jobs, companies, fields/industry, and request information from them about their experiences, potential contacts, and opportunities.
Sign up for the Women of Isenberg Conference newsletter and attend the Conference!
Pay attention to IConnect blasts in your Isenberg email to stay informed about career-related activities, events, and job postings.
Attend Isenberg Career Days (September) and Career Blast (February) in addition to other OCS events for career development in your specific area of interest.
Expecting an internship or early full-time offer? Learn how to manage multiple offers and offer response deadlines. A Career Coach can support you in managing these situations.
Year 4
Don’t panic if you’re still not sure what you want to do! Meet with a Career Coach for guidance!
Stay open to new possible career or employer options, and continue to learn about career paths in different areas of your industries.
Considering an advanced degree after graduation? Meet with a Career Coach to discuss how this fits into your future career goals!
Seek an independent study or research project with a professor to add a unique industry-related experience to your resume.
Celebrate and highlight leadership accomplishments in interviews and while networking. This includes club/organizational leadership, internship experiences, virtual learning, other experiential learning, significant projects, and more!
Tailor your resume with industry-specific keywords and make sure it speaks to the job you are applying for by analyzing the job description; add major coursework and projects for depth
Highlight Commonwealth College Thesis on resume, if relevant
Practice and advance interview confidence! A career coach can be an invaluable asset in this activity!
Practice problem-solving by tackling complex real-world issues and finding effective solutions.
Engage with corporate representatives at Business Innovation Hub events.
Become a student member of a professional organization that aligns with your field/industry of interest (i.e. SHRM, PMI, AMA). These organizations offer discounted or free membership rates for students.
Continue to expand your network in specific areas of interest. Add new employers and regularly update your Networking and Job Search Tracking Sheet.
Update LinkedIn profile with accomplishments and employment news. Commit to maintaining an updated profile beyond graduation.
Complete the Isenberg Senior Survey in the Spring semester and contribute your placement information to Isenberg’s data!
Regularly review your IConnect Sunday emails which are full of opportunities from the Office of Career Success!
Research and apply for leadership/rotational programs such as General Electric (GE) Operations Management Leadership Program, Proctor & Gamble (P&G) Leadership Development Program, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Leadership Development Program, Amazon Pathways Operations Leadership Development Program, IBM Global Sales School, AT&T Leadership Development Program, Goldman Sachs Analyst and Associate Programs. Consult a broader list of rotational program opportunities curated by Columbia University’s Center for Career Education.
Gain insight into job offer evaluation and the protocol around accepting and declining opportunities
Leverage your network of family, friends, faculty/staff, alumni, and former/potential employers to discover additional opportunities!
