Do you think you have what it takes to do your boss's job? Well, you are certainly not the only one. A recent survey reported in the Wall Street Journal found that nearly 75% of executives feel that they could do a better job than their boss. If everybody feels they would make a great boss, how can you set yourself apart from the pack? Read on to find out how to work your way toward a management position in ten of today's hottest careers.
1. Lead Managing Nurse
Nursing is the largest healthcare occupation in the US, with nearly 2.5 million registered nurses currently in practice. If you are looking to advance your nursing career, you may want to pursue an administrative position as a head nurse. Head nurses often possess a bachelor's degree in nursing and work their way up from a staff nurse to a management position. However, some schools also offer graduate-level degrees in healthcare administration, which can significantly increase your chances of entering management.
2. Marketing Manager
Within the advertising field, the numbers say it all: marketing managers earn a mean salary of $107,000, nearly twice that of the average advertising sales agent. How can you make the jump from a sales agent to a manager? A combination of experience and education is crucial for success in the competitive world of marketing. Though online MBA degree programs, many advertising executives are able to gain both of these qualifications without quitting their jobs.
3. Information Technology Manager
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that administrative positions in information technology (IT) will grow at an astounding rate over the next decade. Job opportunities should therefore be excellent for IT specialists who have earned an advanced degree in the information technology field. IT managers must be able to take charge in a fast-paced environment, and have the knowledge necessary to manage complex computer systems.
4. Head Graphic Designer
If you are a member of a design team and aspire to become a team leader, an advanced graphic design degree is an excellent way to earn a promotion. While experience and leadership skills can get you a long way, a graduate degree from a graphic design school is a straightforward and effective route to a successful design career.
5. Head Legal Research Manager
Although paralegals who work for large law firms or corporate legal departments can sometimes gain promotion to managerial positions, these administrative occupations are usually reserved for those with superior qualifications. Some paralegals choose to return to law school, while others attend paralegal schools that offer graduate degrees designed for legal research managers.
6. Hotel Manager
Hotel managers possess one of the most desired occupations in the hospitality industry. Prospective managers can benefit greatly from attending hospitality management school, where they can learn the financial and entrepreneurial skills to successfully run a hotel business. Successful managers also should be adept at supervising staff and interacting with a wide range of customers.
7. Social Work Administrator
Within the world of social work, there's a great need for managers who have the skills to run social assistance organizations. If you are a social worker hoping to become a manager, you will likely need both experience and education. An advanced psychology degree is an excellent asset when trying to become a social work administrator.
8. Database Administrator
The rapid expansion of computing technology has increased the demand for teams of computer specialists that can handle vast quantities of data. Managerial positions in the computing field require technical knowledge of computer programming and network maintenance. Analysts and other database professionals can become administrators by earning advanced degrees in information technology management.
9. Financial Advising Manager
In 2004, the mean salary for a financial manager was over $100,000, significantly greater than that of a basic financial analyst. The majority of financial advising managers earn an MBA in finance in order to make the transition from analyst to manager. Professionals who seek promotion but are unable to attend school full time have the option of studying for a finance degree online.
10. Education Administrator
Educators looking to move into higher-paying administrative positions need additional certification to make the jump. A master's degree in education administration is one route to a job as a school principal, assistant principal, or athletic director. Professionals with degrees in education administration can also work in higher education as academic officers or deans.
Looking back at each of these career paths, the lesson is clear. In addition to experience, your best bet for landing your boss's job is higher education and career training. By setting yourself apart with an advanced degree, you can become the boss.