Organizations need leaders—people who can effectively manage organizations and the people in them, as well as develop and implement strategies that will lead to success. Gain the knowledge and skills managers need to deal with contemporary challenges including leading and motivating people, decision making, developing strategies for competing in the global economy, balancing the interests of multiple stakeholders in complex, legal, political, and ethical environments, and leading change.
For more information about the Management major, visit:
Smeal Majors: undergrad.smeal.psu.edu/majors/management
Academics & Advising: ugstudents.smeal.psu.edu/academics-advising/information-on-smeal-majors/management
Major Sustainability: majorsustainability.smeal.psu.edu/
To learn more about student organizations related to your major and/or interests, visit ugstudents.smeal.psu.edu/student-organizations.
Management Career Paths
Below are just a few of the many career paths you can take with a management degree. Check out these websites to learn more about careers in your major!
Business Analyst
Business analysts identify a company’s needs through the use of analytical tools and collect data to determine the state of the company. They are skilled at gathering and processing information and problem-solving. Additionally, business analysts are able to interact with a variety of people, from external customers, managers, and executives to industry experts, and are employed in a variety of industries.
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers plan campaigns to create interest in their product or service always keeping the end goal or big picture in mind. They create and evaluate marketing strategies and are in charge of managing a team of marketing professionals. Skills include excellent communication, organization, planning and a positive attitude towards their work.
Management Consultant
Management consultants focus on the performance of the company by solving problems and finding better processes. They help companies save costs without compromising the quality of service or processes by providing guidance to management. Some of the important skills they have are critical thinking to find solutions that will benefit the company, problem-solving skills to come up with recommendations, and communication to relay these effectively. Find your future in consulting! Check out this consulting industry snapshot created by the Forté Foundation. This is a great resource to explore industries that interest you the most.
Account Manager
Account managers play the role of liaison between the company and the clients and are responsible for nurturing long-term relationships with clients. They are the face of the company so they need excellent communication skills and the ability to network.
Operations Manager
Operations managers review performance data and measure productivity. They look at the company’s goal achievement and identify areas that may need cost reduction or process improvement. Operations managers have great critical thinking, problem solving, and planning skills.
Sales Manager
Sales Managers direct the company’s sales teams by setting goals, analyzing data, and developing training programs for representatives. They need to have great communication, critical thinking, and organization skills.
Financial Manager
Financial managers manage the financial health of the company by making financial reports, directing investment activities, and developing strategies and plans for the long-term financial goals of their organization.
Human Resources
Human Resource specialists are responsible for a wide variety of functions including hiring, screening candidates, managing employee relations, benefits, and training. Often times, they take on administrative roles as well.
Retail Manager
Retail Managers maintain the day to day operations of the business, manage employees, create financial budgets, and plan annual objectives and goals. Some important skills for retail managers to have are strong relationship building and organization skills.
Corporate Investment Banking
Corporate investment bankers advise companies, institutions and governments on how to achieve their financial goals and implement their long and short-term financial plans. They work with a team and focus on specific transactions or market sectors. They manage corporate, strategic and financial opportunities such as initial public offerings, mergers, acquisitions, privatizations, lending, and more.
