How Do I Become a Management Analyst?

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A management analyst (also referred to as “management consultant”) evaluate a business’ efficiency and makes recommendations in order to improve productivity and the company’s bottom line. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in a business related field will provide an entry-level education to those who aspire to be management analysts. While earning a Master’s Degree will open doors to more advanced career opportunities.

In 2010, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics has noted that almost a quarter of management analysts worked for themselves (self employed). These experts generally work long hours and their work duties include interviewing and observing members of staff, analyzing a company’s financial data, and making recommendations to help improve a company’s efficiency.

Steps to becoming a management analyst:

Step One: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Those who have a Bachelor’s Degree can fill entry-level management analyst positions easily, mostly in the public sector. A lot of aspiring analysts complete a four year program in finance, business administration, management, or accounting. Such disciplines offer students training in areas like statistical analysis, organizational behavior, and management theory. In addition to the available courses in business fields, those who are in information science, statistics, or engineering may also look forward to having a future in the management analyst’s field.

Step Two: Acquire Some Work Experience

When you complete an undergraduate degree program, you may start to build your resume by searching for entry-level positions in the field. A couple of consulting firms have been holding on-campus recruiting sessions to find fresh graduates to employ to be part of their management team. Interested candidates should reference their college’s career services calendar. Newbie management analysts often times start their career at private firms as associate management staff prior to progressing to consultant positions. To advance to a higher level/position, a management analyst must have on-the-job experience.

Step Three: Earn a Master’s Degree

A lot of private firms and a few government agencies are more interested in hiring job applicants with an MBA (Masters of Business Administration) or any related degree. Many colleges and universities offer MBA programs, which are available part time and full time. Many schools offer some flexibility that is specifically designed for the working professionals.

Step Four: Get Certified!

Although it is not necessary for you to get certified to become a management analyst, but getting certified will provide you with an edge over other applicants. The title of Certified Management Consultant (CMC) is conferred by the Institute of Management Consultants USA to candidates at Management, Experienced and Basic level. You will need to have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of a 3-year consulting experience in order to be eligible at the Basic level; you will also need to pass both the written and oral examination. Management and Experienced CMC credentials need 10 to 20 years of meaningful work experience, respectively.

Salary

According to the United States’ Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2012, the median annual salary of a management analyst was $78,600 (at $37.79 per hour).

If you have what it takes to be a management analyst, you will be glad to know that it is a great career path to follow.