What can I do with a major in management and leadership?

Overview

The management and leadership major helps you develop a foundation in management theory along with practical skills in areas such as leadership, team facilitation, and operations coordination.

Common career paths for management and leadership majors:

Consulting

Consulting positions performs analysis and offers solutions for organizational improvement.

Human resources

Human resources managers oversee the recruitment, training and compensation of a company's employees. This profession attracts people who enjoy the interpersonal aspects of business. Many HR professionals have a background or strong interest in psychology, sociology, counseling or organizational behavior.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs create and manage an innovative business or product in the marketplace.

They have a strong desire to create, own something lasting and have decision-making authority over whatever they create. One of the most important ingredients for entrepreneurial success is managerial experience.

Sales

Sales uncovers client needs and delivers customized solutions in a consultative manner. Sales has more job opportunities than other specializations, especially entry-level positions and training programs.

Sales people could choose to make sales a career and become a specialist, selling a particular type of product, or in selling to specialized target groups. A second path is to become sales manager of a region or district, supervising sales representatives and managers, which could ultimately lead to becoming national sales manager, vice president of sales or president.

Retail

Retail positions manage retail operations including sales, inventory, customer service and employee relations.

General management

General management positions oversee business performance including financial accountability, decision making and supervision in fields such as hospitality, supply chain and health care.

A general manager can be the key leader of a company, or the head of a division or department within a larger business. The position requires flexibility and quick decision-making.

Project management and event planning

Project-management and event-planning positions plan, coordinate and deliver outcomes in a timely manner.

Tips for management and leadership students

• Seek leadership opportunities on campus.
• Explore opportunities to earn additional certificates or develop coding languages and skills. 
• Further develop your interests using tools such as LinkedIn Learning or Forage.
• Join a student club or organization that will facilitate career exploration.
• Gain hands-on entrepreneurial experience by exploring School of Business entrepreneurship programs.
• An MBA may be required to reach the highest levels of management. Learn about KU’s MBA program.