Operations MGMT. and Supervision

Operations management and supervision is a fast-paced and competitive field that involves coordinating and directing the day-to-day business activities of companies and organizations. Read on to learn more about employment and education for general operations managers.
<h2 id="section---IsOperationsManagementAndSupervisionForMe">Is Operations Management and Supervision for Me?</h2>
<h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3>
<p>As an operations manager or supervisor, you'll play an integral role at your workplace. Depending on the company, you may be in charge of anything from hiring and training personnel to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Purchasing_Manager_How_to_Become_a_Purchasing_Manager_in_5_Steps.html">purchasing materials</a> and implementing new policies. Your responsibilities might also include overseeing finances and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_Information_Systems.html">information systems</a>. Some travel might be required to attend meetings and conferences with clients, staff or other company executives.
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<h3 id="section---EmploymentAndSalaryInformation">Employment and Salary Information</h3>
<p>Based upon information provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for general and operations managers were expected to increase by an average rate of 12% nationwide from 2012-2022. Although hiring considerations can vary according to the industry, managers with excellent leadership abilities and a strong track record may enjoy the advantage in this highly competitive field. In May 2013, the mean annual salary for general and operations managers was $116,090, as reported by the BLS. Top-paying positions were found in the securities and commodities, finance, insurance and scientific research industries (<i>www.bls.gov</i>).
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<h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInOperationsManagementAndSupervision">How Can I Work in Operations Management and Supervision?</h2>
<h3 id="section---Education">Education</h3>
<p>A college degree in operations management and supervision can open the door to a job in business management, human resources and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/HR_Management_-_Labor_Relations_Online_Masters_Degree.html">labor relations</a>. Programs can be found at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and many colleges and universities also offer <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Business_Bachelors_Degree.html">business degrees</a> with a concentration in operations management and supervision. As a student in an <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Operations_Management_Bachelor%27s_Degree.html">operations management</a> program, you may take courses in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Accounting_Major_Answers_to_Your_Questions.html">accounting</a>, business law, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Online_Economics_Courses_Your_Questions_Answered.html">economics</a> and finance. Training in project and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_Some_Career_Options_in_Supply_Chain_Management.html">supply chain management</a> will also be part of your program.
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<h3 id="section---GraduatePrograms">Graduate Programs</h3>
<p>If you choose to pursue a master's degree, a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Careers_for_Operations_Management_MBA_Graduates_FAQs.html">Master of Business Administration in Operations Management</a> program may provide you with the additional training and instruction you'll need to work in top-level executive positions. As a graduate student, you may pursue advanced topics in managerial economics and finance, applied research methods and marketing. You'll also receive training in leadership and decision-making.</p>