How Do I Become a Development Manager?

Prospective students and candidates will find there are several crucial steps to become a development manager, including obtaining an appropriate education, seeking certification, and continuing education in order to retain the proper credentials to remain viable in the industry. Education and training are important for professionals in this field to learn the techniques involved with successfully creating and implementing production and employee developmental programs, and also include design personal development classes and technical training seminars. In many cases, these managers also oversee a department of other development professionals and often have specific credentials in interpersonal communications and management theory as well.

The first step to become a development manager involves education. A successful candidate will first complete high school and be accepted into a well-respected college or university in order to enroll in an accepted major program to support their future career. Most career experts recommend choosing a major in human resources, management and development, or business communications. While in college, most students will also take courses in business administration, industrial psychology, and principles of development because all of these subjects are important to the functions of development managers in every sector of business. In order to obtain a development manager position, the candidate must successfully complete the requirements necessary to receive a bachelor's degree from their chosen school.

Once the candidate to become a development manager finishes his or her bachelor's degree, most choose to apply for and test to become certified in the field. This certification is often attractive to prospective employers and is suggested by most career specialists to enhance the candidate's resume. Most college career centers and any prospective employers should have information on organizations that provide certification in the field. After certification, many organizations will notify its members of upcoming continuing education opportunities and provides other career assistance.

The road to become a development manager continues after college graduation and certification. In order to remain viable in the field and retain professional certification, it is essential to take continuing education courses throughout the career. These courses often include information regarding the latest theories on personal and professional development as well as how to more effectively implement new programs into policy and daily practice in the business. Each jurisdiction has different requirements for continuing education requirements.