How Do I Become a Training Manager?

Each employer typically will have different requirements when it comes to hiring training managers. In general, however, you will likely do well to seek a college degree in preparation for this career. For example, such majors as business or human resource management can provide excellent preparation, and taking electives in such subjects as psychology and management might prove preparatory as well. After college, you may do well to gain significant experience in the field you want to pursue before applying for this job. Gaining leadership experience may also help improve your chances.

While some employers won't require a degree for this job, especially if a candidate has extensive experience in a related field, seeking a college degree may significantly improve your chances of landing this job. You may do well to secure at least a bachelor's degree when you are interested in this career. A major such as human resource management or business may prepare you well to become a training manager. In some cases, an education-related degree may prove suitable as well.

No matter what major you choose as you work to become a training manager, there are some electives that might help qualify you for this career. For example, electives in psychology courses may prove helpful. You might also find management and business electives preparatory. Some social science electives may also help prepare you to become a training manager. Such classes can make understanding the company for which you work, its employees, and your trainees easier.

After graduation from college, you may do well to seek experience in the field in which you hope to work. For example, if you want to become a training manager in the retail industry, you might improve your chances of securing this job by gaining at least a few years of retail experience. An employer may feel more confident about hiring you if he knows you have first-hand, in-depth knowledge of the business. When you are a new college graduate, you may have to start out in an entry-level position, but with determination, you often can move up in the company.

Most employers also prefer to hire individuals who have demonstrated leadership abilities when they are hiring training managers. As such, you may do well to seek experience as a group leader or supervisor. You could also gain experience by assisting current trainers with various tasks. As you work to gain leadership experience, offering constructive feedback, demonstrating an ability to mentor, and providing those you lead with career guidance may help prepare you to become a training manager. Additionally, showing enthusiasm for helping others might improve your chances of landing this job.