You will usually need at least a bachelor's degree to become an implementation manager, and choosing a major such as business or marketing may prove helpful. Depending on the employer, you might also need work experience or additional education that relates to the industry in which you will work. Prospective employers are also likely to expect a wide range of skills, such as those in computer and software use, leadership, and communication. Additionally, analytical ability and problem-solving skills are usually important for this career.
Often, a degree is required when you want to become an implementation manager. For example, you may do well to earn a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, computer science, education, or public administration when you are interested in this career. It is important to note, however, that you can land this job with a degree in a different field, especially if your education program included coursework in such subjects as business, psychology, management, marketing, and economics. If you want to work in a computer-related field, however, you may find it particularly important to seek a computer science or software engineering degree.
Related experience or additional related study may also prove important when you want to become an implementation manager. For example, if you intend to work for a company that focuses on educational products, education-related work experience may prove helpful. If you want to work in the telecommunications industry, information technology work experience or course credits may help. Likewise, a health company might prefer for you to have experience in a health care or insurance industry.
In addition to education and related experience, a variety of skills likely will be necessary for success in this career. They include computer skills and experience working with word processing, database, and spreadsheet programs. You will probably also need good communication skills, both verbal and written, for communicating with other staff members, other managers, and sometimes customers and clients. Good presentation skills may also increase your chances for success in this career. Additionally, though it is not usually mandatory, speaking more than one language may help you land this job, especially with companies that have international locations.
Other skills that can prove to be important when you want to become an implementation manager are leadership skills, often including the ability to make hiring and firing decisions. Depending on the position you accept once you become a product implementation manager, you may also have to train employees, a task that will also require leadership skills. Attention to detail and good organizational skills are typically required as well. Additionally, most employers will expect you to be analytical and capable of solving problems in a demanding environment.