Management involves the critical functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Under good management, businesses and organizations operate efficiently and achieve their goals. Professional managers think strategically, coordinate departments, motivate team members, and lead organizations to successful outcomes.
People who move into management positions are generally effective problem-solvers and communicators. They are skilled at optimizing workflows and inspiring others to accomplish tasks. A bachelor’s degree in management is excellent preparation for careers as well as graduate studies.
Management majors have a wide array of career opportunities available to them across various industries. They can pursue roles such as project manager, operations manager, and area manager, where they oversee projects, streamline operations, and manage personnel. Other possibilities include becoming a business analyst or consultant, offering strategic advice and insights to improve organizational performance.
Additionally, management graduates can explore careers in marketing management, financial management, supply chain management, and entrepreneurship. These roles leverage their skills in leadership, problem-solving, communication, and strategic planning to drive business success and innovation.
Graduates employed or pursuing higher education
Average management graduate salary
Operations managers oversee the day-to-day operations of an organization to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. They manage resources, including personnel, equipment, and materials, to optimize productivity and performance. Key duties include developing operational policies, monitoring workflow processes, ensuring quality control standards are met, and implementing data-driven strategies for improving operational systems.
Median Salary: $101,2801,3
Project managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of projects within an organization. They define project scope, objectives, and deliverables while developing detailed plans that include timelines and resource allocation. They also facilitate meetings and communication between stakeholders.
Median Salary: $130,6171,2
Project controls specialists plan, monitor, and control various aspects of a project – scope, time, and budget – to ensure it stays on track. They develop detailed project schedules, cost estimates, and resource plans while using specialized software to track progress.
Median Salary: $145,1901,2
Sales representatives are responsible for selling a company’s products or services by identifying and reaching out to potential customers, building and maintaining relationships, and meeting sales targets. They conduct market research to understand customer needs, present product features and benefits, negotiate prices, and close sales deals. Additionally, they provide after-sales support to ensure customer satisfaction and gather feedback for continuous improvement.
Median Salary: $73,0801,3
1Within a few years of beginning employment
2Based on information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.
3Based on data from Salary.com from the Knoxville, Tennessee area
Management majors customize their program by choosing one of two tracks—Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness, or Entrepreneurship & Emerging Enterprises. Several collateral options or concentrations allow students to further tailor the degree to their career interests. An internship is required for both tracks of the management major.
Luke Cornelius is a senior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business, majoring in management with a collateral in supply chain management and a minor in environmental studies.
The Haslam College of Business awards more than $5 million annually in scholarships to students. Awards include college and departmental scholarships. Each year, students should apply to be considered for college and departmental scholarships through the university’s Continuing Undergraduate Student Scholarship application.
Scholarship criteria is varied and may be based on a student’s need, academic merit, engagement in student organizations and research, and overall profile.