To work as an architectural or engineering manager, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have at least a bachelor's degree;
• have more than five years of related work experience; and
• have a license.

Education after high school

You need at least a bachelor's degree in architecture or engineering for most management positions. In many cases, you need a master's degree. Architectural managers must have administrative skills as well as architecture skills. Engineering managers must have administrative skills as well as engineering skills. A master's in business administration (MBA) is good preparation for non-technical management jobs. For technical management jobs, a master's in engineering management is the best preparation.

Work experience

You must prove yourself as an architect or engineer before you can consider moving into this occupation. Architectural and engineering managers work for many years as architects or engineers before becoming managers.

On-the-job training

Employers often provide training or pay for college course work. This is so you can update your technical skills or expand your administrative skills. As a new manager, you are likely to receive on-the-job training. In general, training lasts about less than a year.