To work as a general and operations manager, you typically need to:

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

Education after high school

General and operations managers typically need to have a bachelor's degree. Most have a degree in areas related to the type of company or agency where they work. For example, an operations manager at a computer hardware company may have a degree in computer science. Some managers have a master's degree in business administration (MBA) or a law degree. This is becoming more common and desirable by employers.

Work experience

While education is important for this occupation, work experience is just as important. You can prepare for this occupation in many different ways. Most general and operations managers gain experience in the type of company or organization that they want to manage.

Some managers begin in entry-level positions, with only a high school diploma or equivalent. As they learn about the company and gain skills, they work their way up. However, this is becoming less common as many employers prefer managers to have a bachelor's degree.