How to Build Management Experience if You're Not a Manager

Finding a way to show experience when you want to become a manager is difficult if you’ve never held a similar position before. However, there are ways around this extremely difficult catch-22 that will help you make that next step in your career. We’ve listed a few ideas below to help you gain the necessary skills and understanding to jump start your management potential while in your current position.

Work with your Supervisor

A strong first step in gaining management experience is speaking with your supervisor to let them know you are looking to take this career path. If your supervisor is aware of your plans, they may be able to help you find growth opportunities or offer advice on how to get from point A to point B. During this conversation, you should also ask your supervisor what skills you should be working on or characteristics they look for in a manager. This conversation will be a great starting point to learn legitimate steps you can take towards your goal, and can always turn into a more frequent check-in to make sure you stay on task. 

Look for External Opportunities

There are plenty of opportunities to practice your management skills through external organizations within your industry. Look for options to join committees, serve as a co-chair, or even sign up to be a mentor; you’ll be able to practice management skills without actually being promoted or hired in the role. This will also give you a way to practice different techniques outside of the workplace, allowing you to hone your management style in a more relaxed environment. 

Other Management Options

Even though you may not be in an official management position, you can always ask your supervisor if you can manage in a different way. Does your team have new individuals that need to be onboarded? You could help walk them through the process and manage their first few tasks to provide hands-on management. Is there an internship program in your department or office? This would be the perfect way to manage short-term employees on a smaller scale. Does your office allow opportunities to shadow other managers in the organization? Find managers you admire and ask if they would mind you asking a few questions or sitting in on a few meetings; you will appreciate the unbiased answers and ability to see different management techniques. Finding these options within your own office or organization will make it easy to continue honing the skills you need for your next big career step. 

Play Up Your Strengths

Even though it’s important to constantly be learning and growing to better ourselves, don’t forget about the amazing skills you already have. While working on new skills, think of how your personal strengths will help you lead others. Make sure to pair these with the new techniques you’re working on to have a well-rounded management style that is sure to help in your career for years to come. 

Taylor Borowiec is a marketing coordinator living and working (and writing!) in Boston. You can follow her for book recommendations and hiking pictures @teaylur.

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