What can I do with a major in General Management
Management education is about developing skills to adapt and succeed in today’s every-changing workplace as well as learning how to utilize technology to advance a business or organization. Many students choose the General Management major because it provides a comprehensive understanding of management that can take them anywhere. Other students choose it because of the opportunity to design their own programs and combine with others. Some students plan to start their own businesses. A broad-based understanding of business will position students to succeed in entrepreneurial undertakings.
Whether you’re primarily a people person or a numbers person, studying general management will help you develop and refine what already comes naturally.
Management is leading others to accomplish common goals. Today’s managers are people oriented, creative, adaptable — strong communicators who deal effectively with rapidly changing environments, work successfully with small and large teams, live and work by principles of ethics and social responsibility, and are aware of our responsibility to the environment.
Students interested in General Management can complete:
- Bachelor of Management (General Management)
- Bachelor of Management (General Management)/ Bachelor of Health Science (Public Health)
- Bachelor of Management (General Management)/Bachelor of Education (CTS: Business Focus)
- Bachelor of Management (General Management)/Bachelor of Fine Arts (New Media)
- Bachelor of Management (General Management)/Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Management (General Management)/Bachelor of Science
Skills
- Analyze & Interpret Data
- Analyze Customer Needs & Wants
- Appreciation & Awareness of Cultural Diversity
- Computer Literacy
- Critical, Creative & Analytical Thinking
- Decision Making
- Develop & Maintain Customer Relationships
- Influence, Persuade & Negotiate
- Leadership
- Motivate & Direct Others
- Numerical Analysis
- Oral & Written Communication
- Organizational
- Planning & Budgeting Expertise
- Problem Solving
- Research
- Statistical Analysis
- Teamwork
- Time Management
- Understand Marketing Issues, Technologies & Methodologies
- Work Independently
Work Environment
Opportunities for General Management graduates are everywhere. Graduates will choose from a wide range of careers, in a variety of industries and sectors, such as in public relations, commerce, management, administration, economics or marketing. Graduates may find employment with insurance agencies, research and academic institutions, communication companies, banks and financial institutions or professional services.
Key Areas of Specialization:
- Accounting
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Finance
- First Nations’ Governance
- Human Resource Management
- Information Systems
- International Management
- Labour Relations
- Marketing
- New Media
- Political Science
Career Possibilities
These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate, if one is available.
- Advertising/Marketing Coordinator
- Assistant Development Executive
- Business & Industry Liaison
- Business Analyst Intern
- Business Development Representative
- Communications Advisor/ Coordinator
- Employee Relations Consultant
- Financial Advisor
- Human Resources Assistant
- Information & Public Relations Officer
- International Business Development Officer
- Junior Marketing & Media Coordinator
- Labour Relations Officer/ Consultant
- Labour Relations Research Coordinator
- Manager Trainee
- Marketing Assistant/ Consultant
- Media & Community Relations Coordinator
- Recruitment Officer
- Retail Manager
These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.
- Account Manager
- Advertising & Promotions Specialist
- Advertising Coordinator
- Advertising Representative
- Benefits Coordinator/ Manager
- Business Analyst
- Certified Human Resources Specialist
- Claims Adjudicator
- College Instructor
- Community Relations Manager
- Compensation & Benefits Analyst
- Corporate Recruiter
- Customer Service Representative
- Direct Marketer
- Employment Development Specialist
- Forecast Analyst/Demand Planner
- Foreign Services Officer
- General Manager
- Government Administrator
- Grants Administrator
- Grievance Officer
- Human Resource Manager/Director
- Human Resources Systems Analyst
- International Trade Officer
- Labour Negotiator
- Labour Policy Analyst
- Labour Relations Consultant
- Management Consultant
- Market Research Analyst
- Materials Manager/ Logistics Coordinator
- Mediator
- Negotiator/Advisor
- New Product Development Specialist
- Non-Profit Administrator
- Occupational Health & Safety Officer/Specialist
- Officer Placement Consultant
- Operations Researcher/ Manager
- Organizational Development Specialist
- Outplacement Specialist
- Payroll Administrator
- Personnel Recruiter
- Policy Advisor
- Project Manager
- Promotions Coordinator/ Manager
- Public Relations Specialist
- Purchasing Agent/Buyer
- Risk Manager
- Small Business Owner
- Strategy Planner
- Supply Chain Manager
- Training Specialist
- University Professor
On average, people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.
- Account Executive
- Art Director
- Author
- Broadcoaster
- Career Development Counsellor
- Director of Corporate Events
- Editor/Publisher
- Entrepreneur
- Event Coordinator
- Executive Assistant
- Exhibit Planner
- Facilities Coordinator
- Field Interviewer
- Field Service Director
- Journalist
- Lawyer
- Learning & Development Coordinator
- Lobbyist
- Logistics Specialist
- Media Correspondent
- Media Planner
- Multimedia Designer
- Paralegal
- Politician
- Portfolio Manager
- Promotions Manager
- Public Speaking Coach
- Speech Writer
- Stockbroker
- Tourism Consultant
- Trade Show Coordinator
- Transportation Director
Useful Resources
- Canadian Management Centre http://cmcoutperform.com
- Project Management Association of Canada http://pmac-agpc.ca
- Canadian Federation of Independent Business http://www.cfib-fcei.ca/
- Certifed Management Consultant – Canada http://www.cmc-canada.ca/
- Canadian Marketing Association https://www.the-cma.org
- The Canadian Institute of Marketing http://www.professionalmarketer.ca
- Economic Developers Association of Canada http://edac.ca
- International Association for Business & Society http://www.iabs.net
- The Federation of International Trade Associations http://www.fita.org
- International Management Association http://www.ima-mus.com
- Human Resources Institute of Alberta http://www.hria.ca
- Human Resources Research Institute http://hrri.ywd.ca
- Canadian Council of Human Resources Association http://www.chrp.ca
- Canadian Labour & Business http://www.clbc.ca
- Canadian Industrial Relations Association http://www.cira-acri.ca
- The Labour & Employment Relations Association http://www.leraweb.org
Add Value to Your Degree
The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.
Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.
Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.
Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.
d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.
Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.
Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.
The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.
Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.
The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.
The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.
The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.
An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.
You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.
The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!
International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).
Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.