Making a career switch into management roles can seem daunting, especially if you're from a non-business background. However, a Master in Management (MiM) course offers a structured pathway to make this transition as smooth as possible. Ultimately, this education will help you excel in managerial roles across all industries.
This blog is your complete guide to joining one of Southampton Online's Master in Management (MiM) courses, focusing on building transferable skills, expanding your network, and adapting to the management curriculum to support a successful career switch.
Why study our MiM courses?
Companies of all sizes are grappling with the pressures of rapid digital disruption and the complexities of an increasingly global marketplace. Our Master in Management courses are designed to meet the growing demand for skilled leaders capable of navigating these complex challenges.
And since they’re conversion courses, they’re perfect for those who don’t have a background in management. If you're eager to learn and apply leadership, strategy, and innovation across diverse sectors, this education is for you.
An overview of our Master in Management courses
Our Master in Management courses covers every aspect of strategic management, from organisational behaviour and marketing to leadership and accounting. You'll also explore key topics such as ethics, innovation, and social responsibility. Through a blend of academic study and real-world application, you’ll become prepared to lead teams, drive change, and succeed in complex business environments.
With three specialist pathways to choose from – Management, Business Sustainability, and Logistics - you can tailor your studies to suit your own interests and goals.
Transitioning to managerial roles
If you’re planning to move into managerial roles, there are a few key areas you can focus on to make the transition as smooth as possible. We’ve outlined them below.
Focus on building transferable skills
For non-business graduates, it’s vital to develop a range of transferable skills while you prepare to transition into management roles. Below are some examples of the most sought-after transferable skills for managers.
Interpersonal communication
76% of respondents to the 2023 Harvard Business Leadership Development Study cited ‘empathy in communication, feedback sharing and listening’ as a top leadership skill. The same goes for ‘high emotional and social intelligence’, and ‘ability to manage conflict among team members’ follows closely behind at 75%.
Tech savviness and digital literacy
As the latest technological advancements transform companies, it’s important for managers to stay ahead of the curve. This is especially the case in modern working environments, where many organisations have remote or hybrid working policies.
Ethical decision making
Organisations are implementing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, so it’s vital to consider the bigger picture. We all have a part to play in shaping more diverse, ethical, inclusive and sustainable workplaces. This should guide managers on making sound, responsible decisions.
Fostering resilience among teams
Today’s organisations must navigate constantly evolving markets, disruptive technologies, and shifting customer expectations. As a result, it’s important for managers to guide their teams with clarity, building their resilience as a result. By embracing uncertainty and leading by example, both you and your teams can be ready for anything.
Take opportunities to network
As the saying goes, if you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. Networking is a cornerstone of business success, and our MiM courses offer multiple opportunities to engage with peers and academics from around the world. You’ll build meaningful connections throughout your studies in a variety of ways:
- Collaborative group work: You’ll engage in team-based projects and problem-solving exercises that simulate real-world business challenges, encouraging you to learn from your peers and share diverse perspectives.
- Forum discussions and academic interaction: Our online learning platform includes active discussion forums where you can exchange ideas, debate key topics, and interact directly with academic staff and fellow students to deepen your understanding.
Start with the basics
Mastering the fundamentals is essential before progressing further. Adapting to a management curriculum can be challenging for non-business graduates, but we ease this transition by starting with the basics. Modules like Academic and Professional Skills for Managers provide a solid foundation in essential management principles. Equipped with the fundamentals of management, you can then engage effectively with its more complex aspects.
Apply theory to practice
It can be difficult to understand theoretical concepts and approaches without seeing them in action. In our courses, we complement theoretical knowledge with practical applications through case studies and real-life business scenarios. This ultimately makes the learning process more intuitive and relatable for you.
How the Southampton Online Master in Management courses can help you succeed
Our MiM courses go beyond academic theory by helping you apply your learning in real-world contexts. You'll undertake an extensive, independent investigation into a topic of your choice, culminating in a 10,000-word dissertation that showcases your critical thinking and research skills. In the long term, you’ll be positioned to lead effectively, and tackle the biggest challenges faced by businesses today. This hands-on experience will prove invaluable to your career success.
Choosing to switch careers and step into a management role is a bold decision that can lead to rewarding outcomes. Our MiM courses lay down the foundation for a successful, impactful career in management.
With three different specialist pathways to choose from, you can tailor your studies to fit your personal career goals and interests. And since our courses are delivered online, you can work on your professional and academic development while working full-time:
See all MiM courses
