Management training through distance learning

newmumincov

Hi guys,

I want to get into a supervisory/manager role in my line of work, but they're few and far between. I've deputised for managers in a formal capacity before now and have just moved to a job which sounded like it involved supervisory duties (from the advert and interview) but it doesn't. Most senior or management roles ask for experienced managers usually with industry specific qualifications that I can't get without employer support, so I had been hoping to get a bit more supervisory experience to try to "talk up".

So I was wondering if anyone could suggest any diplomas etc that would likely to be well respected, ideally ones that I could to through distance learning. I couldn't afford (time or money) to go do an MBA or anything like that, but don't want to end up doing something that's not considered of value to employers.

I've only just started where I work now and can't really start asking my manager for advice on how to get her job.

Jarndyce

This is going to vary considerably from employer to employer. Perhaos you could try searching for the sorts of jobs you want to move into on the internet, and see what qualifications they are asking for. Or if a particular agency keeps cropping up, you could speak to one of their consultants and ask them what they recommend.

Just make sure that whatever training you go for, it is with a reputable organisation and not a fly by night cowboy outfit. Maybe your HR department can advise on what kind of course they may support you in (with time and/or money) to gain management experience - they should be supporting you in seeking to develop your skills and experience. And finally don't forget there is a statutory right to request time off for training if your employer has over 250 staff.

claire16c

You dont have to ask your manager how to get her job and make sounds like you want it right now, but theres no reason why you cant ask her how she got into the role, and mention you would like to do something similar one day and is there anything she can advise or help you on.

Could you ask her about the industry specific qualifications and ask her what she thinks about you doing them? Or did she work her way up?

Its hard to suggestion a qualification you could do without knowing what industry youre in.

newmumincov

Well I'm really after something very generic about the people/HR/leadership side of management - but don't want to end up with a qualification that doesn't mean anything. Is there anything below an MBA that would cover this?

My current manager worked their way up, as did most managers I've met. Unfortunately, this isn't usually possible any more, and despite many current managers having no formal training whatsoever, vacancies usually specify experience/qualifications. Anyone I know of with management experience were managers and then changed career, e.g. an old boss of mine had been a shop manager before retraining and working his way up to being my manager.

I helped my husband do a management diploma by distance learning in his line of work, and found the course material really interesting (and easy) - but I couldn't do this course myself though as he works in completely different industry sector (healthcare) and you needed to already have a healthcare manager's job.

hcb42

have a look at the ou business undergraduate degrees....?

you can normally get a diploma on the way.

saintjammyswine

CMI is very good,
L3 = Team Leader
L5 = Middle Management
L7 = Strategic Management
check out their webiste for providers, content etc.

InsideInsurance

If the adverts are asking for qualifications, what qualifications are they asking for? Which industry is it?

MBAs are all well and good, subject to where you get it from, but not normally for people looking to get their first supervisory position.

newmumincov

saintjammyswine wrote: »

CMI is very good,
L3 = Team Leader
L5 = Middle Management
L7 = Strategic Management
check out their webiste for providers, content etc.

Thanks It appears that you need to do work based assignments though, so I'm not sure how I'd do one without already having a management job.

newmumincov

InsideInsurance wrote: »

If the adverts are asking for qualifications, what qualifications are they asking for? Which industry is it?

The qualifications are specialised that I think I can't even get on the courses through my current employer (even though that's what they were recently asking for). It's a very small industry as well so I'd rather not identify myself, to be honest.

smileylondongal

I honestly think if you're looking to get into management then there will be no qualification out there that will subsitute it. If I were you (and I have been!), I'd look to get any 'leadership' type of experience you can. This is what I did - I appreciate not everyone can be in the same boat but it might help:

1) I made sure that my aspirations were in my appraisal/development documents and that my line manager knew I was serious about it - is your line manager supportive of you becoming a manager?

2) I thought about what management/leadership was all about and broke it down - so, for example, leading by example was one so I became a mentor of a widening participation student at a local university, or, another example would be I took the helm at certain projects which taught me lots of management skills and gained myself some internal credibility

3) I read around the subject - there's a really good book called 'One Minute Manager' and I used some of the concepts

4) I'd look for any opportunities to cover whilst others were off sick so I could evidence my interest to my manager

Not sure if this helps but thought I might - in my last role I managed a team so I guess it ended up working!

saintjammyswine

newmumincov wrote: »

Thanks It appears that you need to do work based assignments though, so I'm not sure how I'd do one without already having a management job.

Hi, I did L3 before getting into any sort of formal management position. I was able to use examples from within the organisation I work for, personal experience of management by others (good & bad!) and common sense. The assignments do like examples from your work but it is not a requirement, we had a housewife trying to get a qual and someone who was on JSA but had relevant office experience of supervisors. Speak to your local provider, they will be very helpful, good time to do it for the new academic yr too!