How to Become a City Manager
Pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration., Pursue a Masters Degree Program in Public Administration., Apply for Positions in the City Managers Office to Gain Experience., Search for City Manager Positions.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration.
The minimum requirement for a position as a city manager is a bachelor's degree, but many cities hire candidates with advanced degrees.
A public administration undergraduate degree includes courses such as labor relations, public safety, city planning, policy formation and human resources.
The degree program also includes courses that the student can use to pursue a career in business management as well such as accounting and economics.
Undergraduate degree programs in public administration may require an internship to complete the coursework. -
Step 2: Pursue a Masters Degree Program in Public Administration.
A master's degree program enhances the employment opportunities available to the student.
The master's degree program in Public administration allows the student to specialize in a particular area of public work such as urban management.
The graduate degree program also includes an internship, which provides the student with hands on training in a city managers office.
Courses may include managing organizational change, business economics, organizational behavior, leadership and ethics training. , City governments may require work experience for applicants to a city manager position.
Working in the city manager's office as an assistant can provide the experience and training for a manager position.
Students can also gain experience through volunteer work, internships and community service work.
City governments may also hire candidates with management experience from the business community.
Those with experience managing budgets, company policies and overseeing employees can qualify for the position.
A mentor in the city managers office can help guide the student or applicant in developing job qualifications for a city manager position. , Candidates with the requisite education and experience can begin applying for city manager positions.
Each city determines the qualifications for a city manager position.
The applicant must check with the city to determine if he meets the requirements.
Use online job sites and classified listings to find opportunities as a city manager.
The applicant can network with contacts made while volunteering or working in the city manager's office. -
Step 3: Apply for Positions in the City Managers Office to Gain Experience.
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Step 4: Search for City Manager Positions.
Detailed Guide
The minimum requirement for a position as a city manager is a bachelor's degree, but many cities hire candidates with advanced degrees.
A public administration undergraduate degree includes courses such as labor relations, public safety, city planning, policy formation and human resources.
The degree program also includes courses that the student can use to pursue a career in business management as well such as accounting and economics.
Undergraduate degree programs in public administration may require an internship to complete the coursework.
A master's degree program enhances the employment opportunities available to the student.
The master's degree program in Public administration allows the student to specialize in a particular area of public work such as urban management.
The graduate degree program also includes an internship, which provides the student with hands on training in a city managers office.
Courses may include managing organizational change, business economics, organizational behavior, leadership and ethics training. , City governments may require work experience for applicants to a city manager position.
Working in the city manager's office as an assistant can provide the experience and training for a manager position.
Students can also gain experience through volunteer work, internships and community service work.
City governments may also hire candidates with management experience from the business community.
Those with experience managing budgets, company policies and overseeing employees can qualify for the position.
A mentor in the city managers office can help guide the student or applicant in developing job qualifications for a city manager position. , Candidates with the requisite education and experience can begin applying for city manager positions.
Each city determines the qualifications for a city manager position.
The applicant must check with the city to determine if he meets the requirements.
Use online job sites and classified listings to find opportunities as a city manager.
The applicant can network with contacts made while volunteering or working in the city manager's office.
About the Author
Frank Price
Frank Price specializes in education and learning and has been creating helpful content for over 6 years. Frank is committed to helping readers learn new skills and improve their lives.
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