No Management careers for teenagers?! (1 Viewer)

[marcus903]

I am a 17 year old teenager interested in becoming a manager at a retail store. I've been wondering if it's possible for me to become a manager or at least get trained for management immediately. Thanks to the child labor laws, it's impossible and hard for most people to believe.

Though, I may be a bit too young for higher-up management, I should be old enought to take classes dedicated to management and start managing my own business, but for low-level positions such as a shift manager at Mcdonalds.

Basically, because of child labor laws, it's impossible for me to start taking classes for management and there's no school subject dedicated to business management. The only way I can 'learn' about business management is if I interview an actual general manager. But they're NEVER available, not even via telephone.

So is there some way I can start learning about business management at my age? Thanks.

 

[samsmart]

I am a 17 year old teenager interested in becoming a manager at a retail store. I've been wondering if it's possible for me to become a manager or at least get trained for management immediately. Thanks to the child labor laws, it's impossible and hard for most people to believe.

Though, I may be a bit too young for higher-up management, I should be old enought to take classes dedicated to management and start managing my own business, but for low-level positions such as a shift manager at Mcdonalds.

Basically, because of child labor laws, it's impossible for me to start taking classes for management and there's no school subject dedicated to business management. The only way I can 'learn' about business management is if I interview an actual general manager. But they're NEVER available, not even via telephone.

So is there some way I can start learning about business management at my age? Thanks.

Someone can correct me if I am wrong, but I do believe that studying Business Administration is a good way to learn the skills necessary for being a manager. I've never taken any classes for that, though, so I may be wrong.

 

[Harshaw]

I am a 17 year old teenager interested in becoming a manager at a retail store. I've been wondering if it's possible for me to become a manager or at least get trained for management immediately. Thanks to the child labor laws, it's impossible and hard for most people to believe.

Though, I may be a bit too young for higher-up management, I should be old enought to take classes dedicated to management and start managing my own business, but for low-level positions such as a shift manager at Mcdonalds.

Basically, because of child labor laws, it's impossible for me to start taking classes for management and there's no school subject dedicated to business management. The only way I can 'learn' about business management is if I interview an actual general manager. But they're NEVER available, not even via telephone.

So is there some way I can start learning about business management at my age? Thanks.

What makes you think you should be a manager before you have an entry-level position?

BTW, employers aren't especially impressed by those who think theft is "funny" and "interesting." Just FYI.

 

[marcus903]

What makes you think you should be a manager before you have an entry-level position?

Did you read the part where I mentioned business management courses made for teenagers?

 

[Harshaw]

Did you read the part where I mentioned business management courses made for teenagers?

Yeah, and that's why I asked the question.

 

[Keridan]

I am a 17 year old teenager interested in becoming a manager at a retail store. I've been wondering if it's possible for me to become a manager or at least get trained for management immediately. Thanks to the child labor laws, it's impossible and hard for most people to believe.

Though, I may be a bit too young for higher-up management, I should be old enought to take classes dedicated to management and start managing my own business, but for low-level positions such as a shift manager at Mcdonalds.

Basically, because of child labor laws, it's impossible for me to start taking classes for management and there's no school subject dedicated to business management. The only way I can 'learn' about business management is if I interview an actual general manager. But they're NEVER available, not even via telephone.

So is there some way I can start learning about business management at my age? Thanks.

This is one of the very few things the federal government still lets states pretend they can control. So, my answers are based on a few states I have lived in, but may not be directly true in WI.

In most states, you can get into management at any age legally speaking. However, getting someone to take you seriously as an applicant is the challenge. My first thought is to search for folks looking for an assistant manager position in any retail business. It would be hard to get without showing more experience in the lower levels. If nothing else, you might get to sit down with a GM and ask if you can interview them about what it takes to get that position.

Personally, I started in food at your age. I worked as a cook and counter person at a small fast food joint (locally owned) and rocked every low level position. Showing you pick up on things quickly, take any task seriously and gracefully, and don't mind a bit of chaos will get you in shift leader positions quickly. While I was working as a shift leader, I started classes in Hotel/Restaurant Management programs at the local community college.

If you took my approach, it would be a couple years and there would be no limitation on age for any aspect of things. I also found the experience of working the non-management positions made it much easier to be a leader.

Interestingly, I ended owning a small business in home maintenance, but still use those skills every single day.

 

[mike2810]

I am a 17 year old teenager interested in becoming a manager at a retail store. I've been wondering if it's possible for me to become a manager or at least get trained for management immediately. Thanks to the child labor laws, it's impossible and hard for most people to believe.

Though, I may be a bit too young for higher-up management, I should be old enought to take classes dedicated to management and start managing my own business, but for low-level positions such as a shift manager at Mcdonalds.

Basically, because of child labor laws, it's impossible for me to start taking classes for management and there's no school subject dedicated to business management. The only way I can 'learn' about business management is if I interview an actual general manager. But they're NEVER available, not even via telephone.

So is there some way I can start learning about business management at my age? Thanks.

You could try the old way. Take a entry level job at the retail store. Learn and excell at that postion. Move up when there is an opening. When you can, take business courses from your community college if you have to.

I have got to ask. If you were the manager of the "retail" store and needed to hire your replacement, would you hire someone with little to no experience and education in managing such a "retail" store?

I good manager hires the best candidate. My advice, start getting experience at the lower levels, change departments when you have mastered the one you are working in. Then think about management.

 

[TheGirlNextDoor]

Even if you take specific classes that teach you about all aspects of management, you will still need to have experience in whatever business you are trying to manage. Are you going to college and if so, what will your major be?

 

[spud_meister]

Get an entry level job in your field and study Business Admin, or something similar. Then, when you've completed the course, you'll have some experience, so start applying for assistant management type positions.

 

[justabubba]

start your own business
then manage it

 

[Aderleth]

I am a 17 year old teenager interested in becoming a manager at a retail store. I've been wondering if it's possible for me to become a manager or at least get trained for management immediately. Thanks to the child labor laws, it's impossible and hard for most people to believe.

Though, I may be a bit too young for higher-up management, I should be old enought to take classes dedicated to management and start managing my own business, but for low-level positions such as a shift manager at Mcdonalds.

Basically, because of child labor laws, it's impossible for me to start taking classes for management and there's no school subject dedicated to business management. The only way I can 'learn' about business management is if I interview an actual general manager. But they're NEVER available, not even via telephone.

So is there some way I can start learning about business management at my age? Thanks.

No 17 year old is just going to walk into a management position. There will inevitably be older, more experienced, probably more responsible people out there who are better qualified to be in charge of others. If you want to be in management, you've got to work at it like everyone else. If you're thinking retail, you're going to have to either start at the bottom, or go to college first.

Or do what Justbubba said in the post above this one ^^^

 

[Cephus]

Virtually no company is going to promote a minor into management for liability reasons. I know that, way back in the day, my employer was chomping at the bit to promote me but I had to wait until I turned 18. It's fiscally risky to promote minors, they cannot be held legally responsible for wrongdoing like adults can.

 

[marcus903]

Even if you take specific classes that teach you about all aspects of management, you will still need to have experience in whatever business you are trying to manage. Are you going to college and if so, what will your major be?

Yes, I'm going to major in Business Management.

Edit: Some of you don't understand what I'm saying. I'm saying that there should be some management courses teenagers should take if they're interested in becoming a manager, like in school or a service program. The courses doesn't have to immediately place you in a management position after completion, but should give you enough credits for college.

 

[justabubba]

Yes, I'm going to major in Business Management.

Edit: Some of you don't understand what I'm saying. I'm saying that there should be some management courses teenagers should take if they're interested in becoming a manager, like in school or a service program. The courses doesn't have to immediately place you in a management position after completion, but should give you enough credits for college.

here they have a marketing/management curriculum in some of the high schools
they have competitions locally, regionally and then nationally
DECA

if no such program exists at your school, attend local community college/tech school at night

 

[Goshin]

I am a 17 year old teenager interested in becoming a manager at a retail store. I've been wondering if it's possible for me to become a manager or at least get trained for management immediately. Thanks to the child labor laws, it's impossible and hard for most people to believe.

Though, I may be a bit too young for higher-up management, I should be old enought to take classes dedicated to management and start managing my own business, but for low-level positions such as a shift manager at Mcdonalds.

Basically, because of child labor laws, it's impossible for me to start taking classes for management and there's no school subject dedicated to business management. The only way I can 'learn' about business management is if I interview an actual general manager. But they're NEVER available, not even via telephone.

So is there some way I can start learning about business management at my age? Thanks.

Got to pay your dues, if you wanna sing the blues.... and you know, it don't come easy.

:mrgreen:

 

[TheGirlNextDoor]

Got to pay your dues, if you wanna sing the blues.... and you know, it don't come easy.

:mrgreen:

Damn you... now that's stuck in my head.

 

[Aunt Spiker]

I am a 17 year old teenager interested in becoming a manager at a retail store. I've been wondering if it's possible for me to become a manager or at least get trained for management immediately. Thanks to the child labor laws, it's impossible and hard for most people to believe.

Though, I may be a bit too young for higher-up management, I should be old enought to take classes dedicated to management and start managing my own business, but for low-level positions such as a shift manager at Mcdonalds.

Basically, because of child labor laws, it's impossible for me to start taking classes for management and there's no school subject dedicated to business management. The only way I can 'learn' about business management is if I interview an actual general manager. But they're NEVER available, not even via telephone.

So is there some way I can start learning about business management at my age? Thanks.

Marcus . . .being honest with you. Management doesn't seem like you're 'thing' at the moment - you spend a lot of time questioning authority, you don't understand the basic reasons why society and schools function the way they do.

You can't possibly consider being management until you're more mature and have experienced real life in the adult world.

Just a friendly FYI - you have a long way to go before you're there. There are many things you need to learn and experience before you can seriously consider not only conducting business - but being responsible for the livelihood of others.

Per managing courses in school - every business is managed differently. What management consists of (strongly) is communication, organization, prioritizing, staying on task, and teamwork.

You actually don't need direct management courses to get experience with these things - a lot of college courses are very heavy and tedious - business law, professional communication, resume writing and interpretation, business bookkeeping, financing, accounting (lots of this) . . . on and on. Very intense stuff. It is in high school materials - just in a lighter version that's more generalized.

Ways to get experience with things that would be beneficial towards management: become a member of a club or team that's active in the school - the school newspaper, run for school-office, assist in the office with filing, etc. . . that would be a good start for you. It's one thing to fantasize about managing a store - and a completely different thing to actually do it.

 

[Goshin]

Marcus . . .being honest with you. Management doesn't seem like you're 'thing' at the moment - you spend a lot of time questioning authority, you don't understand the basic reasons why society and schools function the way they do.

You can't possibly consider being management until you're more mature and have experienced real life in the adult world.

Just a friendly FYI - you have a long way to go before you're there. There are many things you need to learn and experience before you can seriously considering not only conducting business - but being responsible for the livelihood of others.

One of the best ways to ruin someone is to give them too much authoritah too young.

 

[Aunt Spiker]

One of the best ways to ruin someone is to give them too much authoritah too young.

Very few people are cut out for management at a young age.

And most businesses will not consider you for being an MIT until you've had direct experience with their business - the majority of managers start at the bottom and through those internal contacts they build confidence and trust and slowly work their way up. Some large corporations offer MIT in connection with your schooling - where they'll help you through school as you learn how to manage from their own conceived management educational courses, etc.

Only long-term and highly experienced persons can jump into a new business as management from the get-go . . . it doesn't happen often that way.

 

[Goshin]

Very few people are cut out for management at a young age.

And most businesses will not consider you for being an MIT until you've had direct experience with their business - the majority of managers start at the bottom and through those internal contacts they build confidence and trust and slowly work their way up. Some large corporations offer MIT in connection with your schooling - where they'll help you through school as you learn how to manage from their own conceived management educational courses, etc.

Only long-term and highly experienced persons can jump into a new business as management from the get-go . . . it doesn't happen often that way.

I was in my 30's and worked a job as a peon for almost 2 years before being offered a shot at Assistant Office Manager... and I had previous management experience and some college. Anyone age 17 expecting to jump right into management training is probably jumping the gun a bit, even at McDonalds...

 

[MaggieD]

I am a 17 year old teenager interested in becoming a manager at a retail store. I've been wondering if it's possible for me to become a manager or at least get trained for management immediately. Thanks to the child labor laws, it's impossible and hard for most people to believe.

Though, I may be a bit too young for higher-up management, I should be old enought to take classes dedicated to management and start managing my own business, but for low-level positions such as a shift manager at Mcdonalds.

Basically, because of child labor laws, it's impossible for me to start taking classes for management and there's no school subject dedicated to business management. The only way I can 'learn' about business management is if I interview an actual general manager. But they're NEVER available, not even via telephone.

So is there some way I can start learning about business management at my age? Thanks.

Yes. Get a job at any fast-food restaurant and pay close attention. Let your manager know you'd like to learn some management skills. Learn by observation. Child labor laws have nothing to do with business management classes, so I don't understand that part of your post.

 

[beerftw]

I am a 17 year old teenager interested in becoming a manager at a retail store. I've been wondering if it's possible for me to become a manager or at least get trained for management immediately. Thanks to the child labor laws, it's impossible and hard for most people to believe.

Though, I may be a bit too young for higher-up management, I should be old enought to take classes dedicated to management and start managing my own business, but for low-level positions such as a shift manager at Mcdonalds.

Basically, because of child labor laws, it's impossible for me to start taking classes for management and there's no school subject dedicated to business management. The only way I can 'learn' about business management is if I interview an actual general manager. But they're NEVER available, not even via telephone.

So is there some way I can start learning about business management at my age? Thanks.

you have 3 options,the thirdi dont recomend.

one is tojoin aprofession and move your way o management,from there management is a good universal skill.

the second is to go to school for business management,which is universal among business,but pas less than someone who worked their way there,but is also much quicker.

third option is military,as almost allmilitary nco's practice much more leadershipthan the best managers.problem is the time spent to gain military management plus translating itintomanagement skills.hence i dontrecomend thispath.

 

[justabubba]

you have 3 options,the thirdi dont recomend.

one is tojoin aprofession and move your way o management,from there management is a good universal skill.

the second is to go to school for business management,which is universal among business,but pas less than someone who worked their way there,but is also much quicker.

third option is military,as almost allmilitary nco's practice much more leadershipthan the best managers.problem is the time spent to gain military management plus translating itintomanagement skills.hence i dontrecomend thispath.

when i read your third recommendation it made me ask 'how did i forget to suggest high school (and later college) ROTC training'. other than actually being in service, this is going to offer an excellent opportunity to acquire leadership skills; which skills may be more difficult to hone than management traits

 

[Superfly]

If you are serious about wanting to get into management, stop running around with thieves. That won't help you at all.

 

[beerftw]

when i read your third recommendation it made me ask 'how did i forget to suggest high school (and later college) ROTC training'. other than actually being in service, this is going to offer an excellent opportunity to acquire leadership skills; which skills may be more difficult to hone than management traits

the onlyproblem with option 3 is translating the experience into the civilian world,which is quite difficult without a class in itself to teach how.