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Career Investigation Report

Executive Summary

This report is based on the Career Investigation Report of a student who wishes to pursue higher education in the relevant field. This assessment is regarding the field of Operational Manager. In this report, the basics of Operational Manager are being discussed and it is evaluated as to what are the requisites to become an Operation Manager, its scope, study requirements and future prospects. This report assesses what the student needs to do in order to achieve the desired goal, his shortcomings, strengths and what could possible be done to achieve those. This report discusses all the aspects related to introduction of an Operations Manager and how to become one.

Introduction

Being a Business Administration student, one gets a good exposure to the corporate world and its features. The business administration helps the students to evolve from a rookie to a manager and imbibes skills in the student such as Management, analysing key aspects, keen observations, looking for alternatives etc. Thus, due to all these skills, I decided to become an Operations Manager as it gives an overall knowledge about the Business and the company operations.

Career Planning

Being an Operations Manager means you have the responsibility to carry out and manage all the operations ongoing in the business at any point of time. The Operations Manager is assigned with the responsibility to achieve the best results and output along with the optimum utilisation of resources. He is assigned the duty to overlook, monitor, evaluate and correct any deviations in the work process of the company. He is accountable to the management directly.

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The operation manager handles the key components of the business and plays a major role in the integration process of all the activities of the business to bring them in alignment with the objective of the organisation(Keys and Case, 1990). The operations manager provides inspired leadership for the organization. As an operations manager, one has to undertake the following actions and decisions:

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Other than the above stated responsibilities, an Operations Manager has other responsibilities as well(Heizer, Render and Heizer, 2008). Such as:

  1. Assist the HR Personnel in the process of Recruiting, selecting, training, assigning, scheduling, coaching and counselling employees
  2. Communicating with the employees regarding the expectations of the job form them and planning, monitoring, appraising and reviewing job contributions made by them.
  3. Gathering information and recommendations with respect to the strategic plans and reviews being made; preparing action plans; take actions, ensure quality and customer-service standards and resolve issues if any (Indeed, 2019)
  4. Maintaining safe and healthy work environment by establishing standards and procedures; complying with legal regulations (Indeed, 2019)
  5. Responsible for all department managers and supervisors (Indeed, 2019)
  6. Manage relationships with key operations vendors
  7. Work closely with the general manager and management team to set and/or implement policies, procedures and systems and to follow through with implementation (Indeed, 2019).

In order to become an Operations Manager, one needs to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in any business program; preferable- Bachelor’s in Business Administration as it teaches the basics of the Business operations and how they can be managed. It lays down the ground work for further progress of the individuals. The person can obtain certifications in the business administration events and activities as well such as how to manage businesses, managerial decision capabilities, business canvas etc(Keys and Case, 1990). Such activities help in the sharpening of one’s skills to be a better leader and understand the business operations in a better manner. Once the pre- requisites are achieved, one can go for Master’s degree in the same course to attain specialisation and expertise which will serve in seeking for the good jobs.

The Operations Manager has a good scope for the future based on the increasing number of companies in the country. The businesses are flourishing day by day for which they require personnel who can manage the business properly. These days, due to the trend of specialisation, every business hires experts in the business departments. Therefore, there is a good future for the Operations Manager. There is a very high demand in the corporate sector like FMCG, tech companies and consumer-based companies. There is wide requirement in the Tourism companies for Operation Managers as they will lay down the strategy to use the shortage of resources in the achieving of the target. Companies like AJ Hackett, Global Financial Services Limited and Countdown have a high requirement of Operations Manager at their different locations to manage the business operations.

Thus, with the demand for the Operations Manager substantivizes its importance in the business. For operations manager, the opportunities to learn and good along with the Working environment provided. The Working Environment for an Operations Manager is a little hectic and cumbersome. Most of the work to be carried out is sitting process. There might be long hours of working for an Operations Manager. The long hours generally come up during the month closings wherein the report of the whole months need to be reported by the Operations Manager to the Management of the company. Though, the weekends are generally off. The salary packages for the entrant Manager varies from $30 – 40 K per annum depending upon the marks and certifications. There is a good prospect for the applicants as the expected salary packages varies from $60- 70 K per annum after a few years in the job. Thus, the growth in the career is assured and there are always high chances of getting promotions. The operation managers generally supersede to the positions such as Chief Executive Officer or Chief Operating Officer. The salary trends in this profession are as follows:

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Thus, an entrant level having good knowledge and experience from a reputed institute can earn around $30-40 K in the start (Indeed, 2019). He can tread further with time and increase the earnings from $50K to $70 K in the coming periods (Indeed, 2019). Thus, it is a very good profession which provides sense of job and financial security.

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Thus, there is a very good scope in the field of Operations and the future is secure.

In order to become an operations manager, generally training is provided which ensures that the person is ready to serve the duty. Several drills are conducted in order to check the skills of the individual and their competitiveness. There are several techniques by which this training can be provided. There are several online players which provide the training of such kinds. There are special schools who are authorised to provide such training.

As a Business Administration student, I aspire to choose Operations Manager as my occupational goal. I feel that this job will provide me with the confidence and will give me the skills that are required for running a business. I will be able to learn about the key aspects of the business which are vital to its growth. I will have responsibilities wherein I can take decisions and challenge my shortcomings. The day to day evaluations of the business and its resources provides a plethora of learning. I will be able to learn how to make the company operate by utilising minimum resources. I feel I have the specific skills that are required for this job i.e. confidence, well developed communication and negotiation skills, leadership abilities, innovativeness, efficiency in work, determination, willingness to solve problems, take on challenges, do smart work(Scaranton, 2019). I can surely carry out this job with the required training. I lack the certain skill of taking firm decisions and having procrastination to the work. I feel, with the given training; I will be able to overcome it and prove my worth as a manager. I am currently targeting to get into Rotman School of Management to pursue MBA in the business Administration and sharpen my skills at the same. I have obtained proper counselling from idreemcareer- an online website for providing counselling. I have been in discussions with my professors and former employees of various companies in order to discuss the pros and cons of this field. I have not yet obtained any of the professional trainings or certifications. I plan to do the same and start by the mid of 2019. I am currently targeting to get place in AJ Hackett or Amazon, they being the biggest players in the market. Once I have obtained the relevant skills, I can aim at launching my own business or providing consultancy services to the other companies or small businesses. Even if the course of Operations Manager does not suit me, I can always switch to other professions such as Human Resource Manager or Marketing Manager. I feel I have good skills for the job and I rate myself as quite disciplined, capable, organised and I got appropriate resources to learn this job. This is the best opportunity I can take advantage of. Thus, getting the skills will be valuable to utilise the same in other fields.

Recommendations

In order to achieve the occupational goals, one needs to be determined and focussed. One must strive towards his goals continuously and never give up. In the given scenario, the aspirant needs to focus on his current courses and start looking for trainings and certifications such as project management, agile methodologies, Kanban, total quality management, supply chain management, six sigma and total quality management, balanced scorecard and behcmarking, Lean manufacturing, inventory management etc. (Scaranton, 2019). These will assist him in getting placed in the desired School. There is continuous need to work on the strengths. The aspirant needs to work over the shortcomings and make them go away.

Conclusion

Thus, from the above discussions, it is pretty evident that the aspirant has the skills to become an Operations Manager. With some changes in the attitude and self- assessment; he can achieve the goals. He has the determination required for the job. The field of operations manager is tactical and it is one of the best fields to get exposure in.

References

Heizer, J., Render, B. and Heizer, J. (2008). Operations management Volume 1. 1st ed. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Prentice Hall, pp.12-14.

Keys, B. and Case, T. (1990). How to become an influential manager. Academy of Management Perspectives, 4(4), pp.38-51.

Indeed, .. (2019). Operations Manager Job Description Examples | Indeed.com. [online] Indeed.com. Available at: https://www.indeed.com/hire/job-description/operations-manager [Accessed 22 Mar. 2019].

Indeed, C. (2019). Operations Manager Salaries in Canada | Indeed.com. [online] Ca.indeed.com. Available at: https://ca.indeed.com/salaries/Operations-Manager-Salaries [Accessed 23 Mar. 2019].

CAREER INVESTIGATION REQUIREMENTS

Part 2 of 2

Complete all questions as fully as possible.

Occupational Goal: Operations Manager

You and the Occupation

  1. How long ago did you decide that you wanted to work in this field?

Since my introduction to the scope of Business Administration; I have been longing to work in this field.

  1. Why do you think this occupation is suitable/appropriate for you (why did you choose this occupation)?

This will help me explore various key components of the company’s functioning and help me in expanding my knowledge.

  1. What special qualities/strengths/talents do you have that make you suitable for this kind of work?

I am confident and hard working. I have a nag to find solutions to each problem in the easiest manner.  My yearning for learning and making a valuable contribution makes me suitable for this work.

  1. Do you have any health problems that would interfere with your ability to do this kind of work?

NO

If yes, what are they and what steps can you take to overcome these barriers?

Occupation Information

  1. What do people in this occupation actually do in the job (typical duties)?
  • Managing resources in the company
  • Cost management functions
  • Asset management functions
  • Making and comparing budgets
  1. Give the names of 3 people you contacted for information about this occupation (i.e., someone currently working in the field; counsellors/program people at an educational institution, employers).
  • Professor of Business Administration who guided me through the pros and cons of the work field
  • David and Mr. Kevin- Employers working as operational managers in various companies
  • Online counselling from- idreamcareer
  1. What did you learn from talking to them?

As per my discussion with the above mentioned people, they guided me about the requisites of the field, scope of jobs, salary constraints, challenges to be faces, opportunities, personal growth.

  1. What did they like most/least about their work?

They liked the opportunities they got working as Operation manager. But they did not like the long working hours and the burden of the work

  1. What are the working conditions?

The working conditions are good to operate in a formal environment. Each day the challenges are different

  1. Hours of work (shifts, weekends, overtime, part-time, full-time, etc.) – 9-10 Hour shifts and off on weekends. Overtime might be needed at the month closings. Part time work also allowed for the less work days.
  2. Place of work (inside, outside, office, assembly line, etc.)- Office and Factory area
  3. Mobility (walking, standing, sitting, driving, etc.) - Sitting
  4. Health/safety concerns (dust, noise, allergies) – No concerns
  5. Other- No
  1. What salary can you expect when you start?

$30- 40 K per annum

  1. What salary can you expect after 5 years?

$60- 70 K per annum

Educational Information

  1. What specific training (diploma, certificate, journeyman ticket or degree) is needed to work in this field? What is the name of the training program?
  • Trade or University qualification in the preferred field
  • Additional management courses serve as a perk
  1. Where is the training available? (Which schools?)

There are many universities which provide the training for the similar courses:

Ivey Business School

Smith School of Business at Queen’s University

Vancouver Island University

Rotman School of Management

Dalhousie University

  1. Which school do YOU plan to attend?

I wish to attend Rotman School of Management in Toronto, Canada. It is one of the most reputed ones to attend.

  1. What prerequisites (courses, averages, certificates as stated in the calendar) are needed to get into your desired program?

Bachelor’s Degree in the required field

Experience in the preferred field

Certificate courses and training obtained

  1. Do you have these prerequisites?

No

If no, what do you need?

Training certificates and experience in the same field

Where do you plan to upgrade to get the prerequisites?

Online trainings

When do you plan to start upgrading?

By the mid of 2019

Employment History

  1. Name four companies/employers who hire people who have this training. –
  • Global Financial Services Limited
  • Amazon
  • Target
  • AJ Hackett
  1. What is the current demand or what are the employment opportunities for people entering this field?

There is a constant need for the operations manager. With the increase in the number of Companies, the demand will keep on increasing.

  1. What is the future outlook for employment in this field?

The future outlook is good as the businesses nowadays need experts of each field to make their business run smoothly. Smart Work is preferred these days over the hard work.

  1. Name 2 related occupations (other occupations where you could to similar work).

Human Resource Manager

Marketing Manager

  1. What opportunities do you see for self-employment in this field? (Free-lancing, consulting, starting your own business.)

Once the required skills are achieved, one can provide counselling to other businesses and can open own business by utilising the skills acquired.

Readiness Information

  1. In order to be successful in school/training you need to be ready to attend. Check the boxes below and indicate your level of readiness on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 lowest level— 10 highest level).

I am:

disciplined -8

capable - 9

organized- 7

in control of events in my life-8

have enough money to meet my needs plus emergencies-7

have arranged childcare and back up for emergencies-6

in good health-9

  1. List three employers to which you plan to apply or intend to approach to do contract/consulting work for in the next year.
  • Global Financial Services Limited
  • AJ Hackett
  • Amazon
  1. Have any people in your network agreed to give you a reference?

No

If yes, who are they and do you have their current contact information?

If no, list three people who you intend to ask for a reference.

  • Professor
  • Former Employees in the organisation
  • Current employer- part time job
.