Just the job? Graduate managers’ working lifestyles
What’s the typical work environment?
In most cases, you will be based in an office but this will vary depending on your chosen area of work – an investment bank, for example, will be quite different from a manufacturing facility. You’re likely to spend quite a lot of time in meetings, both internal and external. Some of these will require formal dress as you’ll be representing your organisation and it’s important to make a good impression. As a more senior manager you might attend meetings throughout the country and abroad.
What kind of work/life balance will I have?
Responsibility requires commitment, so a manager is unlikely to be able to follow a strict nine-to-five schedule. If there’s an important project then you may need to stay late make sure it’s completed in time. It really depends on the industry you are in, and how important your role within the company is. Nevertheless, good organisation and the ability to delegate should let you have a reasonable social life! Career progression will bring more responsibility but this doesn’t mean that as a senior manager you’ll be working 24 hours a day, since you’ll be able to delegate tasks to junior managers.
How much can I earn and what benefits will I get?
Starting salaries for graduate managers tend to be quite generous – a recent survey put the figure at £24,200 in the first year – but this varies according to your employer. Wages can increase rapidly, and may reach £40,000 after a few years. Large organisations tend to offer their managers generous benefits, including company cars, bonuses, a pension scheme and health insurance. You may also be eligible for stocks or shares in the organisation
What are the highs and lows?
Managers have great responsibility, both for projects and for other members of staff. The pressure to succeed can be stressful, and the job is never really finished. However, success will bring rewards; managers are responsible for bigger projects, so success is more likely to be noticed. When it is, the benefits are likely to be greater too.