How to become a general manager
Shape the work environment with good strategy, great people, and effective governance.
Pathways to this career
You need considerable work experience and a bachelor’s degree for most general manager roles.
Complete a Bachelor of Business Administration
Open more doors with postgraduate study, from a graduate certificate in business to a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Gain plenty experience across the management of people and processes within an organisation.
Be sure you can demonstrate successful management of profit and loss within an organisation or business when seeking employment as a general manager.
What does a general manager do?
General Managers lead, plan, organise, direct and review the day-to-day operations of commercial, industrial, government and defence organisations.
Tasks and duties
Plan policy, set standards and objectives for organisations.
Provide day-to-day direction, endorse policy to fulfil objectives, achieve specific goals, and maximise profit and efficiency.
Consult with staff and departmental heads on methods of operation, equipment requirements, finance, sales and human resources.
Authorise funding of project and policy initiatives.
prepare reports, budgets and forecasts.
Select and manage the performance of senior staff.
Related jobs
Discover management courses online
UndergraduateGRF-BUS-DEG
Get the professional skills employers are looking for
Learn how organisations work and visualise where you fit in. Get familiar with financial documents, risk, and business comms. This business course gives you a 360-degree view of business strategy. Specialisations include marketing and management.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Available majors
- Marketing,
- Human Resource Management,
- Management,
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship,
- Sport Management,
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management,
- International Business,
- Political Science and International Relations,
- Contemporary Marketing,
- Strategic Communication (second major only)
UndergraduateUOC-BUS-DEG
Become an agile and multiskilled business manager
Develop core business skills and zoom-in on all things management. Your main focus will be managing people and services. Tackle innovation, decision making, and organisational change with confidence. Study online with a leading Australian business school.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
Master of Business (Managing Cyber Risk)
PostgraduateUSQ-MCR-MAS
Manage the challenges of cyber security in modern businesses
Leverage digital technologies to enhance and protect businesses. Get strategic with governance, risk, and compliance frameworks. You’ll cover key cyber security standards and frameworks, and gain skills to respond to and recover from cyber incidents.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 2 years full time or part time equivalent
Master of Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing
PostgraduateUON-MHW-MAS
Foster psychologically healthy workplaces
Lead the way to organisational effectiveness with a safe and healthy workplace. You’ll unpack key issues that effect the physical and psychological health of your employees. Reduce absenteeism. Increase productivity. Build a workplace that thrives.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- Approx. 1.5 years full time or part time equivalent
Need help making study choices for your career?
Need help making study choices for your career?
Our student advisors will turn your aspirations into a clear study path.
They'll help you with:
Choosing and enrolling in the right course for your desired career, including pathway options.
Mapping a study plan that allows you to balance work and home commitments.
Understanding eligibility for funding, including HECS-HELP loans.
Get unbiased advice at no cost today.
Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us
Step up your career with these resources
How to write a business plan
Thinking about striking out on your own and starting your own company? Here's how to create an effective business plan.
10 fascinating uni subjects that are open to everyone in 2025
Want to understand the psychology behind Trumpism? Push for better climate action? Or improve your cultural sensitivity in healthcare? These online subjects—and more!—are now accepting 2025 enrolments.
5 small business courses for self-starters
Whether you’re a small business owner or plotting away at a side hustle, there are many online business courses to choose from to help you get in touch with your entrepreneurial side and launch your ideas off the ground.
How to negotiate a higher salary
Not sure what to say when negotiating your salary? Follow these tips from career strategist Kelly Magowan next time you need to make your case with an employer.