Management
Management graduates understand the different functions and challenges of organisations and how people and resource decisions contribute to this.
Management students develop an in-depth knowledge of how people can successfully navigate across a range of functions including strategy, leadership, organisational development and growth and operations. They develop technical and interpersonal skills, improve their analytical, conceptual and critical thinking skills, problem solving and communication and a good basis of business understanding.
It is common for Management students to study another Commerce major, for example Public Policy, HR Management, Accounting or Marketing or an outside major or degree in Law, Science or Arts, where subjects such as History, Sociology, Psychology, Environmental Studies or Development Studies can all complement a Management degree.
Roles and career pathways
Management graduates found across all industries
Graduates who have studied Management are found across all industries, with a focus on areas such as people management, management consulting, operations management and retail management.
Roles may include:
- business development adviser
- business analyst
- consultant
- event manager
- hospitality manager
- HR adviser
- project or programme coordinator
- retail manager
- sales account manager
- training and development adviser
- volunteer coordinator
Some of these roles may require additional study or voluntary or paid work experience.in that industry. Postgraduate study in Management can lead to management consulting, policy roles or academic research and teaching
Support roles or graduate programmes can be a career starting point
Graduates may start their first role as administrators, coordinators or as part of a graduate programme before moving to more senior or management positions. The industry or type of role will depend on other subjects studied, work expereinces to date and interests.
Postgraduate study in Management can lead to management consulting, policy roles or academic research and teaching
Graduate career stories
Chloe Narain
Studying Marketing and Management deepened Chloe’s confidence, intellectual curiosity, and entrepreneurial drive.
Elizabeth Beall
A degree in Management has taken Elizabeth from work on Māori management strategies in the context of climate change to the United Nations and beyond.
Where Management graduates work
Management graduates work across the private and public sectors in a wide range of organisations including non-profit organisations, Government agencies, global organisations like logistics or IT companies, banks, professional services firms such as management consultancies, recruitment and search agencies. A few examples include:
Build relevant skills and experience
Relevant part-time work and volunteering during study all help to increase your job prospects when you graduate.
Many employers offer internship roles, where you can gain valuable work experience and connections before completing your studies. You can explore internships on relevant jobs boards and check our Internships pages for more information about finding and making the most of internships.
The FHSS Internship course run by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences helps develop skills and practical workplace experience.
Business Consulting Club offers real-word opportunities to work on business problems with local employers during competition events.
Ignite Consultants, a student-led group who offer solutions for not-for-profit organisations, will enrich your entrepreneurial and interpersonal skills.
Make career connections
Networking associations such as the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Wellington Young Professionals hold various events and opportunities for networking.
The Centre for Labour, Employment and Work is an institute based at the Wellington School of Business and Government and organises a range of seminars and resources for students interested in this area.
VicCom is a student led group that offers a range of business networking and social events for Commerce students.