What degree do I need to become a general manager?

There's no single required degree. A good start would be a Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Management Studies , with the addition of a postgraduate diploma or MBA after some work experience.

Which major best prepares you for a general manager role?

Leadership and Strategic Management are the closest fits, while Accounting or Finance are worth adding if you want stronger commercial and financial oversight skills.

Is an MBA a genuine pathway to becoming a general manager?

Yes. An MBA is widely recognised as preparation for senior management roles, and Waikato's Master of Business Administration is designed specifically for working professionals, with Saturday classes and online evening sessions rather than a full-time daytime programme.

Do I need work experience before starting an MBA?

Generally yes. Most people complete an MBA after building up work experience, rather than moving straight from an undergraduate degree, since the programme draws on real workplace scenarios and peer experience.

Are there other postgraduate options besides an MBA?

Yes. A Master of Business , Master of Business and Management , or Postgraduate Diploma in Management can all build management-level expertise, depending on how much time you have and whether you want a research or coursework focus.

General manager career

Kaiwhakahaere whānui

General managers plan, direct or oversee the operations of companies or organisations. They make policies, manage daily operations, and plan the use of materials and human resources.

$61,000 – $242,000 per year

Operations manager, franchise manager, franchise operator

Where our data comes from

What would you do as a General manager?

General managers

usually work regular business hours but may work extra hours
usually work in offices but may travel to different worksites
need to lead others, make decisions and solve problems

Tasks

manage daily business functions
create and apply plans for business growth
set key performance goals
explore data to guide decisions
review financial records
manage sales, marketing and customer service
hire and train key staff
monitor team performance
oversee pricing and cost policies
report results to senior leaders

How can you become a General manager?

You need experience to become a general manager and a qualification may be useful.

You need

experience in similar work

You may need

a relevant tertiary qualification in business and management or similar area

If you're in school

You usually don't need specific NCEA levels for this job, but Level 3 may be useful.

Study a Bachelor of Business with majors like Leadership or Strategic Management to build a strong foundation in leading people and organisations. Like all our undergraduate degrees, it includes work-integrated learning, and you’ll study at Waikato Management School, which holds Triple Crown Accreditation. If you already have a degree and work experience, our Waikato MBA is a postgraduate route into leadership.

BBus

Waikato's MBA for aspiring general managers

An MBA is one of the most recognised qualifications for senior leadership roles, and Waikato's Master of Business Administration is delivered flexibly for working professionals, combining in-person Saturday classes with online evening sessions so you can study while continuing to work.

Where these qualifications can take you

Gain the insights and technical skills to understand customer needs and changing market forces, assess financial performance, create new products and services, implement digital technologies to enhance productivity, and plan strategies for the future. In our capstone paper MNGMT321 Applied Business Challenge, you’ll tackle a case study of a real New Zealand business and devise an innovative strategy to grow its market share and profits.

Career opportunities include:

entrepreneur
business adviser or manager across a diverse range of industries.

General manager FAQs

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available to help with the cost of studying at Waikato. Options are available across a wide range of subjects and study levels, including scholarships for new students, current students and specific areas of study.

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QS rankings

QS World University Rankings 2027

Waikato is ranked equal 293rd globally, placing us in the top 1.5% of universities worldwide, and 2nd in New Zealand by citations per faculty.

QS Ranking - Business & Management Studies

Waikato is ranked among the top 350 universities worldwide for Business & Management Studies in the QS World University Rankings.

Waikato Management School Accreditations

Waikato Management School holds Triple Crown accreditation, the highest recognition available in business education. We are accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. Only around 1% of business schools worldwide have met the rigorous standards of all three bodies.

AACSB accredited

Recognises Waikato Business School’s faculty expertise, research quality, and commitment to high academic standards.

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AMBA accredited

Recognises the quality of Waikato Management School’s MBA and Master’s programmes, including cohort experience, curriculum, and career outcomes.

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EQUIS accredited

Recognises Waikato Management School’s international reach, industry engagement, and commitment to diversity.

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Management Student Centre

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Management Student Centre (MSC)

General manager career