While change can be daunting and hard to accept, it is also an inevitable part of working life. Changes in technology, laws and more can impact how a business organization functions and can lead to uncertainty among workers. Leaders can help in these moments by being adaptable and modelling that adaptability to their teams.
Great change managers anticipate and work with challenges that arise with changes. Businesses in most industries benefit from capable change managers, which is why studying change management can be a key asset for future organizational leaders.
Those interested in learning how to manage risk and adapt to changing markets may want to familiarize themselves with programs like Carleton University’s online Master of Business Administration (MBA) concentration in Management and Change. Graduates of this program emerge prepared to take on fulfilling roles such as change management consultant, human resources (HR) director, management consultant, project manager, business development manager, and training and development specialist, just to name a few.
What Is Change Management?
Change management is a specific aspect of organizational structure whereby teams use “resources, tools and strategies to help individuals properly prepare for a transitional period in a company,” according to Indeed. This management approach is a way of handling change and uncertainty, but it may also refer to a plan that outlines how to manage changes or a specific change within an organization.
This guidance helps all team members, including upper management, understand their role in the change and what they can do to support and make the process smoother. As explained by Indeed, some vital aspects of change management include proper communication within the team to ensure all are on board with the plan of action, guiding employees through uncomfortable transitions and pain points, and addressing potential resistance, which can be a natural part of the process.
What Do Change Management Professionals Do Day to Day?
Though the essential goal of a change manager should be clear, their actual day-to-day tasks might seem mysterious. Luckily, The Muse spoke with former and current change consultants to gather insights on this multifaceted role.
According to the article, one consultant referred to his role as “having a ‘Swiss Army knife of solutions you can use to work with a client.'” Change managers spend a lot of time getting to know new clients, their businesses and the employees they will be guiding so they can start addressing potential pain points and come up with an action plan. In addition to performing data analysis, they share information with clients throughout the change management process, usually via presentations with key stakeholders or larger teams.
Daily responsibilities differ slightly depending on the specific role. For example, a training and development specialist helps to create and administer training programs for organizations. After assessing a client or employer’s needs, they customize and deliver training sessions using team exercises, lectures, discussions and other formats. Program managers, on the other hand, help drive and manage change by working to increase an organization’s performance. They accomplish this by “coordinating activities, motivating team members, and providing clear instructions to project managers,” according to Indeed. Whether you become a management consultant, training and development specialist, program manager or another type of change management professional, each role benefits from insights gained through an advanced degree program that emphasizes management and change.
How to Become a Change Manager: Experience and an Online MBA From Carleton University
According to Indeed, change managers typically go through the same basic steps to get into the field. First, they earn a bachelor’s degree. While this degree could encompass a wider range of topics, a management-focused business degree, such as business administration, is obviously a helpful foundation for a future career in business.
The next key step is to gain business experience. You might get this experience as a manager, but even an entry-level job will provide valuable insights into all aspects of a company and may help change managers to relate better to the teams they guide in the future.
Obtaining an MBA is often considered a significant advantage for change management careers. According to Indeed, “Many employers prefer for candidates to have advanced degrees to ensure they’re prepared for the advanced work the position involves.” After this, graduates may even want to pursue a Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP) credential from the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP) to show their expertise.
For those who feel ready to pursue engaging careers in change management and lead their teams through uncertain times, Carleton University’s MBA in Management and Change online program may be the ideal next step. This AACSB-accredited program provides graduates with exactly the skills to succeed in the business world and to make themselves competitive for future employers. Furthermore, many workplaces benefit from those equipped to manage change efficiently, and graduates can look forward to a range of rewarding roles, such as HR director, project manager and change management consultant.
Learn more about Carleton University’s online MBA concentration in Management and Change program.