How to Become a Manager: 8 Tips for Success

By DeVry University

The information presented here is true and accurate as of the date of publication. DeVry’s programmatic offerings and their accreditations are subject to change. Please refer to the current academic catalog for details.

October 15, 2025

4 min read

Moving into a management role is more than just a change in your job title — it’s a transformative career move that demands an entirely new way of thinking about your role, duties, and skills. A promotion to management marks a significant career shift, from being a team player to becoming a team leader.

In this blog, we'll break down the 8 essential steps for how to become a manager — not just in theory, but in practice — and how you can position yourself as the kind of leader your employees will want to follow.

What makes a good manager?

It’s a question every professional should ask themselves before pursuing a leadership role: What are the qualities of a good manager?

What makes a good manager is the ability to bring out the best in your employees while fostering a positive, productive, and collaborative work environment. Leading your team and reaching your business goals successfully requires sharpening your skills in key areas like:

Adaptability: Stay calm and focused during challenges and difficulties.
Communication: Clear, confident, and empathetic communication is essential.
Conflict resolution: Address disputes and create solutions quickly and fairly.
Constructive coaching: Support team members in their professional growth.
Decision-making: Learn to weigh pros and cons and make informed choices.
Problem-solving: Be the boss who finds solutions, instead of just pointing out problems.

8 tips for leveling up your career

Now that we’ve explored the qualities of a good manager, let’s learn about some tips that can help you become one yourself:

1. Excel in your current position

Great managers are often great employees first. You don’t get promoted into management just by expressing interest or waiting your turn. You need to shine in your current role, demonstrate that you can be relied on, and consistently perform at your best — even under fire.

A few ways you can achieve this are:

Deliver quality work on time
Collaborate well with coworkers
Demonstrate initiative
Be reliable, fair, and trustworthy

2. Grow your leadership skills

Becoming a leader involves more than just giving directions. It requires self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to inspire others. True leadership means listening actively, making thoughtful decisions, and taking responsibility — even if things go wrong.

Leadership and management go hand in hand. You can begin boosting your leadership traits by:

Engaging in leadership training programs, courses, or workshops.
Job-shadowing a manager or supervisor at your workplace.
Taking on stretch assignments such as leading small projects, volunteering to present information on a group call, or putting together a project plan.

3. Keep building your resume

An effective way to show you’re ready for the title of manager is to continue learning and growing your resume. Business and technology are constantly evolving, and you need to stay up to date on the changes in your industry to be successful.

Consider pursuing a business management degree or leadership-building MBA at a university designed for working adults. Here at DeVry University and our Keller Graduate School of Management, you can enroll in a program that works around your schedule — even if you’re balancing a full-time job and a family.

By furthering your education, you’ll gain the latest skills in your industry, strengthen your management abilities, and boost your resume and qualifications in the process.

4. Seek feedback and mentorship

One way to grow professionally is to get regular, honest feedback. Ask your manager how you can improve and express your interest in a leadership path. A mentor — especially one who is already a manager — can provide guidance, share their experiences and strategies, and help you avoid common pitfalls.

5. Keep a list of your successes

If you want to be promoted into management, you need to show that you can drive results that matter to the business. Keep a running list of your wins, the steps you took to achieve these accomplishments, and be ready to speak about them when the opportunity comes.

Accomplishments to keep track of might include:

Increasing team efficiency
Launching successful projects
Saving costs or increasing revenue
Improving customer satisfaction

6. Learn the business inside and out

Managers need to think beyond their own tasks. You should understand how your team or department fits into the company’s bigger picture. Learn about your organization’s goals, metrics, competitors, and industry trends. Strategic thinking like this is key to what makes a good manager. When leaders can see you’re invested and care about the company, they’re more likely to invest in you.

7. Express interest in a management role

Remember to share your interest in management with your friends, family, and professional network. Keep your eyes open for opportunities to move up — even if it’s for an entry-level or assistant manager role. And remember to update your resume to reflect the leadership qualities you’ve developed in your time at the company.

When the time is right, ask your supervisor for a one-on-one conversation. Pick someplace quiet — like an office or a breakroom — and let them know:

Why you’re interested in becoming a manager.
What you’ve done to prepare for the new role.
Why you’re qualified for the role.
How you see yourself contributing as a leader.

8. Be patient but persistent

There is no secret formula for how to become a manager or how long it may take to get there. Promotions depend on timing, budgets, business needs, and organizational structure. Stay proactive, continue learning, keep adding new skills and credentials to your resume, and be ready when the opportunity finally comes.

How to prepare for a management interview

Regardless of whether you’re pursuing a leadership role at your current company or at an entirely new organization, you’ll most likely need to interview for the position first.

During the interview:

Focus your talking points on your communication approach, how you solve problems, and ways you support others.
Share examples of how you’ve led past projects, resolved conflicts, coached a team member, and thrived under pressure.
Demonstrate your willingness to grow, collaborate, and continuously improve your skillset.

Remember, becoming a manager is as much about your approach as it is about your skills. It’s a shift from doing the work to empowering others to do their best work. By showing a genuine commitment to your growth and your team’s success, you'll be well on your way to earning a management role.