Management (General)

Purdue University in West Lafayette

Management is all about analyzing problems and developing practical solutions. To do this effectively, you need a solid foundation in each of the functional areas throughout the business and the soft skills required to effectively communicate with and motivate employees.

The General Management major deepens your “big picture” thinking by equipping you with tools to analyze your position in your business environment and your position in it, whether it's an entrepreneurial effort, a small or midsize business, a large corporation, or a division of a large corporation. The major prepares you to identify good opportunities and directions in which to take your organization. Finally, the major teaches you how to translate your vision into practical decisions about human resources, business processes, technologies, new products, and customer relationships and helps you to effectively convey your vision and to motivate others.

The General Management major also hones your critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills. It helps you to cross boundaries and effectively collaborate with finance, accounting, marketing, and other functional specialists. Students who major in management may add minors and concentrations that emphasize particular specialties such as Consulting, or Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship.

Our graduates pursue many different career paths. Some start in corporate management rotational programs, as account executives or as project managers. You will find business school graduates in companies like Boeing, General Motors, Amazon and Target. Others choose exciting careers in management consulting, working for companies like West Monroe Partners and Accenture. Others join small firms or entrepreneurial startups, in some cases managing and upgrading their family businesses.