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Job outlook for associate managers in the United States
Associate manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected associate manager job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 189,200 new jobs for associate managers are projected over the next decade.
Associate manager salaries have increased 4% for associate managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 1,180,429 associate managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 420,292 active associate manager job openings in the US.
The average associate manager salary is $83,246.
Are associate manager jobs in demand?
Associate manager job and salary trends over time
Associate manager jobs over time
Associate manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,180,429 | 0.35% |
| 2020 | 929,608 | 0.28% |
| 2019 | 951,207 | 0.28% |
| 2018 | 907,912 | 0.27% |
| 2017 | 877,616 | 0.27% |
Average associate manager salary over time
Associate manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $83,246 | $40.02 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $80,941 | $38.91 | --0.1% |
| 2023 | $81,061 | $38.97 | +0.5% |
| 2022 | $80,644 | $38.77 | +1.1% |
| 2021 | $79,760 | $38.35 | +1.6% |
Associate manager jobs by state
Most common states for associate managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 511 | 74% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 685 | 71% |
| 3 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 3,650 | 65% |
| 4 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,993 | 63% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 845 | 63% |
| 6 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 6,398 | 62% |
| 7 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 5,166 | 61% |
| 8 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 637 | 61% |
| 9 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 4,009 | 60% |
| 10 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 3,657 | 60% |
| 11 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 3,581 | 59% |
| 12 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 3,806 | 57% |
| 13 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 2,769 | 57% |
| 14 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 1,774 | 57% |
| 15 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 7,184 | 56% |
| 16 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 5,795 | 56% |
| 17 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 3,814 | 56% |
| 18 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 3,139 | 56% |
| 19 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 422 | 56% |
| 20 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 1,598 | 55% |
Most common cities for associate managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Bern | 7 | 23% | $74,502 |
| 2 | Atlanta | 22 | 5% | $46,459 |
| 3 | Baton Rouge | 11 | 5% | $34,601 |
| 4 | Hartford | 6 | 5% | $82,467 |
| 5 | Little Rock | 7 | 4% | $37,359 |
| 6 | Tallahassee | 6 | 3% | $32,715 |
| 7 | Boston | 16 | 2% | $74,066 |
| 8 | Miami | 10 | 2% | $28,017 |
| 9 | Chicago | 25 | 1% | $80,607 |
| 10 | San Francisco | 9 | 1% | $87,257 |
| 11 | Indianapolis | 8 | 1% | $69,441 |
| 12 | Washington | 8 | 1% | $106,643 |
| 13 | Sacramento | 7 | 1% | $84,762 |
| 14 | Minneapolis | 6 | 1% | $75,208 |
| 15 | San Jose | 6 | 1% | $85,736 |
| 16 | New York | 13 | 0% | $94,491 |
| 17 | Los Angeles | 9 | 0% | $77,287 |
| 18 | Phoenix | 7 | 0% | $56,283 |
Associate Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of associate manager experts
University of New Hampshire
Austin Community College
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Murray State University
Temple University
University of South Florida
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Indiana University Kokomo
Texas Tech University
San Francisco State University
University of New Hampshire
Cypress College, School of Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management
Manhattan College
Sacred Heart University
Dedman College of Hospitality
Missouri State University
Lynn University
Dr. Robert Meuret
James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits Fellow, Distilling, Wine, and Brewing Studies FacultyWhat Associate Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Robert Meuret: Our hotel partners and advisory board members really drive what we teach in the classroom. They advise us on the skills and competencies needed in today’s hotels. Hotels are looking for graduates with strong communication skills. Technical skills are also valued, such as proficiency in Excel and Word. Students also need to learn Revenue Management and how data is now driving decision making on hotel rates, events and guest experience, using tools such as STR reports (Smith Travel Research). Thes skills will still be important in the next 3-5 years. AI has the potential to change the hospitality industry by improving efficiency. It could also personalize customer experiences, identify trends, and reduce operational costs. Managing AI related technology may be the next frontier of hospitality management.
What will help Associate Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Robert Meuret: The hospitality industry is a global business. Students who are looking to maximize their earning potential should be open to relocating domestically or internationally. Even short stints working overseas can make your resume really standout. Learning another language like Spanish, Chinese, Sign language or Japanese can also enhance your earning potential, especially in bigger US cities and international destinations. Learning the skills I mentioned before is not always enough. Can you prove that you have obtained these skills through industry recognized certifications or digital badges. A digital badge is a tangible representation of an individual’s competencies and skills. They are designed to be easily shareable and verifiable, typically containing verifiable data such as the badge earner's name, the issuing organization, and the criteria met to earn the badge. Here at the University of Kentucky Hospitality Management and Tourism program our students have many opportunities to earn industry recognized certifications and digital badges. For example, students have earned Certification in Analytics, Distillation, Entrepreneurship, ServSafe, CVENT and Google Sheets. Internships are another great way to gain experience while still in school. Employers value work experience, and a summer internship in your chosen field may just be the deciding factor in your hiring and salary. With so many hospitality students graduating from universities all over the world, students will need to really stand out during the application and interview process. The ability to bring your education, experience and proof of skills valued by the employer will put students in a better position to negotiate a higher salary.
What Associate Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Oliver Jones: As graduates embark on their careers in hospitality management, my general advice would be to prioritize gaining hands-on experience through internships, part-time jobs, or entry-level positions. Building a strong foundation of practical skills and industry knowledge early on can significantly enhance career prospects. Additionally, networking and building relationships within the industry can open doors to opportunities and provide valuable mentorship. Finally, remain adaptable and open to learning, as the hospitality landscape continues to evolve.
What will help Associate Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Oliver Jones: Maximizing salary potential in the hospitality field often requires a combination of factors. Firstly, gaining relevant experience and continually updating skills can enhance marketability and justify higher compensation. Pursuing advanced certifications or specialized training in areas such as revenue management, event planning, or hospitality technology can also command higher salaries. Additionally, networking and building a strong professional reputation can lead to opportunities for advancement and higher-paying positions. Lastly, considering geographical locations and industries within hospitality that offer higher salaries, such as luxury hospitality or corporate hospitality, can also impact earning potential.
What will help Associate Managers increase their earning potential?
Mr. Bill Knapp: Most managers enjoy the variety in their job, performing different tasks and managing various events. The most common complaint is the long hours and job stresses, but efforts are being made to improve work-life balance and reduce stress.
What general advice would you give to an Associate Manager?
Dr. Markus Schuckert: Most important: gain work experience. Relevant work experience and a track record will help you to increase your salary potential. Learn as much as possible about your job, including the roles and responsibilities of your colleagues and the management. An upgrade with relevant micro credentials and great networking are a plus.
What Associate Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Markus Schuckert: Hospitality managers oversee various aspects including staff coordination, service management, event planning and design, and real estate development. Across all these professions, the primary goal of hospitality management remains the same: to ensure every customer has a flawless and memorable experience. It is important to stay up-to-date with consumer trends, technology, and AI.
Franklin Marciales
Adjunct ProfessorAustin Community College
Hospitality Administration/Management
What general advice would you give to an Associate Manager?
Franklin Marciales: To maximize your salary potential when starting your career in hospitality and tourism, focus on developing a unique skillset that is in high demand, such as proficiency in a specific language, expertise in a particular type of cuisine or beverage, or advanced knowledge of hospitality software and systems.
What Associate Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Franklin Marciales: In 5 years, the tourism and hospitality industry employees will be expected to prioritize skills such as digital literacy, data analysis, and sustainability. With the rise of technology, hotels, resorts, and travel companies will need employees who can effectively use digital tools to manage customer relationships, analyze customer behavior, and optimize operational efficiency. One of the most effective leadership skills employees should practice is humility. Humility is a soft leadership skill that will help employees to be thoughtful, considerate, compassionate, and understanding.
What will help Associate Managers increase their earning potential?
Franklin Marciales: As a graduate entering the hospitality, travel, and tourism industry, my main advice would be to be flexible, adaptable, and open-minded. I believe students entering the workforce should be prepared to start at the bottom and learn from every experience, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. It is also very important to build strong relationships with colleagues and superiors, and be willing to take on new challenges and responsibilities as they arise.
Bobbie Barnes
Associate Professor in ResidenceUniversity of Nevada - Las Vegas
Hospitality Administration/Management
What general advice would you give to an Associate Manager?
Bobbie Barnes: I remember hearing from a hospitality executive that managers lose their jobs for one of two reasons. Either their role does not add value, or they as a contributor don’t add value. I believe that the same goes for promotions and salary increases. I encourage recent graduates to apply in their workplaces what they learned in their coursework. By knowing and demonstrating their worth, graduates can make positive contributions to your workplace daily, which enhance opportunities for promotions and salary increases.
What Associate Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Bobbie Barnes: Artificial intelligence continues to automate repetitive hospitality tasks providing time for hospitality managers to focus on creating incredible experiences and authentic guest interactions. As such, leadership competencies in strategic and ethical decision-making, problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork will be critical.
What will help Associate Managers increase their earning potential?
Bobbie Barnes: 1. Sometimes recent graduates say, “It’s just my first job after college.” No, it’s never just a job. Whatever position the recent graduate lands after college, it is important to remember that it’s just an incredibly long interview until the next opportunity. Having this attitude will set graduates up to be promotable within their current company or ready to make a leap to a new opportunity. 2. Hard work is the key to success. Taking initiative and saying “yes” to opportunities to contribute whether it is a project at work or a service initiative within the community provides an avenue to gain new skills and perspectives. Saying “yes” when others say “no” can be a defining moment for a recent graduate.
Dr. Ben Littlepage
ProfessorMurray State University
Educational Administration And Supervision
What will help Associate Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Ben Littlepage: Salary is maximized when leaders are sought after. Leaders who pursue meaningful experiences and remain 'market ready' are viewed as an asset to any organization. Leaders must carefully consider where the field is moving and respond.
What general advice would you give to an Associate Manager?
Andrew Lovell: I may be a bit “old school” but I strongly believe that a savvy and skilled manager of employee teams will never fall off this list, and likely will be even more valuable in coming years as the mix of multiple generations in the workforce continues. Communicating well with people as you lead is just essential! Second, without question managers that can utilize AI for efficient and positive experience enhancement in their hospitality environments will be highly sought after. Third, the manager that can create budgets and financial plans that contribute to increased profitability will always be important.
What Associate Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Andrew Lovell: For those entering hospitality management, I always urge folks to be ready to seek opportunities for improvement. This could mean a commitment to networking, seeking out a professional association, or raising your hand for a committee or a project in your workplace. Getting that first job and your foot-in-the-door should not be the start of a period of relaxation. A high potential employee continues to find ways to add value while remaining true to who they are as a contributor and a person.
What general advice would you give to an Associate Manager?
Luana Nanu: Boosting your salary potential in the hospitality industry starts with specialized education and gaining experience through internships in diverse settings (Pretty much following my advice of always being open to experiences that can enrich your skills and resume). Networking within the industry through conferences and professional associations can open doors to mentorships and job opportunities (being as involved as possible from as early as possible). Do research on the companies that you are applying too as well as the areas. Look at the brand history and ability to climb within the organization. Don’t be shy and ask in your interview what are the opportunities to advance within the role, or cross training.
Continuously update your knowledge on the latest industry trends and technologies and cultivate a professional online presence to showcase your expertise and achievements (take advantage of all the profession certifications you can get, especially at USF, we provide LinkedIn learn certificates for free).
But I do want to emphasize that the more experience you have, the better the pay. That is why it is important to start as early as possible. And take advantage of your network, especially your professors, ask them to introduce you to key industry professionals.
What Associate Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Luana Nanu: To be open to experiences and to start as soon as possible. Our industry is so diverse, branching into so many fields. The more exposed you get the higher the chances of making yourself competitive. Moreover, I would also advice the graduates to make sure they get enough experience before they graduate, be it paid or not paid experience, any learning opportunity counts. Lastly, dream big, don’t give up, and do not take no for an answer.
What will help Associate Managers increase their earning potential?
Luana Nanu: Firstly, digital literacy and technology proficiency will be essential as the sector increasingly employs AI and data analytics to enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency. Secondly, with a growing focus on environmental sustainability, expertise in sustainable practices such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and eco-friendly service innovation will be highly valued, there are so many online opportunities to learn about this and even get certifications. Thirdly, cultural intelligence and diversity awareness will be key for catering to a global clientele, requiring professionals to navigate cultural differences and promote inclusivity. Lastly, adaptability and crisis management skills will be indispensable in responding to rapid changes and challenges, ensuring businesses can thrive amid economic, health, or technological disruptions.
What general advice would you give to an Associate Manager?
Jaunelle Celaire: Leadership - the world needs more of these; the ability to lead, craft and grow. Digital literacy - this world is definitely turning digital and virtual is the new trend. Emotional intelligence - there is a vast number of personalities in our world today; individuals grow and it is our job to stay emotionally connected, so we can operate more effectively.
What Associate Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jaunelle Celaire: Never stop learning! This may consist of going back to school, earning new certifications in your field of study, attending conferences and seminars, and making sure that your time management is always at its finest level of excellence.
What will help Associate Managers increase their earning potential?
Jaunelle Celaire: 2. Leadership - the world needs more of these; the ability to lead, craft and grow. Digital literacy - this world is definitely turning digital and virtual is the new trend. Emotional intelligence - there is a vast number of personalities in our world today; individuals grow and it is our job to stay emotionally connected, so we can operate more effectively.
Mark Meng Ph.D.
Mark Z. Meng, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Hospitality and Tourism ManagementIndiana University Kokomo
Business/Commerce
What general advice would you give to an Associate Manager?
Mark Meng Ph.D.: Analytical skill comes at the top. The hospitality world has becoming increasingly
dependent on data. Crisis and emergency management demonstrated their importance
in the past three years across all areas of the hospitality industry.
Charlie Adams Ph.D.
Associate Professor, RHIM Undergraduate AdvisorTexas Tech University
Restaurant, Hotel, & Institutional Management Program
What skills stand out on Associate Manager resumes?
Charlie Adams Ph.D.: Specific, measurable skills such as certification for specific activities like bartending or Serve Safe. Demonstrate capabilities through past work experience such as waiting tables, hosting, front desk, housekeeping, etc., that show effort and familiarity with the environment. Also, demonstration of marketing, sales, and/or finance are extremely beneficial. These assessable skills should be found on the resume called out in the job descriptions. Additionally, a person's work experience should reflect their career aspirations and goals. The best measure of future performance is past experience!
Bruce Heiman Ph.D.
Professor of International BusinessSan Francisco State University
Department of International Business
What skills stand out on Associate Manager resumes?
Bruce Heiman Ph.D.: I'm taking my cue on this response from the required Intl Business Courses we offer for a certificate in the Master's programs in business.
-Familiarity with basic international business terms, theories, and vocabulary
-Knowledge of cases and stories from the past
-Multiple language skills beyond English (this sometimes lands people specific jobs)
-Negotiation skills in a multinational/multicultural environment
-Design/creativity skills (e.g., sketching, brainstorming, Idea Mapping, 3D fast prototyping)
-Problem identification/formulation skills/experience
-Experience in a practicum (working on a class project for a real firm on a real problem
What skills will help Associate Managers earn the most?
Bruce Heiman Ph.D.: -Previous internship/practicum experience in the industry
-Ability to identify and solve problems in an effective manner
-Ability to deploy design/creativity tools in the service of finding and solving problems
-Evidence of ability to manage in the relevant non-English language(s)
-Prior job experience/deep training in a related area
-Prior experience/training managing people/teams
-Ability/experience in working in a team and concretely increasing the team's performance in measurable ways
-Ability to speak with and relate well to people at all levels of an organization, including below, peers, above, and outsiders
-Skills (deep) in working in other cultures and respecting the values and conventions of that culture. Multiple cultures would be worth more
What hard/technical skills are most important for Associate Managers?
Bruce Heiman Ph.D.: -Analytical skills (ability to gather data, clean it, analyze it, write-up results and present on what the meaning of the analysis suggests for action (the last one is most important--"what does it really mean?"
-Some experience and skills with coding in any language (at the moment, Python or C++ are preferred, though Ruby on Rails is also good)
-Deep spreadsheet skills (pivot tables and macros, as examples).
-Relational database skills, including programming (e.g., MySQL)
-Data mining
-AI/Machine Learning experience
What soft skills should all Associate Managers possess?
Bruce Heiman Ph.D.: -Languages beyond English (fluency in written and oral)
-Ability to work collegially in a diverse cultural setting
-Ability to identify good problems on which to work in a competent manner
-Ability/flexibility to interact/work productively with people who have serious constraints on their time owing to other work or personal commitments/issues
-Some of my answers to Q1 above would also apply here
Daniel Innis Ph.D.
Professor of Marketing and Hospitality ManagementUniversity of New Hampshire
Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics
What hard/technical skills are most important for Associate Managers?
Daniel Innis Ph.D.: I think that an understanding of revenue management is key. I tell my students that in every transaction, every party should feel that they made a "profit." The business gets some money. The customer should get more value than the money that they gave up. If that is the case, then they come back. In addition, the ability to spot opportunities for additional revenue is key. We never charge for parking or internet at our properties as that annoys customers. We did, however, offer beer and wine room service (the front desk staff could handle that) at a great price, and we had a gift shop that was right next to the front desk, again staffed when necessary by the front desk. These two moves did not add expenses to our operation, but they did add revenue and profit. Spotting those easy opportunities to add value for guests is key, and it is great when it also adds to the bottom line.
Amanda Gargano
ProfessorCypress College, School of Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management
Hotel, Restaurant & Culinary Arts
What skills will help Associate Managers earn the most?
Amanda Gargano: A combination of soft skills, interpersonal skills, and technical skills is ideal. Oftentimes, hiring managers in hospitality are very willing to onboard a new employee with strong, soft skills, knowing that the technical skills can be taught through on-the-job training and mentoring. Continuing education, participating in networking opportunities, and industry-focused workshops and conferences are all good ways to continue to learn and add to your resume.
What's a good job out of college for Associate Managers?
Dr. John Leylegian Ph.D.: Any job where you can learn something new is a good job. In an entry-level position, you should be absorbing as much knowledge as you can, while making a good contribution to the company and the projects you work on. This strategy will make you very valuable, because anything you already know doesn't have to be taught to you.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Associate Manager job market given the pandemic?
Dr. John Leylegian Ph.D.: Let me preface this by saying that I'm going to address these questions primarily from a mechanical engineering perspective. I believe that one big trend will be an increase in the energy efficiency of residential buildings. Once the pandemic ends, many will go back to the office, but not everyone will, and even those that do may only do so part time. Residential buildings will be occupied more than they were before. Buildings are the largest end users of energy, so an increase in residential building energy efficiency will have to accompany that shift in the workforce.
What technical skills for an Associate Manager stand out to employers?
Dr. John Leylegian Ph.D.: I think almost any graduate will finish school with the same skill set in terms of technical knowledge. What can stand out is an ability to code and use various professional-grade software packages - the actual programming languages and software packages are secondary. If you can code in VBA, moving to Matlab or Python is not a big deal - it's just a matter of syntax. If you can use one CFD code or one FEA code, others will be much easier to learn. The foundation will be attractive to employers. Of course, the non-technical skills are SO important as well, most notably communication (speaking and writing).
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Associate Managers?
Keith Hassell: One thing the pandemic has taught us all, college students and employers, is to be flexible and adaptable. During the spring 2020 semester - students' "routines" were thrown out the window, and they were forced to switch from in-person to remote learning. Although this was a learning curve for those on and off campus, it taught students a valuable lesson: adaptability.
With the transition to remote work for many employers, they, too, had to adjust their workflows, especially with regards to recruiting for internships and post-graduate opportunities. Some employers did have to postpone or cancel internships, but some also saw it as an opportunity to think outside the box, coming up with new innovative ways to virtually host opportunities, and to recruit. The ways in which companies can now recruit, virtually across new geographic areas, is a direct result of the pandemic, one we anticipate to last far beyond.
What's a good job out of college for Associate Managers?
Keith Hassell: A good job can be defined in many ways. Students have a variety of interests, and we are seeing more and more students secure roles immediately after commencement. While a student may have secured a position that is not necessarily his or her ultimate dream job, it is important to realize it is a stepping stone to get a student to he or she's ultimate goals. Experience is necessary to make professional connections and develop background to be marketable for the next role. We encourage students to think of each position as how it fits into their career goals - as opposed to a one-time job - and how this position might align with future aspirations. A good job does not necessarily mean a six-figure salary; it means opportunity for growth, development and experience.
What technical skills for an Associate Manager stand out to employers?
Keith Hassell: Employers are increasingly looking for applied skillsets and additional certifications to set a candidate apart. Sacred Heart University has recently launched a remote work certification, which houses three modules - focusing on the remote worker, the remote team and the remote leader, providing the tools and resources to comfortably leverage and utilize virtual platforms at various organizations. Additional specialized training, certifications and more are great selling tools pending on the specific area of interest. Certifications are common in areas such as project management, sales, IT/network/software, Google application and more. The candidate needs to think, "What can I do that is beyond my coursework to show I am passionate about my field? How do I make myself stand out?" Certifications is an attainable way to do this.
In addition, soft skills continue to be equally important in today's job market. NACE (the National Association of Colleges and Employers) identified seven core competencies that employers seek from entry level candidates which include critical thinking/problem solving, oral/written communication, teamwork/collaboration, digital technology, leadership, professionalism/work ethic, career management and global/intercultural fluency.
What's a good job out of college for Associate Managers?
Alishia Piotrowski Ed.D.: I think in today's market, students have to think less about the actual job, and think more about the company that they want to work for. I encourage students to look into different companies in their area of hospitality and assess how they feel they would "fit" into that company. What are the company's values? What type of culture has that company created? What are your opportunities for advancement, or for movement? These are the types of questions that a student should be asking. Unfortunately, in today's market, a great student may not get their "dream job" right out of college. But, if they target a company that they see themselves growing with, they should focus on finding any job within that company that would allow them to gain experience and to grow. If they do this, and they work hard, they will be much more likely to get that dream job once the industry has recovered and positions are available.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Associate Manager job market given the pandemic?
Alishia Piotrowski Ed.D.: The biggest trend that we are currently seeing is the move away from formal management training programs in favor of direct-placement positions. Companies are beginning to hire again, but the competition for these positions is strong. Within our student population, we are seeing a renewed interest in vacation destinations, such as beach resorts with strong drive markets. That is where we are seeing the most success with recruitment.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Associate Managers?
Alishia Piotrowski Ed.D.: Certifications are always a great idea, if you are looking to stand out on the job market. With the level of competition for jobs today, it certainly can't hurt. But there is no one "best" certification. I suggest students narrow their job focus and look for certifications that focus on that specific area. For students interested in the wine industry, we recommend the Certified Specialist of Wine exam. For students interested in wedding planning, we encourage them to look into The Bridal Society. Furthering your education in a specific area, through a certification, is a great way to stand out in the job market.
What technical skills for an Associate Manager stand out to employers?
Dr. Liza Cobos: Employers are looking for transferable skills, skills like critical thinking and technical skills (i.e. excel) are in demand. Having the technical skills to analyze data and critical thinking skills to generate and provide solutions. The industry is always looking for ways to improve sales and pricing strategies to help the bottom line. Being able to demonstrate these skills will with career advancement.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Associate Managers?
Amanda Main Ph.D.: I believe there will be an enduring impact of the pandemic on graduates, and I believe it will be composed of both disadvantages and advantages. Obviously, we have seen a decline in employment across almost all sectors, which has reduced opportunities for post-graduation employment. The safety restrictions are also making it difficult for many students to find internships while in the final years of study, and that is a real disadvantage because it is depriving them of invaluable real-world experience that will help them succeed in the workplace, and that employers are looking for.
Unfortunately, the pandemic is also going to have deleterious effects for many female graduates, as job sectors that have heavy female representation such as hospitality, retail, and education have been disproportionately impacted, and we may see the wage gap returning to be more of an issue than we have seen in recent years. On the other hand, graduates will be entering the job market with coping skills that are going to be incredibly valuable in the coming times.
Students have had to adapt, integrate new technologies, and learn new ways of doing things in response to this event, and college graduates have the advantage of being trained in this, as colleges and universities have been very intentional about not throwing their students into the deep end of the pool without support and guidance. This should make them an asset to the workforce as industries begin to rebuild and continue to look forward with an innovative mindset.
What soft skills should all Associate Managers possess?
Amanda Main Ph.D.: This is a great question because there has actually been an increasing call for colleges and universities to enhance their curriculums because organizations are finding recent graduates lacking in soft skills that are necessary for success. In addition to the skills I mentioned above, The National Association for Colleges and Employers released a list of critical competencies to ensure career readiness, which includes skills such as critical thinking and problem solving, oral and written communication, teamwork and collaboration, leadership, professionalism and work ethic, career management, and global/intercultural fluency.
This should be a bare minimum that graduates are striving for. I would also suggest having a strong focus on increasing emotional intelligence (EQ), which will really help at several career stages including promoting oneself in a job search, negotiating employment offers, advancing and maturing through the arc of one's career, and even exiting from the workforce at retirement.
There are a lot of ways to obtain these skills, and it is important to really give them attention and practice when opportunities arise in the classroom, such as writing papers and giving presentations, to learning from podcasts and reading books and attending open webinars by experts and influencers. These skills are very attainable, but I have found that few graduates take the opportunities to develop them, but by putting forth that extra effort, a graduate can really stand out.