There are many different supervisor qualifications that can lead to a job as a supervisor in a variety of industries. On-the-job experience, which can start at the entry level, corporate supervisor training, and educational degree or certificate programs are some of the most common supervisor qualifications. Depending on the needs of the company and the demands of the job, any of these supervisor qualifications, though they each take a different path, can lead to a supervisory position.
On-the-job experience, often starting at the bottom, is one of the most important supervisor qualifications, whether it is combined with other qualifications such as degrees or training programs or stands alone. Supervising people is a difficult task, but it’s made even more difficult if the people in charge haven’t done the work their subordinates do on a daily basis. People who begin at the ground level and work their way up to a supervisory job are in a position to understand the pressures, demands and skills required to complete the work and, therefore, can have a greater understanding of how to supervise the workers and their output than someone who has not had this opportunity.
Some companies provide supervisor or manager training programs as part of their supervisor requirements. These training programs are frequently offered in-house or in a workshop format at a separate location, and they focus on supervisory skills and industry knowledge specific to the company. Supervisor trainees may have concurrent on-the-job supervisory experiences and responsibilities that are required so that they can demonstrate that they have the necessary competencies and skills to effectively supervise workers. Although some companies offer these beginning supervisory training courses to qualified applicants from outside the company, most people who take these training courses and workshops are already employed with the company with which they are training. People may be offered a supervisor position immediately after completing supervisor training, or they may be allowed to apply for new supervisor positions as they become available.
A degree or certificate that provides the potential supervisor with the knowledge and training that will help him or her succeed is another type of supervisor qualification. Some employers demand that supervisors have a master’s degree in administration, while others demand different degrees or certifications. Some employees may obtain these credentials while working for the company where they want to work as a supervisor or a similar company, while others may wait until they have completed their degree or certificate program before applying for supervisory positions. Although practical experience in the industry in question is recommended to supplement qualifications, this can be a way to start a supervisory position.