An Easy Way to Get Valuable Leadership and Management Experience

The following article is by Josh Kaufman, Editor of The Personal MBA:

Jacqueline writes:

“I do not have an MBA degree. I am also not in a managerial position but hope to be someday soon. My financial situation does not allow me to join any courses for now.

“How can I learn the managerial skills required when I’m not yet at that position and I am not financially secure enough to invest in a course? I really want to learn but I do not currently have the exposure or the experience. I just do not know where or how to begin. I really did not know whom to ask.

“Can you please advise me? I’d really appreciate any help, advice, guidance that you can offer.”

Here are two suggestions for anyone in Jacqueline’s position:

1. Find an organization or non-profit you like and volunteer to lead. There are many groups out there that could use a good leader / manager, and it’s a free way to get valuable experience and make a difference at the same time. Hiring managers love to hear about community leadership experience, and if getting a new job is your goal, stepping up to lead in your community gives you plenty of things to talk about during the interview process. If you’re able to demonstrate the ability to lead others in a non-business role, people will be more likely to trust you to lead in a business capacity.

Daylon: Organisations like Toastmasters International constantly provides wonderful opportunities for members to realise their full leadership capabilities. The learning environment is encouraging for anyone who is keen to be a better communicator or leader and you'll find like-minded individuals outside of your profession to network too!

2. Start your own side project, then recruit and lead a team of volunteers or an outsourced virtual team to get things done. You can find people to help from all sorts of places – interns from colleges or universities, schools, or volunteers you find online. For $69/mo, you can hire a virtual team to help you with pretty much anything. Managing your own project will teach you a lot about how to lead, and you don’t need anyone’s permission to get started.

Daylon: Often, you'll find members from Toastmaster clubs who are specialist in their own field (e.g. Business Consultants or HR Managers), as a fellow Toastmaster, you may enquire more about their domain of expertise and acquire new insights. Try doing the same by cold calling their office, you probably won't get pass his/her personal assistant!