8 answers
Ella
Student
Moundridge, Kansas
1
Question
Updated
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What would be the best degree pathway for a future career goal of Training and Development Manager?
I am a high school senior preparing to earn a business degree in the future. I am wanting to become a Training and Development Manager and am wondering if a Management Degree or Human Resources Management Degree would be best for this career.
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8 answers
John Greenwood, MBA
Strategy Director
60
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Ella,
I recommend choosing the degree that provides the most flexibility. An HR degree will focus mostly on HR-specific needs, but a management degree is considered more well-rounded and if you decide to pivot your career in the future, it will likely be easier with the broader degree. With that being said, if you want to work in learning & development (training, etc.) then you want to tailor your electives to that focus (you could also minor in HR with a management degree).
The good news is that your degree is most important when you land your first job and then becomes less relevant as you go on through your career. However, people do still look back to see what you studied and you may change your mind about exactly what you want to do as you go through college (it's one of the great parts about college: learning about all of the career options that are out there!).
I would also encourage you to think through how generative AI and technology are changing the landscape of business. Think about what skills may help you most if you want to go into learning and development based on how these areas are expected to change in the next decade. This can help you select key classes and expand beyond a more traditional approach to the job.
I recommend choosing the degree that provides the most flexibility. An HR degree will focus mostly on HR-specific needs, but a management degree is considered more well-rounded and if you decide to pivot your career in the future, it will likely be easier with the broader degree. With that being said, if you want to work in learning & development (training, etc.) then you want to tailor your electives to that focus (you could also minor in HR with a management degree).
The good news is that your degree is most important when you land your first job and then becomes less relevant as you go on through your career. However, people do still look back to see what you studied and you may change your mind about exactly what you want to do as you go through college (it's one of the great parts about college: learning about all of the career options that are out there!).
I would also encourage you to think through how generative AI and technology are changing the landscape of business. Think about what skills may help you most if you want to go into learning and development based on how these areas are expected to change in the next decade. This can help you select key classes and expand beyond a more traditional approach to the job.
Heather Patschull
General Manager/Mentor
3
Answers
Rochester, Minnesota
Updated
Heather’s Answer
Ella,
I'm working towards my BS in psychology with an emphasis on industrial/organizational behavior with the goal of becoming a learning and development specialist. I/O Psychology is the psychology of the workplace. Many of my classes have focused on how people learn. I just finished a large project for a class, which included creating a leadership development program. As I enter my final year of study, I feel I am becoming well prepared for training and developing in the workplace. I hope this helps
All the best,
Heather
I'm working towards my BS in psychology with an emphasis on industrial/organizational behavior with the goal of becoming a learning and development specialist. I/O Psychology is the psychology of the workplace. Many of my classes have focused on how people learn. I just finished a large project for a class, which included creating a leadership development program. As I enter my final year of study, I feel I am becoming well prepared for training and developing in the workplace. I hope this helps
All the best,
Heather
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Ella. Becoming a Training and Development Manager is an excellent choice for someone who enjoys helping others learn and grow in their careers. These managers play an important role in improving employee skills, building strong teams, and increasing productivity within organizations. To prepare for this career, choosing the right college degree is an important first step.
Two strong options for this career are a Management Degree and a Human Resources Management Degree. Both degrees can lead you toward a Training and Development Manager position, but they focus on slightly different areas of business. A Management Degree provides a broad understanding of how businesses operate. You'll learn about leadership, project management, business strategy, and organizational behavior. This degree is a great choice if you're interested in managing teams, planning business operations, and developing leadership skills that can be used in many industries.
On the other hand, a Human Resources Management Degree focuses more specifically on people within organizations. You'll study topics like employee relations, recruitment, performance evaluation, workplace laws, and training program design. Because Training and Development is a major part of the HR field, this degree directly aligns with your career goal. It will teach you how to create effective training programs, assess employee needs, and support professional growth across an organization.
If your main passion is helping employees learn and improve their skills, the Human Resources Management Degree may be the better option. It offers a strong foundation in the principles you'll use daily as a Training and Development Manager. However, if you want more flexibility to move into other management roles in the future, such as operations or general management, a Management Degree could give you broader career options.
In addition to your degree, you can strengthen your qualifications by gaining internships or part-time work in HR or training departments. All the best!
Two strong options for this career are a Management Degree and a Human Resources Management Degree. Both degrees can lead you toward a Training and Development Manager position, but they focus on slightly different areas of business. A Management Degree provides a broad understanding of how businesses operate. You'll learn about leadership, project management, business strategy, and organizational behavior. This degree is a great choice if you're interested in managing teams, planning business operations, and developing leadership skills that can be used in many industries.
On the other hand, a Human Resources Management Degree focuses more specifically on people within organizations. You'll study topics like employee relations, recruitment, performance evaluation, workplace laws, and training program design. Because Training and Development is a major part of the HR field, this degree directly aligns with your career goal. It will teach you how to create effective training programs, assess employee needs, and support professional growth across an organization.
If your main passion is helping employees learn and improve their skills, the Human Resources Management Degree may be the better option. It offers a strong foundation in the principles you'll use daily as a Training and Development Manager. However, if you want more flexibility to move into other management roles in the future, such as operations or general management, a Management Degree could give you broader career options.
In addition to your degree, you can strengthen your qualifications by gaining internships or part-time work in HR or training departments. All the best!
This was very helpful! Thank for your insight!!
Ella
You're very welcome
Wong Loke Yuen
Maribell Fernandez
Human Resourses
2
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Maribell’s Answer
Both a Management Degree and a Human Resources Management Degree can lead to a career as a Training and Development Manager. If you’re interested in focusing more on employee learning, development programs, and organizational training strategies, a Human Resources Management degree might be the best fit. However, a Management Degree can provide broader leadership and organizational skills that are also valuable in this role. You could also consider programs that offer a combination of both or look for opportunities to gain experience in training and development alongside your studies. It’s important to think about which aspects of the job excite you most and choose a path that aligns with your interests and career goals. Good luck!
Bob Burton
Consultant
88
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Bob’s Answer
There are many great Learning and Development companies, like Microtech Learning, Global Knowledge, Educate Me, and New Horizons. Plus, some top companies have their own amazing "Universities," such as Apple U., UBS U., Google U., Spotify U., and Disney U.
To start, think about pursuing a Business Degree, which includes Business Management. Some universities, like The University of Texas, offer a Business Degree along with a Teaching Certificate.
Next, consider working for a learning and development company or a corporation with a strong internal learning department. This will help you focus your career in this area.
Another path is to follow my journey. I started with a Business degree and gained experience in sales, global marketing, and more. Eventually, I joined the Training and Development team in my company and became Vice President.
There are many ways to build your business career. Keep exploring and find the path that suits you best.
To start, think about pursuing a Business Degree, which includes Business Management. Some universities, like The University of Texas, offer a Business Degree along with a Teaching Certificate.
Next, consider working for a learning and development company or a corporation with a strong internal learning department. This will help you focus your career in this area.
Another path is to follow my journey. I started with a Business degree and gained experience in sales, global marketing, and more. Eventually, I joined the Training and Development team in my company and became Vice President.
There are many ways to build your business career. Keep exploring and find the path that suits you best.
Kim Good
Senior Recruiter
8
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Ella,
Great question. In many companies, Learning & Development is part of HR. Having a degree in both fields can help you succeed. To do well, get involved in the topics you want to help train others in. Consider taking classes like public speaking and adult learning. Best of luck!
Great question. In many companies, Learning & Development is part of HR. Having a degree in both fields can help you succeed. To do well, get involved in the topics you want to help train others in. Consider taking classes like public speaking and adult learning. Best of luck!
Gail Manley
I set strategy and support the Social Impact team
9
Answers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Gail’s Answer
Hi, I don't think you can go wrong with either. Definitely will want to take courses like instructional design, curriculum development, adult learning theory and facilitation. This along with your Management courses will set you up well.
Gabriela Navarrete Mancera
Human Resources Talent Leader
2
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Gabriela’s Answer
Both a Management degree and an HR Management degree can take you into Training and Development. You don’t need to lock yourself into something overly specific right now. What will matter most is choosing a major that helps you understand people, how they learn, and how organizations grow. Curiosity, communication, and problem-solving will be just as important as the technical side.
If you’re drawn to HR, an HR Management degree can give you a solid foundation. You can also look at programs that include organizational development, leadership development, or skill development. These areas connect closely to Training and Development and give you more room to explore what you enjoy.
And just for some context: the field is changing quickly. AI will play a big role in how companies design and deliver learning in the future. That means there isn’t just one “right” path, there are many ways to get into this kind of work.
Pick a program that builds your understanding of people and organizations with a focus on the role AI will play in the future. You’ll have plenty of flexibility as you move forward, and you can shape your path over time.
If you’re drawn to HR, an HR Management degree can give you a solid foundation. You can also look at programs that include organizational development, leadership development, or skill development. These areas connect closely to Training and Development and give you more room to explore what you enjoy.
And just for some context: the field is changing quickly. AI will play a big role in how companies design and deliver learning in the future. That means there isn’t just one “right” path, there are many ways to get into this kind of work.
Pick a program that builds your understanding of people and organizations with a focus on the role AI will play in the future. You’ll have plenty of flexibility as you move forward, and you can shape your path over time.