How to Become a Managing Director

The role of managing director in any company is a large responsibility. Depending on your field of interest, there are many opportunities to become a managing director. However, succeeding at your goal will usually require a good education, a solid track record and many years of experience. Read on to learn more.

Things You'll Need

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Internship
• B.S. degree in business administration or finance
• Writing sample

Instructions

Educate Yourself to Become a Managing Director

1. Obtain a bachelor's degree in business administration or finance. Once you complete your undergraduate work, enroll in a master's program. A managing director is considered an executive position in most companies, and a master's or doctorate degree may be required.

2. Prepare a resume, cover letter and a writing sample to submit to potential employers during a job search. Your writing sample should be business related and may be a piece completed in college. A college career counselor may be able to help you select an appropriate writing sample.

3. Spend a summer as an intern, working directly for a managing director. Even though you may be simply running out for coffee and filing papers, you can see how a managing director works and learn the terminology of the trade.

4. Use your summer internship to network and build valuable resources you can call on once you graduate. Do not be shy about calling the company you interned for and asking whether there are any open positions. If there are no openings, ask for a letter of recommendation.

Become a Managing Director

1. Relocate after college to a large city with a financial presence. This would include New York City and Charlotte, North Carolina, as they are the two largest banking cities. Relocating will give you the most opportunities for success.

2. Build a track record as someone who closes large deals in a timely manner. You should be able to bring business to the company and show consistent numbers.

3. Seek the help of a mentor within the company who is already a managing director. Set up a meeting with this person and tell her you hope to seek a similar position. She may jump at the chance to share her knowledge and show you the way to the top.

Tips & Warnings

• At the end of a summer internship, ask the managing director you worked for to write a letter of recommendation. You can include a copy of this letter with your cover letter, resume and writing sample during your job search.