Change management can be defined as the process of transitioning organizations from their current steps to a desired future state. It involves various crucial steps, such as implementing and managing change initiatives to ensure that they are effectively adopted by the organization.
Over the years, the demand for change managers has drastically increased, amounting to as much as 10%. In fact, several reports suggest that the global market size for change management systems is going to hit multimillion USD by the end of 2030.
Given all these statistics, it would not be too wrong for me to say that as businesses evolve, the demand for skilled change managers will increase further as well. If you have the right skills, such as the ones provided by the ITIL Foundation Certificate, you are ready to take over this role with full competence!
On that note, in this comprehensive guide, I will outline all the crucial steps of how to become a change manager and thrive in this dynamic role.
Who is a Change Manager, and What Do They Do?
hr.universityBefore I move further into the qualifications to become a change manager, let’s first understand what this role entails.
Change managers, often referred to as change coordinators, are individuals responsible for leading and facilitating organizational change to ensure successful outcomes. They oversee change initiatives right from the conception up to their implementation, working closely with stakeholders to manage resistance and foster engagement.
While the specific responsibilities of a change manager might differ based on the organization or the industry, some of the most common ones include,
- Developing change management plans and strategies aligned with organizational goals and objectives.
- Engaging with key stakeholders to gain support, build consensus, and address concerns related to proposed changes.
- Developing effective communication plans to ensure clear and timely communication throughout the entire process.
- Overseeing the execution of change initiatives according to the established plan
- Utilizing problem-solving skills to address any disputes that might arise related to changes.
How to Become a Change Manager in 5 Simple Steps
Now, coming to the most important question for which most of you have been waiting so eagerly - How do I become a change manager?
To address this question, I have culminated five main steps that will guarantee you a successful career as a change manager.
Let’s get started!
Step 1: Master Skills
The first and foremost step is to acquire the necessary skills for your role. This does not simply apply to this profession alone but to all career paths you pursue in the near future.
By mastering the necessary skills, I do not mean just technical skills. It includes soft skills and other competencies.
Soft Skills:
- Strong Communication: Strong communication skills are essential for conveying change objectives and addressing concerns across all levels of an organization.
- Negotiation: A big part of the role of a change manager is the ability to negotiate and influence your team members with the original reason for the change and eventually gain their trust.
- Problem-solving: In order to succeed in this role, you need to possess the ability to identify obstacles and develop the necessary creative solutions.
Hard Skills:
- Project management: You need to have the ability to plan, manage, and execute a project from start to finish.
- Knowledge of project management software: Have an in-depth understanding of the various project management tools available, such as FreshService, Jira, and WhatFix.
- Change models and frameworks: Familiarize yourself with the various change models and frameworks, such as Lewin’s Change Management model or ADKAR model.
Step 2: Determine Your Ideal Timeline
The timeline for becoming a change manager can differ depending on several factors, such as your prior experience or your educational background.
For example, if you already have experience in roles related to project management or leadership, you may have a solid foundation upon which to build. This can potentially shorten the time it takes to transition into a change management role.
Similarly, if you have a degree in business or management, you will have the upper hand compared to those whose backgrounds are in a different field.
Step 3: Begin Building Your Portfolio/Resume
A well-curated resume can help change managers build credibility and trust with potential employers. When used correctly, it can act as a powerful tool for career advancement by helping professionals showcase their accomplishments and progressions.
While curating your resume, ensure that you highlight all the relevant skills related to your field. In addition to this, if you have any prior experience in project management or leadership, do not forget to include that as well.
To make things easier for you, here is an example of an effective change manager resume template (download here!) that you can use.\
resumewordedStep 4: Where and How to Find a Job
Let’s take a look at some of the top companies worldwide that are actively seeking professionals in this role.
Name of the Company | Job Role |
UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) | Change Management Analyst |
RARR Technology Pvt Ltd | Change Management Executive |
Deloitte | Change Management Consultant |
Change management is a vast field, meaning there are various roles that you can explore in this realm. Some of the most common ones include,
Change Management Roles | Average Salary Per Annum (Source: Glassdoor, Ambition Box) |
Change Manager/Coordinator | INR 8,90,000 |
Service Desk Agents | INR 3,72,500 |
Operations Manager | INR 10,70,000 |
Step 5: Ace the Interview
Lastly, the final step to become a change manager is the interview round. This is your golden chance to showcase your skills, experience, and passion for organizational change. Mentioned below are a few tips and tricks to help you succeed.
- Speak clearly, maintain eye contact, and use positive body language to convey your interest and professionalism.
- Conduct in-depth research about the company and the job role you are applying for.
- Focus on your accomplishments and the impact you have made in previous roles.
- Share examples of how you have successfully managed change in the past and overcome challenges along the way.
Besides adhering to the steps aligned, do not forget to check out the commonly asked interview questions for change managers. By following these tips and preparing thoroughly for your interview, you will be well-equipped to impress potential employers and land your dream job as a change manager.
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Who Can Become Change Manager?
In addition to the above-mentioned skills, there are quite a few educational qualifications required to succeed in the role of a change manager. These include,
- Earn a bachelor's degree: A bachelor's degree is the minimum educational qualification required to become a change manager. So, if you are thinking about applying for this role, then an undergraduate degree in business can prove to be quite advantageous.
- Consider an MBA: Since change management is more of a senior-level position, recruiters generally seek candidates with advanced degrees, such as an MBA. One of the primary reasons behind this is that MBA holders tend to possess in-depth knowledge and expertise in complex business and management concepts when compared to non-MBA candidates.
- Get Certified: Lastly, certification programs specifically related to this field can also bring you one step closer to landing your dream job. It can position you better and give that much-needed upper hand in securing a job, compared to your fellow competitors. Invest in your future success and take the first step towards becoming a certified professional with IT Service Management certification.
Why Should You Become a Change Manager?
Did you know that by the end of 2024, as much as 73% of organizations worldwide expect the need for change management to increase significantly? This uptrend suggests a growing recognition among enterprises of the importance of change management in navigating the complexities of today’s dynamic business landscape.
Moreover, researchers indicate that organizations that have implemented effective change management practices are 3.5 times more likely to outperform their industry peers.
Needless to say, as organizations continue to face unpredictable changes, investing in robust change management measures will be the key factor for driving sustainable growth and maintaining a competitive edge.
Name of the country | Average annual salary (Source: Indeed) |
United States | USD 59979 |
United Kingdom | GBP 61,025 |
Australia | AUD 133607 |
Canada | CAD 92145 |
Singapore | SGD 7,934 |
Conclusion
Becoming a change manager is undoubtedly a rewarding journey that requires a combination of skills, education, and dedication. Hopefully, my comprehensive analysis in this article has cleared all your doubts and queries regarding how to start a career in change management.
For those who are passionate about making a difference, driving change, and leading organizations to success, the path to becoming a credible change manager offers boundless opportunities for growth, fulfillment, and impact.
And the best way to achieve this credibility? Enrolling in certificate programs such as KnolwedgeHut ITIL Foundation Certification
Are you ready to elevate your career in IT service management? From 16 hours of instructor-led sessions to the PeopleCert Official eBook and training material, KnolwedgeHut offers innumerable advantages to each candidate, offering comprehensive support to bag such in-demand programs and certifications.
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