Depending on the industry they hope to work in, students should work toward degrees in business, public administration, engineering, or the sciences. Many companies also consider liberal arts degrees or a liberal arts minor with a business or engineering degree to be valuable. In addition to a good scholastic record, employers look for indications of leadership such as participation in student government or other extracurricular activities. Applicants for Management Trainee jobs must show themselves to be mature, adaptable, analytical, and capable of working well with others. They should have good organizational and communication skills.
Some employers use psychological and aptitude tests to aid in selecting applicants.
Public agencies require civil service exams, usually both written and oral. The jobs open to those who complete a Management Trainee program depend on the sort of industry employing them, as well as individual interests and aptitudes. Examples of these opportunities include operations supervisor in a bank and sales manager, credit manager, or customer service manager in a retail store. Promotion often depends on ability and willingness to travel or relocate. Many employers depend heavily on campus recruiting and referrals from college career placement bureaus to fill Management Trainee openings.