Getting into management

[Hippobottymus]

So I return to work in January after 6 months on maternity leave. I'm currently in an entry level role (customer assistant) and work for a huge global company. I'm desperate to get into management but there's a bit of a bottle neck in my company (regularly get 25+ internal applications min for just one Team Leader position)

I don't have a degree, can't afford to get a degree (two children under 5, me and DP both work in entry level jobs in London on less than £25k and rent privately at a cost of nearly £1500 a month)

I am very close to the SMT and due to some voluntary work I've done over the years with my current employer I have lots of experience with influencing stakeholders, leading meeting, planning and budgeting events, etc.

Is it even going to be possible for me to get into management? I'm only early/mid 20's, so if it's pointless even trying then I'd rather just stop now and figure out where I'd like to realistically be in my career. Any advice?

I work for a large group that has a number of brands.

Started 4 years ago as customer assistant. I am now manager of customer operations for 2 of the brands.

I have done a number of roles in that time, both commercial and operations based, and returned from a 6 month maternity leave in June, was promoted to manager in early August.

My best advice would be to put yourself out there. Try and make your name known for other departments and don't think sideways moves will slow you down, they can expedite your growth and more senior colleagues will know who you are and how good you are at your job.

It's not easy but can definitely be done.

Good luck

Thank you both for your replies. I'm very fortunate to have developed a good relationship with several senior managers within the company so I suppose I now need to develop these and try to learn more about different business areas.

When you're constantly seeing job adverts stating they'd like a degree or 'equivalent experience' it starts to feel so very much like a lost cause.

Have you looked into the possibility of doing a government funded management or leadership program through your employer? There are quite a few available.. worth looking into, then asking your employer if it would help your promotion prospects?

Oh also, don't be put off by the 'degree needed' criteria on job advertisements.

If you have an amazing CV that will get you an interview most times regardless. Then you just use that interview time to prove that you can go above and beyond what they require without a degree.

I actually left university without my degree but obviously my education is on my cv. I just have to make up for it in other areas.