Management competencies: intrinsic or acquired? What competencies are required to move into speech pathology management and beyond?

Speech pathology managers frequently move into careers beyond their clinical discipline. As practicing speech pathology managers and students of business leadership, we were curious about the nature of career transitions out of speech pathology management. We conducted an exploratory descriptive study investigating the perceived competencies that facilitate such career transitions and when further education is required to effectively equip one for such transition. The perceived skills related to a speech pathology background are identified along with the gaps in competence for moving into general management positions. Career management practices that facilitate this type of career transition are provided as recommendations for career planning.