Is a management degree essential for a manager?

Is a management degree essential for a manager?
No. There are lots of managers (good ones) without one. And they'll never get one. But if you are going to make a career out of being a "manager" or are hoping to move in the upper ranks of the professionals we call a "manager", you should go to school (even if it's night school or part time) and pick up course work leading to a degree (or a transfer into a degree program). It will make a difference later on. Good luck.