How to Become an IT Manager – Education, Skills, Experience

It is clear that technology has taken over the workplace! Every business enterprise is dependent on information technology systems. Today technology is used for everything from financial data analysis to sales leads. To this end, an IT manager plays the most important role in today’s marketplace.

Due to their importance in an establishment’s growth, institutions like banks, medical centers, colleges, the military, and the government are always looking for competent IT managers. But how does one become an IT manager?

Want to gain some insight into the possibilities of an IT manager career path? Read on to explore the steps to take, the professional associations to join, and the educational requirements necessary for this fruitful career.

Article Navigation: What is an IT Manager? | IT Manager Requirements | Information Technology Management Careers | How to Become an IT Manager | Education for IT Managers | Certifications & Licenses | IT Management Career Outlook | IT Manager Salary and Outlook | Professional Organizations and Resources | FAQs | IT Management Degrees Online 

What is an IT Manager?

An information technology (IT) manager oversees organizational computer-related projects to meet business demands. They frequently spearhead teams, communicate with customers, and supervise personnel assigned to projects. Ultimately, they ensure that the projects are not lagging before the deadlines.

As the head of an IT division charged with managing the systems and data, today’s IT manager job description comprises the following obligations:

• Crafting staff training courses and workshops
• Regularly doing system audits
• Locating and utilizing chances to update and enhance software and systems
• Creating and putting into effect IT best practices and policy manuals for the organization
• Managing and setting deadlines for significant IT initiatives, such as system updates, migrations, upgrades, and outages
• Conducting routine evaluations of data and network security
• Performing regular system operations and sharing the reports with top employees
• Budgeting for IT needs in the organization

IT Manager Requirements

A pertinent question is, what skills are needed to be an IT manager? First, it depends on the demographics and nature of the information technology role. Then, it’s about distinguishing yourself from regular employees in an organization. A few of these competencies are:

Project Management

An information technology manager’s ability to handle projects will help lead a team. To this effect, in-depth project management knowledge will aid the efficiency of specialists in this position.

Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving is a skill that IT managers must possess since the role involves managing disputes, risks, expenses, time, and unforeseen outcomes. Due to this, recruiters favor personnel capable of deciphering solutions to problems on time.

Programming Languages Skills

Undoubtedly, most IT careers benefit significantly from the knowledge of programming languages. Due to this, a candidate for this role must have a background understanding and knowledge of various programming languages employed in institutions, such as Python, C++, Java, etc.

Software Competency

Software skills are of the essence in the information technology industry. Due to this, various careers in this field require IT managers to be knowledgeable in using diverse enterprise software applications.

Leadership Skills

Becoming an IT manager involves a lot of persuading, developing relationships, and coaching. For this reason, having strong leadership abilities is crucial.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is a crucial IT manager requirement in most industries. The position calls for a person with business operations, workflow, strategy, and decision-making knowledge.

IT Work Environment

The office space of IT managers consists of myriads of interconnected computers in various networking rooms. In day-to-day operations, they are available during typical business days and work erratically for extended hours during downtimes.

Also, they might travel across the nation or abroad to visit other corporate locations or participate in trade exhibitions and conferences.

Information Technology Management Careers

IT managers work in financial institutions, hospitals, hotels, local and federal agencies, telecommunication, and manufacturing industries. In other words, these roles cover diverse sectors. The duties could be the same regardless of the industry.

For instance, one of the primary responsibilities of telemedicine IT managers is overseeing the complex systems that healthcare organizations utilize. An IT manager employed for a financial institution similarly focuses on managing systems that aid transactions or keep track of financial records.

Employers of IT Managers

Some top employers of information technology managers include:

• Amazon
• Google
• US Army
• Barclays Bank
• JP Morgan Chase
• Sun Microsystems
• Intel
• Apple
• Walmart
• FBI

How to Become an IT Manager

Suppose you’re considering an IT manager job path. In that case, it’s crucial to understand the expertise, requirements, time, and advancement options available in this sector. The steps below will guide aspiring students on how to become IT managers:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree
• Decide on your area of specialization
• Find and entry-level internship/job
• Earn a master’s degree
• Engage in continuing education

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor of science qualification in computer science or a closely related discipline is typically mandatory for practitioners before they venture out as information technology managers. Some alternative majors include information systems, data science, systems engineering, etc.

Through this program, candidates will acquire the fundamental knowledge and competencies necessary to qualify for entry-level positions in this sector.

Step 2: Decide on Your Area of Specialization

Unsurprisingly, the IT industry comprises several niche areas for practitioners. Due to this, learners need to opt for information technology specialties where they feel most adept and make efforts to advance in that area.

Step 3: Find an Entry-level Internship/Job

After obtaining a BS degree in computer science or a similar major, students often start careers as entry-level IT administrators. You can sometimes work as an information technology manager with your four-year credential. Also, you can look into certification possibilities based on the kind of IT manager career you’re considering.

During this phase, interns will gain practical software engineering and network administration knowledge.

Step 4: Earn a Master’s Degree

After gaining relevant work experience at the entry level, there are various IT manager career tiers to choose from daily. However, it may take two years to advance to the senior information technology manager position from an entry-level job. While this role favors professionals with industry experience, candidates should earn a graduate degree in a relevant discipline or obtain specialized certifications to remain competitive.

Step 5: Engage in Continuing Education

Some businesses and industries don’t require practitioners to engage in continuing education to advance their IT manager careers. However, obtaining this degree can make it easier for you to switch roles with more fantastic pay. Through this means, personnel will gain more certifiable expertise.

Education for IT Managers

Often, IT companies hire specialists with relevant education and skills that can help them solve underlying issues. Those interested in becoming an IT manager must acquire coding knowledge, troubleshooting skills, and data management education.

Which Degrees are Best for IT Managers?

A few of the best degrees for information technology managers include:

Bachelor’s degrees:

• Computer Science
• Information Technology Management

Master’s degrees:

• MBA in Information Technology
• IT Management
• Information Systems Engineering

Certifications & Licenses

IT managers frequently have oversight responsibilities for managing all their companies’ information technology infrastructure and IT teams. To carry out these operations successfully, they must comprehend the fundamentals of networking, data storage, software, and hardware. By obtaining IT manager certifications, candidates will be ready to take on prestigious roles in this field.

A few of these certifications are:

• CompTIA Project+
• (CISM) Certified Information Security Manager
• (CISSP) Certified Information Systems Security Professional
• (CITM) Certified Information Technology Manager

IT Management Career Outlook

Based on BLS estimates, 48,500 job openings will be available for information managers over the next decade. Many of these open positions will become available due to replacing employees who change careers or leave the workforce due to retirement.

Some of the prestigious information technology manager careers include:

1. Chief Technology Officer

Chief technology officers are senior executives who oversee the IT division and incorporate business demands and requirements into the organization’s operations and planning. Their responsibilities involve:

• Directing technical teams in routine tasks.
• Figuring out when to update a company’s technology and systems.
• Monitoring all hardware, software, databases, and licensing.

The ideal manager must possess technology planning and critical thinking skills. According to PayScale, the median annual salary of a chief technology officer is $166,460.

2. Information Technology Director

The information technology director is an executive in charge of the technology systems within an organization. In companies, they oversee personnel and resources to make sure that IT operations are efficient while enhancing IT procedures. They also ensure that all IT infrastructure components operate efficiently, from managing networks, storage, servers, security, and all other relevant applications.

Based on PayScale statistics, the average IT manager’s salary as of August 2022 is $122,627.

3. Database Administrator

A database administrator is an IT specialist who manages, creates, and operates a company’s databases, data storage techniques, and database retrieval systems. Database administrators put security measures in place to protect a company’s data. They monitor the database efficiency while preparing timely reports for IT management executives.

Other IT manager responsibilities in this field involve protecting an organization’s data from online breaches, frauds, and attacks by enforcing standards and controls. PayScale statistics show that the database manager’s annual wage is $59,330 as of August 2022.

4. Network & Computer Systems Administrators

Network and computer systems administrators oversee a company’s day-to-day activities and operation of all interconnected networks. They install, organize, and aid the efficient operations of an institution’s computer systems. These systems include wide area networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), intranets, and data communication systems. Aside from keeping computers and networks secure, they also help to improve their performance under low or heavy usage. Additionally, they map out a company’s software and hardware requirements.

Based on BLS data, the average yearly salary of computer and network systems administrators is $80,600 as of May 2021. Likewise, the employment of professionals in this field will grow by 3% over the next ten years.

5. Information Systems Security Manager

Information systems security managers play a crucial part in catastrophe prevention by spotting any weak points that could expose information systems to risk. They evaluate an organization’s security procedures, including firewalls, anti-virus programs, and passwords, to find weak spots that could open information systems to attack. Also, they examine reports produced by the internal surveillance system to find a threat that can lead to a potential problem in the future.

In this role, employers often favor professionals with years of working experience overseeing IT security systems, disaster data recovery, etc. In light of this, PayScale estimates the yearly wage of these professionals at $120,007 as of August 2022.

6. Data Center Technicians

Datacenter technicians set up and maintain network and server hardware. They are responsible for keeping a server environment under optimal control, monitoring daily server performance, and debugging server and network issues. Furthermore, their responsibilities also involve the following:

• Maintaining and looking after servers and other network hardware
• Delivering IT support to employees and clients and addressing server and network issues
• Safeguarding corporate data by keeping data center components from overheating.

Based on reports from PayScale, the median hourly wage of data center technicians as of August 2022 is $23.98 per hour.

7. Computer and Information Systems Managers

Computer and information systems managers are in charge of putting in place computer or information systems to accomplish the IT goals of an organization. They analyze the IT management requirements of their company and make suggestions for upgrades to the top executives. Due to some unforeseen malfunctioning of systems within a network, they help to oversee and plan the setup and servicing of computer hardware and software.

In addition, they also evaluate a new project in terms of costs and benefits. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information systems managers earn $159,010 per annum.

Note: The IT manager’s education requirements in this role demand specialists to hold proven IT certifications and a graduate degree in relevant information technology fields.

IT Manager Salary and Outlook

According to BLS, the average yearly salary for IT managers as of May 2021 is $159,010. The bottom 10% made below $95,220, while the top 10% made more than $208,000.

More companies are relying on information technologies to streamline their operations. As such, it won’t be long before practically all workplaces embrace digital platforms as the trend accelerates. Due to this, IT managers will be responsible for putting these processes in place to reach that level.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of IT managers will rise by 16% between 2021 and 2031.

Career Advancement for IT Managers

Due to the influx of data across various sectors, information technology managers can advance their expertise by further taking graduate courses in data science, data management, etc. During this program, they will acquire advanced SQL, Hadoop, and machine learning knowledge. Furthermore, they will learn vital programming languages such as Python, SAS, and R.

Professional Organizations and Resources

While embarking on an IT management career path, practitioners should join relevant associations in this sector. These organizations mainly offer tremendous resources that will aid the advancement of any IT manager operating in different institutions or companies. The notable ones include:

International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP)

IAPP is the most up-to-date and leading information privacy resource with many community members.

Society for Information Management (SIM)

SIM is a renowned association that serves different senior IT executives, prominent academicians, and consultants from other countries in the world.

Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)

ISSA is an international not-for-profit organization that comprises diverse information security practitioners from across the world.

International Web Association (IWA)

IWA is the leading organization that provides certifications for all website professionals.

Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)

ISACA is a global institution that meets the needs of numerous industry information technology professionals and cybersecurity experts.

FAQs

Here, we will proffer answers to common questions that bother students curious about how to become an IT manager and various queries regarding IT manager jobs.

What does an IT manager do?

IT managers are in charge of planning, organizing, and leading computer-related activities in their respective institutions or organizations. They assist in determining an organization’s IT needs and integrating computer processes to satisfy the information systems criteria of the company.

What degree do you need for IT manager jobs?

To be a practitioner in this field, an ideal candidate must hold an information technology management degree from an accredited university or college. Likewise, other IT manager job descriptions necessitate graduates to have a bachelor’s qualification in information technology, computer science, etc.

Do IT managers make good money?

According to PayScale statistics, the average IT manager’s salary as of June 2022 is $89,271. Professionals in this career make above the minimum wage in the United States.

Is IT manager a good job?

IT manager jobs are enriching and fulfilling. This IT career has consistently ranked among the best STEM jobs for decades.

What is the role of an IT manager?

In most organizations, IT managers’ responsibilities are similar. Often, they determine the technology to implement, set and monitor departmental goals, establish team operations, and promote collaboration throughout the organization.

How long does it take to become an IT manager?

All IT management career path requires some form of information technology management degree, either at the master’s or doctorate level. However, the total duration to become an information technology manager in this field varies from eight to ten years.

Can you be an IT manager with no experience?

Globally, IT manager education requirements don’t give room for no experience candidates. The ideal candidate must have years of working experience to qualify for this prestigious role.

How do I become an information systems manager?

To become an IT manager, an ideal candidate must obtain an undergraduate degree in computer science, IT, or a related field. After that, they must earn a master’s in a related field. With these credentials in place, they can apply for different roles to boost their years of working experience.

Are IT managers in demand?

Based on the BLS report, the employment of IT managers will increase by 16% over the next ten years, which is considerably higher than the average for all other occupations.

How many hours do IT managers work?

On average, information technology managers work 40 to 50 hours weekly.

IT Management Degrees Online

In the last few sections, we detailed the relevance of IT managers. They ensure the continuous operations of network servers, computers, and software systems in businesses. Information technology management is a rewarding professional path for those who take pleasure in business, leadership, problem-solving, and people management. But how do you become one? Earn a degree online!

At GetEducated.com, we have more practical educational resources that cover online degrees in IT. Keep exploring, and find the right degree for you today!