By maintaining the organization’s internal digital systems, an IT manager helps their colleagues stay updated with the latest knowledge, and at the same time helps the company achieve its goals.
This role is indispensable in any company because of the strong development of technology. They will supervise the work of all specialists in the department.
With the above requirements and responsibilities, how to become an IT manager? To learn more about the required skills for a system manager, let’s continue reading the article below.
What’s it like to be an IT Manager?
Being an IT manager (as known as IT director or information systems manager) means that you will have to manage the technology resources of the business.
This information includes system software, telephony, and network infrastructure. Depending on the business goals, these specialists are tasked with building efficient economic systems according to the needs.
In addition, they also need to research technology solutions and strategies. As a manager, they are responsible for all responsibilities, activities, and solutions related to its information systems.
Their working level is to handle high-level IT-related jobs. They must also supervise other professionals on the team.
IT directors may work for companies with similar departments or companies that provide support services.
What is an IT manager’s job description?
Information technology is the work that requires the development, maintenance, and use of software systems, computers, and networks. The main purpose is to distribute and process data.
The day-to-day job of managers is to use technology to create value. They must ensure the technology can support the organization’s business strategy.
They also need to come up with business plans and build them to drive the business’s technology.
In the process, managers direct experts in the department to work as software developers and system security experts.
They can even participate in larger-scale projects such as system design and programming, network infrastructure testing, and website implementation.
As leaders, IT managers should always be the first to stay up to date with the latest technology news and trends.
The development of technology is always subject to drastic changes. They need to keep up with it to make the right transitions for the organization’s direction.
How to Become an IT Manager
After learning about the main functions and tasks of systems managers, let’s explore the roadmap of this job here.
1. Earn A Degree
A degree is always one of the advantages that employers often ask of those who apply for IT manager positions.
You can go to college or university to earn a bachelor’s degree. Subjects related to majors in information technology and computer science.
In addition, the knowledge related to management information systems is also very useful and practical in many situations.
These qualifications show that you have a strong foundation to apply them in the workplace. Employers will appreciate candidates who meet these criteria.
2. Find Entry-Level Employment
Once you have the right qualifications and knowledge base, you need to find a way to put them into practice.
The competition in this industry is quite high, and you will need a lot of a bachelor’s degree to land your dream job. The best way to get that experience is to apply for an entry-level IT job.
3. Obtain Certifications
To further enhance your skill set, consider completing IT-related certifications and degrees. Some of the credentials that you should refer to include:
CompTIA certification is a certification that coordinators, project managers, or support personnel all need to learn.
It helps to practice five basic skills that any manager should master. These include design, planning, construction, monitoring, controlling, and closing.
CAPM
You will need an associate’s degree or equivalent degree to earn this certificate.
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification is a training program under the Project Management Institute (PMI). It caters to project managers in any field, including information technology.
CISSP
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is a vendor-neutral credential and helps determine a learner’s mastery of information security. This course is organized by (ISC)2.
The five areas where the CISSP is primarily focused are communications and cybersecurity, security engineering and architecture, asset management, security management, and identity and access.
Professionals who manage part or all of an organization’s information system operations will need to study the TOGAF 9.2 certification.
For enterprise architecture, it is one of the most common stereotypes. The professions relevant to TOGAF 9.2 are software development and IT administration.
The organization that administers this certificate is The Open Group. This international standards group guarantees neutrality with the manufacturer.
4. Gain Work Experience
You will not suddenly become an information systems manager. Before that, train yourself by trying your hand at supporting roles.
These positions will create conditions and time for interns to hone and develop technology skills. You also need to understand the structure and the organizational system to pursue higher ranks.
From your own practical experience, you can summarize the effective management method for your business. It is the stepping stone to becoming a top systems director.
5. Continue Higher Education
Many companies and organizations expect professionals at their managerial level to have advanced degrees.
If you want to advance and develop more in this profession, get a Master’s Degree in Information Technology Management. You can also study related fields to develop job-specific skills.
6. Apply For Promotions
After you’ve got all the right deciding factors like the right qualifications, experience, and certifications, look for job opportunities in the job market.
What Skills Do You Need To Be an IT Manager?
To become an IT director, you will need a full set of hard and soft skills. These professionals are technically proficient and have strong communication and leadership abilities.
You don’t have to be the best engineer in your organization. In fact, managers only need to have enough knowledge to judge the system’s quality.
Besides technical skills, you will need to hone soft skills in communication, leadership, and financial management. Skills in managing customer expectations and ensuring progress are also notable factors.
In general, you should have the following technical skills:
- Employee manager.
- Software development/engineering.
- Budget management.
- Project monitoring.
- Analyze the organization’s business processes.
- Supervisory staff.
- Information system.
- System security.
- Schedule design.
- Systems engineering.
Besides, you should also prepare some soft knowledge and behavior as follows:
- Cooperation ability.
- Communicate.
- Research.
- Problem-solving.
- Planning.
Career Path of an IT Manager
According to a study by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the employment growth rate of IT managers will increase by 11% in 10 years (2020-2030).
With the average rate of occupations (4%), this rate is significantly higher.
During this time, there will be about 42,000 jobs related to information system administration for enterprises each year.
This growth in demand for occupations is the workforce leaving in retirement or the need to switch industries.
After a while, more than 50% of system managers can be promoted to the role of IT directors.
Some prominent individuals may hold executive positions, such as Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Officer.
You will need between five and ten years to accumulate system administration and management experience.
The three highest levels that system administrators typically aim for are:
Information Technology Director
IT director is the most promotion path for those working as system managers at a high level. Sometimes, this position is in small and medium-sized companies.
It is your responsibility as a director to check and evaluate the performance of your current IT system. Through it, you can make improvements and plan for costs and personnel as well as ensure information security.
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Many system managers are always trying to fight and grow to become the CIO of the business. They are responsible for overseeing and managing teams of junior IT professionals.
You need to evaluate and coordinate technology strategies across the organization’s key products and services. CIOs need to coordinate strongly with sales and marketing departments through their knowledge and skills.
Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Along with the CIO, the CTO is a position that focuses primarily on hardware and software rather than systems. You will manage and be responsible for the organization’s entire database and licensing.
The duties of the CTO are to oversee technology teams and department heads. They need to set goals and performance for their subordinates.
FAQs
If you have any questions regarding IT directors, let’s explore the answers here.
1. How long does it take to become an IT manager?
It will take you 5 to 10 years from the start of the industry to become an IT manager. That includes the time it takes to complete a bachelor’s degree and even pursues a master’s degree.
Many managers also have to practice and hone their technology skills as support technicians when starting. This process will not be easy, but the results it brings are extremely worth the effort you put in.
2. How do you become a manager in the IT industry?
To rise to a supervisory position in the information technology industry, you will need to go through the following steps:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, project management, or related fields.
- While studying, apply for and complete an internship to hone real-world skills. As a result, you can learn from experienced systems directors.
- Enhance your knowledge and skills in management and/or information technology with a master’s degree.
- Once you’ve gained a lot of experience, consider starting a career in technology-focused roles. It would help if you gave preference to positions that offer project leadership and coordination experience.
3. Can you start as a manager with no experience?
If you do not have any experience in information technology, it won’t be easy to apply for this position.
Only a handful of institutions will accept applicants with relevant qualifications. Some of them include a Master’s Degree in Information Technology Management or Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology.
Opportunities like these are few. Employers look for candidates with more practical work experience.
This job requires you to have a good education, experience, and behavioral skills. Always pay attention to these requirements so that you are always prepared when the opportunity arises.
4. What is the salary for IT managers?
An IT manager receives good benefits and salaries with fairly high job demand.
According to our latest report, the average annual salary for this position is $159,010 per year. That is, you can earn $76.45 per hour worked.
This salary depends on experience. Interns will certainly spend years striving to achieve them.
In addition, the job description, responsibilities, size of the company, and work area also affect your salary.
5. What degree is needed for an IT manager?
Employers often require system directors to have a bachelor’s degree in information technology or management information systems (MIS) fields.
This course will cover computer programming, mathematics, software development, and business knowledge.
Conclusion
We hope you have an overview of the route and career path of an IT manager.
You will have to spend a lot of time studying and practicing skills and knowledge. This path will not be easy, but the rewards are worth it.
Learning soft skills such as leadership or communication is essential to ensure smooth work. In the end, your goal is still to complete the schedule on time!
Now, make your dream come true! Wish you early success!