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as an IT Manager

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Constant technological development has caused many companies to seek out workers who have in-demand skills. Thanks to digitization, it is common for companies and organizations to invest in IT systems, and they require IT managers to ensure these frameworks are in good working order.

In this article, we are going to cover everything you need to know about how to become an IT manager. You will learn more about annual salaries, degree programs, certifications, and the most common job requirements of this management position.

What Is an IT Manager?

An IT manager is a senior tech professional in charge of administering, supervising, and managing the performance of information technology systems. Usually, these professionals evaluate and approve devices, hardware systems, and management information systems according to the needs of the company.

Most IT management positions require skills in data science, finance, leadership, and a broad understanding of computer science. The specific requirements of the job will vary, but they will often involve software management and hardware installation. Software development and prevention of security threats are also important parts of this management role.

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How Does IT Management Relate to Data Science?

IT management relates to data science because data analysis skills are essential in this work. IT managers hire and supervise candidates for many different data-related jobs. Additionally, this occupation may require database administration skills to present project results and evaluate the performance of production processes.

How Long Does It Take to Become an IT Manager?

It can take a few months or years of education plus work experience to become an IT manager. Training and relevant experience are necessary if you want to lead an information technology team. Most workers in this industry earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Information Technology.

After finishing college, some candidates choose to get a master’s degree to improve their resumes. However, many alternatives can reduce your academic preparation time. Associate degrees or bootcamp programs require less time in a classroom to certify your knowledge in a tech career. Managerial positions generally require extensive experience.

Where to Study IT Management

IT management is a career that comes from a wide foundational knowledge base in fields like technology and administration. Many educational pathways can teach you these critical skills. Some educational backgrounds are more valued in the industry than others, but at the end of the day, the most important thing is your theoretical and technical skills.

IT Management Community Colleges

A community college is an institution that offers a college experience with advanced content at a lower cost. It only takes two years to obtain an associate degree in one of these programs, so many students choose this option to enter the workforce faster. Typically, people with associate degrees earn $57,000 per year, according to PayScale.

IT Management Universities

College is the most common path students take to become IT managers. In these institutions, you will learn using the most advanced resources from professors with experience in the industry. The most frequent majors are computer science, data science, software engineering, or IT. You can get a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, depending on your goals.

IT Management Coding Bootcamps

Bootcamps are worth it if you want to learn all about the tech industry. These institutions open opportunities for their graduates in some of the best companies in the country, and they are more affordable and shorter than degree programs. Schools like Flatiron School report an average graduate salary of $75,000, which is significant for only a few months of training.

IT Management Online Courses

Online education courses are a great way to complement your job in technology. Although these programs do not guarantee job placement, they help you increase your intellectual abilities and can help you stand out from the crowd in the job search. Large tech companies and educational organizations endorse some courses and schools like Coursera and Udemy.

How to Become an IT Manager: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Become an IT Manager: A Step-by-Step Guide

There is no specific path to becoming an IT manager, and this career may require different skills depending on the company or organization. A graduate degree and professional certification are common requirements. If you want to know what current technology managers do to achieve their goals, pay attention to the points below.

Start studying

Education is essential for this career. An IT manager requires soft skills, such as communication and leadership, as well as technical skills, such as programming, database management, hardware installation, and computer repair. All this knowledge is available in universities and educational centers.

Receive a certification

After finishing your academic path, you must obtain a certification that validates your knowledge. These licenses are sometimes mandatory, depending on the state or company. They’re important for first-time managers, current managers, or self-employed workers.

Make a portfolio and look for work

The largest employers have high expectations when hiring these employees. Therefore, you need to organize your resume and portfolio to present yourself as the best candidate. Submit the best job proposals and get ready to answer technical questions during the job interview.

Increase your position

If you are not hired as an IT manager, you may start with a lower position related to information technology systems. To get a promotion, you need to be responsible, organized, and a skilled leader. If your performance is positive, in a year or two you could move up to higher positions in the company.

Entry-Level IT Management Job Requirements

Sometimes entry-level education, like an associate degree, can be enough to guarantee a job. Although most potential employers look for professionals with experience in this field, basic education can give you the necessary elements to get started.

To gain access to an entry-level offer, you must have leadership skills, analytical skills, project management resources, and the required level of education. This can be a high school diploma, bootcamp completion certificate, or a four-year degree. The more education and experience you have, the more likely it is that you will get a job.

IT Management Salary and Job Outlook

IT management is a career with good job prospects for the next few years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for computer and information systems managers will grow 11 percent between 2020 and 2030. This is a faster average than other related careers.

The BLS also shows that IT managers earn an average salary of $166,770 per year, although the figures can vary according to the worker’s company, state, and skills. Management jobs usually pay higher than other positions, so IT managers make high salaries. Pay attention to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook to keep tabs on employment growth and salaries.

Example IT Management Job Interview Questions

  • Why do you want to work at this company?
  • What are your technical and organizational skills?
  • Do you consider yourself a leader?
  • How can you prepare the IT staff to solve the challenges of the company?
  • Describe a time where you had to solve a problem in the workplace.

What Does an IT Manager Do?

An IT manager leads a team of information technology experts and helps plan new systems. Executive positions such as this one are fundamental to deciding the objectives and results of major projects. Therefore, it is necessary to think of this occupation as a demanding career path. In the list below, you will see some of the most frequent tasks of an IT Manager.

Provides the Right IT Systems

As an IT manager, one of your main duties will be to provide the best IT systems for the company according to its budget and objectives. You must apply your technical knowledge to supervise the installation of technological systems, cables, computers, connection services, and more. This is why the educational requirements are high.

Trains IT Staff

Most IT managers use leadership skills to prepare the staff in charge of technology services. One of the most important aspects of this work is the management and administration of technological resources. Project management also requires job training so that other workers understand the company’s objectives and can operate well as a team.

Creates Strategies and Monitors Results

IT and project managers both create work strategies to achieve technical objectives. In these roles, you will attend meetings with sales teams, supervisors, database administrators, marketing agents, and technical employees to explain business acumen. Once you communicate your plans, you must monitor your team to ensure they are carried out properly.

Essential IT Management Skills and Certifications

Essential IT Management Skills and Certifications

If you want to be part of this field, your resume must include evidence you have the required background knowledge and technical skills. What do you need to be a successful IT manager? Take a look at the high-demand skills and certifications that every information systems manager should be familiar with.

IT Management Skills

Computer Science and Software Design

Computer science covers all the fundamental aspects of IT, so most employers require a degree related to this field. This skill helps you understand, manage, and control the operation of the company’s technological tools. In addition, as an IT professional, you must also understand the components and functions of computer hardware and software.

Executive Leadership

With a bit of additional training and experience, you can consider moving up to an executive leadership role. A company requires managers who can direct teams toward efficient production. Successful leadership also includes critical thinking, communication, and business skills.

Project Management

IT managers must learn to work with project management software. Some of the most popular platforms are Trello, ClickUp, Hive, and Asana. These tools are great ways to help keep your team on track as an IT manager. You can set deadlines and assign tasks to employees to make sure everyone is doing their part.

IT Management Certifications

A certification is a license that validates you have strong management and administration skills. Currently, no state requires government certification to hire IT managers. However, private organizations offer credential programs that will enhance your professional profile and appeal to potential employers.

This certification was created by the ICPM (Institute of Certified Professional Managers). It is a 90-hour program that teaches candidates all the elementary concepts of professional management. All course members must pass the exams within 15 months of signing up.

Environmental Professional In-Training created this license for potential IT managers, enterprise architects, and project managers. The exam’s syllabus includes important topics such as IT systems, organization, and risk management. You must pass a 75-minute closed-book exam, including more than 50 questions. If you answer 33 questions, you will get certified.

Reasons to Become an IT Manager in 2021

IT management is a strong career goal to have in 2021. These professionals make high wages and learn skills that can open up a wide variety of potential job roles. Thanks to the high average job growth rate in this field, it will be easy to land your first job as an IT manager and create a successful career.

IT Management FAQ

Where do IT managers work?

An IT manager can work in any company that requires the installation and supervision of IT systems. These include computer systems design, information, manufacturing, and finance companies.

How much does an IT manager earn per hour?

According to figures from PayScale, an IT manager can charge $25.14 per hour. These numbers will change depending on the state, the company, the experience, and the worker’s trajectory.

Can I be an IT manager without a bachelor's degree?

Yes, many companies hire IT managers with no college experience. Alternative educational centers, like community colleges, trade schools, and coding bootcamps, provide excellent resources to help you learn the necessary skills.

Is it difficult to be an IT manager?

Yes, it can be difficult to climb through the ranks and become an IT manger. The level of difficulty will depend on your background. People with advanced leadership, critical thinking, and business strategy skills can be more successful on this career path.

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