by Computer and information systems are essential for marketing, production, publishing, data storage, customer service and other operations of businesses.
The job of an IT manager includes the duties, skills, and qualifications required to keep up with the computer and information needs of an organization.
Article Table of Contents
What Does an IT Manager Do
IT managers ensure the smooth and secure operation of the internet, computers, digital, and other information systems.
Besides, they manage the systems as well as employees that implement or use them.
To fulfill their duties, IT managers need leadership skills, the eye for details to spot potential breaches or deficiencies in the systems, as well as problem-solving skills to respond to and resolve emergencies promptly.
Responsibilities
- Evaluate the technological and computer needs of the company.
- Recommend the purchase of computers and other information applications and systems.
- Plan and monitor the installation of information security measures and applications.
- Supervise employees in the IT department.
- Enforce and oversee compliance with company policies on the use of data, internet, and computers.
- Recruit, hire, supervise, and train the IT team members.
- Set the budget for the IT department and the IT apparatus technology of the company.
- Evaluate and monitor spending on technology and computers.
Essential Skills
Problem-solving:
IT managers should address or assist their team managers with addressing glitches in the information systems and computers.
They should also resolve such potential problems as security breaches and outdated systems.
So, they also need analytical skills for troubleshooting, finding the extent and source of the problem, as well as taking the necessary steps.
Management:
It is essential that IT managers know how to assemble and lead the IT team.
Management skills also include budgeting, planning, and clearly instructing employees.
Decision-making:
IT managers should make decisions concerning IT personnel, recommending or acquiring technological infrastructure and solving problems.
Also, they have to make competent decisions by examining the strengths and weaknesses, as well as the consequences of particular approaches and actions.
IT managers should quickly take action or provide prompt advice in emergency situations, such as malfunctions caused by viruses.
Communication:
IT managers should provide an easy-to-understand explanation of the IT matters to executives and others in the company.
Information systems and computers involve highly technical procedures and terms.
How to Become an IT Manager
IT managers apply their organization expertise and background in computers, digital storage and communication, and other information systems.
Besides, the credentials to become an IT manager matter for the specific industry or setting where the manager works.
Training and Qualifications
IT managers need a bachelor’s degree.
The majors usually include computer science, management information systems, to similar discipline.
Students have to study math, statistics, software development and programming.
Some companies prefer candidates with a Master’s of Business Administration or another post-graduate degree in information science or computers.
According to O*NET, about 14% of Computer and Information Systems Managers hold a master’s degree.
With post-graduate programs, especially in business administration, students can hold a job and attend evening or other classes.
Experience
Generally, managers need experience in the IT field.
For instance, they might have worked as programmers, designers, software developers, and information security specialists.
Various companies may require various experiences.
As a rule, directors of IT departments usually need from five to ten years of experience.
In larger organizations, the positions of a CTO may be available to monitor a few IT departments.
For that, you may need a minimum of 15 years of experience in IT.
Smaller offices and companies require less experience.
The sector they work in also influences the experience requirements, as the type of handled information can vary by industry.
For instance, IT managers in the financial area need experience with banks, insurance companies, etc.
Those in the healthcare industry may have worked in hospitals, health insurance companies, etc.
Working Hours
This position is a full-time job.
According to the BLS, 40% of managers worked more than 40 hours a week.
O*NET reports this number to be at 59%.
If system breakdowns or glitches occur, IT managers should be available to examine and solve the problem.
Therefore, they may have to work in the evening or weekend sometimes.
This is especially true if the establishment operates 24/7.
Career Outlook
According to the BLS, the employment of “Computer and Information Systems Managers” should increase by 15% by 2024.
This is a significantly higher percentage than the growth in employment overall in the economy.
Businesses and organizations widely use computers and digital technology to store customer and supplier information, process transactions, enhance customer services, conduct operations, etc.
IT managers help handle issues such as computer malware and viruses, hacks, and dissemination of sensitive data.
The strongest prospects for IT managers exist in the insurance and healthcare industries.
According to the BLS, the employment rate of IT managers among insurers will increase by 26%.
The strong demand for IT managers exists also among healthcare providers for the maintenance of electronic records and billing systems.
Employment of IT managers can shift from IT departments to computer and information management services companies.
The reason for this is the increasing preference for cloud-based computing.
Conclusion
IT managers apply their skills to analyze systems and problems, lead, and communicate technical concepts to help companies handle technology.
Technology has multiple benefits but with this, the risks of cyber-sabotage increase as well.
To avoid it as well as theft and other problems, IT managers should guide the prevention and remedy of these pitfalls.
The employment rate will increase since most organizations depend on computers and should increase protection against security threats.
In such sectors as healthcare and insurance, the demand for IT managers will increase the most since they use electronic records storage and claim processing.