Information technology management
Nearly all businesses rely on some form of technology to operate. With new innovations being introduced at breakneck speed, today’s organizations are looking toward those with the prowess to lead them into the future. This area will continue to offer a multitude of avenues to upskill, reskill, and pursue professional growth.
$88,240
average salary
for computer and IT occupations*
531,200
new jobs in IT management
will be created from 2019 to 2029*
*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Information technology management definition
Information technology (IT) management is the broad term used to describe the planning, direction, and coordination of any activity related to information systems. Individuals who work in this field must stay apprised of their organization’s needs and harness the appropriate tools and technologies to fulfill them — all while delivering on time and within budget.
The resources managed by IT specialists are virtually limitless and include various networks, hardware, software, mobile devices, cloud programs, data collection tools, and emerging technologies.
Information technology management duties
Information technology professionals add value to their business by ensuring that its technological systems support organizational goals. Responsibilities vary based on the type of industry but typically include:
- Troubleshooting and providing user support
- Implementing security measures
- Analytics and database management
- Network administration
- Developing and maintaining websites
- Performing system upgrades and updates
- Software development
- Recruiting and training personnel
- Researching industry trends
- General project management
TECHNOLOGY
This line of work requires you to constantly assess your technical fluency to ensure you’re well versed in the latest software, hardware, and emerging technologies.
LEADERSHIP
There’s more to this field than technical expertise. It’s also about managing projects, processes, and people and having the ability to motivate team members. Developing your leadership skills will help you grow from within. When you take initiative on projects and speak up about your contributions, it demonstrates your investment in the organization as well as your capacity to lead others toward success.
BUDGETING AND FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
IT staff, particularly managers, must maintain the balancing act of staying within budget while ensuring that all funds allotted to them are used wisely. If you’re looking to advance into a manager or director position, the ability to propose strategic solutions that fall within or under budget is especially desirable.
STRATEGIC THINKING
Quickly evaluating issues and offering viable solutions is critical to managing information systems. Additionally, as the life cycles of most tech products become progressively shorter, those working in this field must be able to formulate strategic methods of maintaining the equipment in their inventory while streamlining the acquisition of new products.
ORGANIZATION
Time management is extremely important in the IT sector. Many tech companies are now paying their employees based on project completions instead of hours worked. The ability to prioritize competing requests is crucial.
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Computer systems and design
Any type of organization involved in computer systems and design needs qualified IT management personnel to manage its products and workflows. Computer system design firms have one of the highest employment rates, accounting for 22% of all IT management jobs.
Logistics
Technology plays a substantial role in the process of getting products manufactured, distributed, and sent to consumers. Those specializing in logistics are responsible for tracking goods and services from the beginning to the end of the supply chain.
Technical consulting
Independent consultants are hired as needed, typically under the terms of a limited service contract. For instance, a consultant may be asked to implement a new software program for a business. Small to mid-sized businesses that don’t have the budget for an in-house IT team may choose to outsource these services to a technical consulting firm.
Government
Government jobs in IT management are publicly funded. These positions can be found at federal government offices, state government offices, municipal governments, and public schools. Cybersecurity is of such importance to the government that the U.S. Office of Personnel Management maintains a dedicated website for these types of jobs.
Banking and finance
Finance and insurance agencies need qualified IT staff. Since all data collected and managed is highly sensitive, candidates must have a strong background in data management. Certain degrees grant you the option to specialize in banking technology and information security.
Retail
IT professionals who specialize in retail primarily work with point-of-sale (POS) systems, customer relationship management (CRM) software, and information security solutions.
IT management offers some of the best opportunities for advancement in STEM. In fact, employment of computer and information technology professionals is forecasted to increase 11% between 2019 and 2029, more than double the rate for all other professions. A total of 531,200 related jobs are expected to be posted as a result of this growth.
Here’s a brief look at where the industry is headed, according to Burning Glass Technologies:
Shift to cloud computing
Organizations worldwide are looking for specialists who can assist with migrating their data from in-house systems to cloud-based storage. The global cloud computing market is projected to be worth $760.98 billion by 2027.
Rising demand for cybersecurity experts
Another primary reason for the growth of the information systems field is the need for more robust cybersecurity practices to protect against hacking and other breaches. Companies are relying on their information technology departments to help safeguard customer data and prevent financial losses.
Prioritization of digital solutions
An increasing number of companies are hiring IT management professionals to assess their current technology, recommend immediate solutions to current issues, and develop long-term plans for optimization.
Efforts to increase efficiencies
Today’s IT specialists must carefully consider return on investment when making decisions on behalf of their organization. Any action they take should impact the company’s bottom line in a positive way and help improve overall efficiency.
Top 10 skills in the IT management industry
Here are the top 10 skills that will see the highest projected growth in the industry:
Skill |
Projected Posting Growth (2018-2023) |
|---|---|
| Customer relationship management (CRM) | 281% |
| Machine learning | 238% |
| Software development principles | 234% |
| Data storage | 201% |
| Business intelligence software | 190% |
| Cloud solutions | 181% |
| Other programming Languages | 179% |
| Data analysis | 170% |
| Marketing software | 168% |
| Web analytics | 166% |
Source: Burning Glass Occupational Insights, 2019
Outlook for new graduates
Not only can pursuing an education in information systems management give you a feeling of accomplishment, but it can also help increase your value to potential employers.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Demand for new workers will stem from greater emphasis on cloud computing, the collection and storage of big data, and information security
- The median annual wage for computer and IT occupations is $88,240
- The most experienced computer and information systems managers can earn more than $208,000
