Information technology management is a growing sector that affects daily life in unseen ways. From social media to point-of-sale transactions to marketing infrastructure, data storage and management is a key component in harnessing the full potential of information technology.
A degree in information technology systems can prepare you for a wide range of roles within almost any company or industry, dealing with diverse areas such as cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and predictive software. Technology continues to expand rapidly, and it takes skill, experience, and expertise to keep pace with business goals.
We’ve developed this guide to help you figure out if information technology management is the right path for you.
IT professionals play an integral role in the success of any business or organization. Here are several reasons why you may want to pursue a career in this area.
Deep organizational influence
Those in IT management jobs work with people at all levels of an organization. They may advise top executives on solutions that best fit the institutional culture. Many also coordinate with lower-level employees to ensure they have the tools available to keep the company functioning at peak performance.
Variety of career paths
Earning a degree in information technology management will require you to develop an array of technical skills. You’ll need to learn about networks, information security, and programming languages. Having that foundation will open a variety of unique opportunities in the field.
Continuous growth opportunities
As our reliance on technology expands, there will continue to be countless opportunities across a wide spectrum of industries for IT management professionals.
Rising demand for security experts
As businesses transition toward a more digital infrastructure, the threat of data breaches and system vulnerabilities rises. Those able to implement and manage cybersecurity solutions will flourish.
You can find IT professionals in just about every sector, from government to automobile manufacturing. In fact, it’s hard to think of an industry that doesn’t rely on this skill set to coordinate how workers engage with technology.
Trends in computer systems design
The computer systems design industry employs the largest number of IT specialists. They fill in the gaps for companies that lack the resources to perform their own system design, implementation, and management.
Individuals working for computer systems design companies have a wide range of responsibilities, including:
- Developing custom programs
- Conducting disaster recovery services
- Creating secure websites for online markets
- Managing data centers
- Coordinating help desk functions
The computer design systems industry may be the biggest employer of IT professionals, but the retail sector also offers a variety of opportunities. IT management employees are essential to helping companies map out their supply chains. They also keep data flowing to the executives and workers who need it to make critical business decisions. This information includes:
- New product launch details
- Price changes on products
- Stock levels on shelves and in warehouses
- Forecasts on product performance
- Customer feedback about the retailer and its products
Trends in the health care industry
Securing confidential information is essential for companies in the health care industry. Information technology professionals play a vital role in implementing and operating various systems throughout health care organizations, with duties that include:
- Creation of secure portals for patient interactions with providers
- Coordination of software used within areas such as finance and operations
- Positioning technology to help companies monitor compliance with local and federal laws governing health care data
Individuals in this field play a pivotal role in safeguarding the flow of information for different types of organizations in a variety of industry sectors. Potential positions for a graduate with a degree in information technology management include:
- Data analyst
- Data scientist
- Software engineer
- Systems engineer
- Cloud database engineer
- Computer network architect
- Computer system analyst
- Computer hardware engineer
An information technology management degree typically provides graduates with the skills to work in various positions across technology, finance, manufacturing, and retail. There’s an enormous number of openings available, and opportunities continue to grow at a faster-than-average rate.
Earnings potential depends on experience. Most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree, but some people pursue advanced education. Those who land a systems manager role often focus on a specific niche, such as security, software, or network architecture.
Around 433,960 people were working as computer and information systems managers as of May 2019. Industries with the highest levels of employment for that role include software publishing, data processing, and central banks. Some of the highest-paying industries are cable and subscription programming, scientific research and development, and the financial sector.
Entry-level job options
Without on-the-job experience, most recent graduates with a degree in information technology management won’t be starting at the top of the pyramid. One of the best ways to gain experience within a specific company or industry is to apply for entry-level jobs related to your field. Here are a few options to consider:
- Computer programmer
- Database administrator
- Network administrator
- Systems analyst
- Web developer
Advanced career options
Once you’ve gained more experience and have a better idea about the direction of your career, you can enhance your resume by pursuing higher education or taking practical online courses. Then think about advancing to one of the following positions:
- Computer hardware engineer
- Computer network architect
- Computer research scientist
- Information systems manager
- IT director
Information technology management growth potential
Information technology management jobs are projected to see strong growth across many career paths. Here are some career opportunities with the highest projected growth.
Job |
Projected Posting Growth (2016-2026) |
|---|---|
| iOS Developer/Android Developer | 30.70% |
| PHP Developer | 14.90% |
| User Interface (UI) Developer/User Experience (UX) Developer | 14.90% |
| Front End Developer/Web Developer | 14.90% |
| Data Analyst | 9.30% |
| Software Development Engineer | 4.20% |
Source: Burning Glass Technologies Occupational Insights, 2019
Skills increasingly in demand
Skill |
Projected Posting Growth (2018-2023) |
|---|---|
| IT Management | 106% |
| Software Development Methodologies | 106% |
| Productivity Software | 102% |
| Lean Manufacturing | 95% |
| Software Quality Assurance | 78% |
| Software Development Methodologies | 69% |
| Scripting Languages | 64% |
| Software Development Principles | 44% |
| Customer Relationship Management (CRM) | 36% |
Source: Burning Glass Technologies Occupational Insights, 2019
Top soft skills
- Communication
- Teamwork/collaboration
- Troubleshooting
- Written communication
- Creativity
- Research
Technical skills
- Software development
- Software engineering
- Machine learning
- Web development
Top emerging skills
Emerging Skill |
Projected Posting Growth (2018–2023) |
|---|---|
| Salesforce Lightning | 281% |
| Deep Learning | 238% |
| Microservice Architecture | 234% |
| Data Lakes/Reservoirs | 201% |
| Qlik | 190% |
| Cloud Foundry | 181% |
| Golang (Go Programming Language) | 179% |
| Alteryx | 170% |
| SAP Hybris | 168% |
| Adobe Analytics | 166% |
Source: Burning Glass Technologies Occupational Insights, 2019
Popular tools
This area covers a variety of technology-focused roles in an organization. You will likely encounter the following tools and be expected to become proficient in using them:
- JavaScript
- SQL
- Java
- Git
- Python
One of the best ways to gain experience in this industry is to ask your school about internship opportunities.
You should also keep an eye out for postings from companies looking for interns to work in IT-related positions. An internship allows you to get your foot in the door while gaining insight into where you want to take your career. Some companies offering internships are:
- Cigna
- GE
- The Hartford
- Accenture
Professional organizations are a great way to connect with other students and professionals. Use these contacts to build a personal network of support for your career growth. Check out:
Paths to a new career
As technology continues to develop, more industries are looking for professionals to handle the information that comes with it. A degree in information technology management can help start you on the path to becoming one of the experts these industries look toward for guidance and answers. We can help you take the next steps to getting there.
Find your path
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Burning Glass Technologies
- Glassdoor
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