Computer and information systems drive marketing, publishing, production, customer service, data storage and other operations of entities. The IT manager job description encompasses the duties, skills, and qualifications necessary to accomplish an organization’s computer and information needs.
Job Overview: What Does an IT Manager Professional Do?
Within the IT Manager job description rests the responsibility for the smooth and secure operation of computers, the internet, digital and other information systems. Also, these professionals manage the systems and the employees or teams that use or implement them. Furthermore, to perform their duties, IT managers must have skills in leading employees, spotting potential breaches or deficiencies in systems, and promptly responding to emergencies and other problems.
IT Manager Job Duties
- Evaluate the computer and technological needs of the organization.
- Recommend the acquisition of computer and other information systems and applications.
- Plan and oversee the installation of applications and information security measures.
- Supervise employees in the information technology department.
- Enforce and monitor compliance with company policies on the use of computers, internet, and data.
- Recruit, hire, train and also supervise information technology team members.
- Develop the budget for IT department and information technology apparatus of the organization.
- Monitor and evaluate spending on computers and technology.
IT Manager Job Essential Skills
Problem-Solving. IT managers must address or help their team members address glitches in the computer and information systems. Other potential problems include security breaches and outdated systems. Therefore, analytical skills are crucial for troubleshooting, finding the source and extent of the problem, and taking the necessary steps.
Management. The ability to assemble and lead the IT team is an essential part of the IT manager job description. IT management skills also include planning, budgeting and clearly instructing employees.
Decision-making. IT managers must be decisive as to IT personnel matters, acquiring or recommending technological infrastructure and solving problems. Also to have competent decision making which involves examining strengths, weaknesses, and consequences of particular actions or approaches. Certain emergency scenarios, such as malfunctions caused by viruses, necessitate quick action or advice by the manager.
Communication. Executives and others in the organization need easily-understood explanations of information technology matters. Computer and other information systems involve highly technical terms and procedures.
Becoming an IT Manager Professional
IT managers bring to their organization expertise and backgrounds in computers, digital communications and storage, and other information systems. In addition, the credentials for becoming an IT manager will turn in part on the particular industry or setting in which the manager operates.
Qualifications & Training
Within the IT manager job description normally lies a requirement or preference for a bachelor’s degree. Typical majors consist of computer science, management information systems, or a related discipline. Students pursuing these majors take mathematics, statistics, programming and software development.
Certain companies desire candidates to hold a Master’s of Business Administration or other post-graduate degrees in the computer or information sciences. According to O*NET, approximately 14 percent of Computer and Information Systems Managers earned master’s degrees. Post-graduate programs, especially in business administration, afford students the ability to hold jobs and take classes in the evening or otherwise on less than a full-time basis.
Work Experience
Prior experience in the IT field is normally a prerequisite to an IT management job. For example, aspiring managers may fill positions as programmers, software developers or designers, and information security specialists.
The duration of experience varies by company. As a rule of thumb, directors of IT departments or functions typically need five to ten years experience. Larger organizations, who may employ chief technical officers to oversee several departments’ IT functions, may require at least 15 years of experience in a computer or information technology job. Less experience is needed in smaller companies or offices.
The particular sector also factors into the necessary experience, as the type of information handled will vary by sector. For instance, IT managers in the financial industry should build a work history with entities such as banks, insurance companies, and securities brokerage firms. Employers in the healthcare field may seek candidates who have worked in hospitals, pharmaceutical firms or health insurance companies.
Working Hours
IT managers are full-time employees. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 40 percent logged more than 40 hours per week. While O*NET’s survey places the figure at 59 percent.
When glitches or system breakdowns occur, it is part of the IT manager job description to be available to diagnose and solve the problems. Thus, evening or weekend work may be possible, especially where the establishment operates around the clock.
Job Outlook & Advancement Opportunities
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15 percent rise in employment of “Computer and Information Systems Managers” through 2024. This is substantially more than the seven percent growth in employment overall in the economy.
Generally, businesses and organizations rely heavily on computers and digital technology to process transactions, store customer, supplier and other information; enhance customer service and conduct operations. IT managers are needed to help combat threats such as computer viruses, malware, hacks and dissemination of sensitive data.
In particular, IT managers will find strong prospects in the insurance and healthcare industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of IT managers among insurers should grow by 26 percent. Among healthcare providers, the maintenance of electronic medical records and billing systems will generate strong demand for IT managers.
Employment of IT managers, though, may shift somewhat from IT departments of organizations to companies that offer computer and information management services. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics attributes this trend to an increasing preference for cloud-based computing.
Conclusion
IT managers lend their abilities to lead, analyze systems and problems, and communicate technical concepts to help organizations harness technology. With the potential benefits of technology comes risks of cyber sabotage, theft and other problems, therefore, the IT manager must be able to guide the prevention and remedy of these pitfalls.
Employment of IT managers should climb as organizations depend on computers and must guard against security threats. In sectors such as insurance and healthcare, demand for IT management will especially remain firm due to the use of electronic records storage and claim processing.
