Given the growing demand for skilled professionals to oversee and manage complex technology systems, it’s no surprise that IT management is one of today’s most promising career paths. As businesses rely heavily on technology in their daily operations, IT managers ensure that systems run smoothly, securely, and efficiently. Not only are IT career opportunities expanding, but salaries are competitive, and the work is rewarding, giving you the chance to play a pivotal role in shaping your organization’s technological future.
Table of Contents
- What is an Information Technology (IT) Manager?
- What Does an IT Manager Do?
- Essential Skills for IT Managers
- How Long Does it Take to Become an IT Manager?
- Educational Requirements
- Steps to Become an IT Manager
- Getting Started with NU’s Online Degree Programs
Want to learn how to become an IT manager? From earning the right degree to gaining relevant experience, the paths you follow, both educationally and professionally, can prepare you to succeed in this in-demand role. Below, let’s explore the specific qualifications, skills, certifications, and experiences you’ll need on your journey.
What is an Information Technology (IT) Manager?
An IT manager is a professional responsible for overseeing and managing an organization’s entire technology infrastructure – from network security to software development to data utilization and more. The role involves ensuring that your company’s IT systems are secure, efficient, and aligned with its business goals.
What Does an IT Manager Do?
For an IT manager, key responsibilities include providing general technical expertise, supervising IT staff, ensuring network security, and overseeing company-wide implementation of new technologies and systems. Furthermore, an IT manager should understand how to utilize technology to address the operational, tactical, and strategic needs and challenges that organizations and businesses face. IT managers also develop and enforce IT policies and procedures, manage budgets, and interact with other managers to provide comprehensive technology resources supporting the organization’s objectives.
On a daily basis, an IT manager might spend time troubleshooting technical issues, monitoring system performance, and ensuring data backups and recovery plans are in place. Working closely with individual departments to understand their unique needs, IT managers may also help develop and implement innovative technical solutions that improve efficiency and productivity within a specific sector or team.
In the bigger picture, IT managers play a critical role in strategic planning, including forecasting future technology needs, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring that the organization remains competitive by adopting cutting-edge technologies. They must stay up to date with the latest trends in IT and cybersecurity to protect the company from potential vulnerability.
The Importance of an IT Manager to Organizations
Within most organizations, business success depends heavily on the competence of IT managers. Day-to-day operations can only run smoothly with secure technology systems in place that safeguard data and protect the organization from cybersecurity threats. Not only do IT professionals serve as their company’s first line of defense against cyber threats, but they help protect their organization’s bottom line from confidentiality-compromising data leaks and the cost of downtime due to malware, cyber scams, and other digital threats.
Additionally, regularly upgrading systems and implementing new technologies can drive innovation and improve efficiency, giving organizations a competitive edge over their market rivals. An IT manager’s expertise and leadership in these areas facilitate safe, sustainable growth without unnecessary operational disruptions and other obstacles.
The Role of IT Managers in Digital Transformation
IT managers also play a pivotal role in driving digital transformation within their organizations by leading initiatives that modernize and optimize business processes through technology. They oversee the adoption of advanced digital tools and methods such as cloud computing, automation, and data analytics, which are essential for improving efficiency, enhancing customer experiences, and staying competitive in a digital-first world.
By managing these transformations, IT managers ensure that their company’s technology infrastructure can support the newest digital strategies. They collaborate with other departments to integrate these technologies seamlessly into existing workflows while also training staff to adapt to new tools and systems. Through their leadership, IT managers help organizations successfully navigate the complexities of digital transformation, positioning them for ongoing success.
Essential Skills for IT Managers
Technical expertise, critical thinking, and dynamic leadership are essential skills needed to excel as an IT manager. Beyond a comprehensive understanding of complex systems, you must be a strategic thinker and communicator capable of guiding teams through change and innovation—while also managing the daily demands of IT operations. Here are some of the skills to develop to become a successful IT manager:
Technical Skills
- IT Infrastructure Administration and Maintenance: Overseeing all the hardware, software, networks, facilities, and associated equipment necessary to deliver IT services and support business operations, from cloud to desktop systems.
- Network management: Ensuring your organization’s network is secure, efficient, and reliable.
- Cybersecurity: Protecting systems from threats by implementing security protocols and responding to breaches.
- System administration: Managing and maintaining IT systems, including servers, databases, and hardware.
- Software development: Understanding coding, software life cycles, and the integration of applications.
- QA Testing: Ensuring software quality by developing and executing test plans, identifying defects, and ensuring the reliability and performance of applications before deployment.
- Cloud computing: Managing cloud services and infrastructure to ensure scalable and flexible IT solutions.
- Data management: Overseeing data storage and retrieval, as well as ensuring data integrity and security.
Critical Thinking Skills
- Communication: Clearly convey technical information to non-technical stakeholders and collaborate with various departments.
- Strategic thinking: Planning and implementing IT strategies that align with your organization’s long-term goals.
- Problem-solving: Quickly identifying and resolving technical issues to minimize downtime and maintain productivity.
- Leadership: Inspiring and guiding IT teams, fostering a positive work environment, and driving project success.
- Time management: Efficiently prioritizing tasks and managing time to meet deadlines and project milestones.
- Risk Assessment: Evaluating potential risks such as security vulnerabilities, system failures, or project overruns—and implementing mitigation strategies to reduce their impact on operations and data security.
Project Management Skills
- Agile: Utilizing iterative project management and software development techniques to enhance flexibility and deliver projects incrementally.
- Scrum: Implementing an Agile framework to manage teams and projects through regular sprints and reviews.
- Risk management: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with IT projects and technology implementation.
- Change Management: systematically managing changes to scope, schedule, resources, or technology to ensure changes are implemented smoothly while minimizing disruption and maintaining alignment with IT projects objectives.
- Quality Assurance: ensuring that IT projects adhere to defined quality standards, operate as intended, are free of defects, reliable, and meet user requirements.
- Budget management: Allocating resources effectively and ensuring projects stay within financial constraints.
- Stakeholder management: Engaging and communicating with stakeholders to ensure their needs are met and expectations are managed.
How Long Does it Take to Become an IT Manager?
Climbing the ladder to become an IT manager could take 3 to 5 years or more after earning a degree. To start, it can take several years of educational and professional experience to become an IT manager. Most aspiring IT managers pursue their bachelor’s degree in information systems, information technology, computer science, or a similar field.
After earning a degree, the next step is to gain hands-on experience in relevant IT roles. For those looking to advance more quickly, pursuing professional certifications or a master’s degree can potentially accelerate career growth. Below, we’ll explore the specific educational paths, certifications, and experience needed to become an IT manager.
Educational Requirements
At minimum, IT managers should hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as computer science or information technology. National University’s Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (BSIS) program provides a solid foundation for building an IT career. However, to bolster your qualifications and expand your opportunities, you may want to consider continuing your education with an advanced degree. Completing a graduate degree such as a Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) or a Master of Science in Technology Management (MSTM) further enhances your applicable skills and can open the door to leadership roles and more rapid advancement as an IT professional. National University also offers the Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management, which prepares you for executive roles, academic positions, and advanced research opportunities within the IT field.
Industry Certifications
IT managers support their technical and business expertise with industry-recognized certifications. Earning key certifications not only enhances your skills in these areas but also demonstrates to employers and colleagues your dedication to staying competitive and achieving success. In addition to earning a degree, here are several certifications that can set you apart as an IT manager:
- Project Management Professional (PMP): Enhances advanced project management skills, providing the tools to oversee projects from inception to completion and ensure they meet goals on time and within budget.
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): A globally recognized certification that validates your knowledge and experience in cybersecurity, enabling you to safeguard information systems effectively and manage security risks.
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): Focuses on the management and governance of information security, equipping you with the skills to develop and manage an organization’s information security program.
- Other relevant certifications: The CompTIA Project+ certification develops essential project management skills for smaller projects. At the same time, ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) certifies knowledge in IT service management, aligning IT services with business needs.
Gaining Relevant Experience
Working directly in your field of expertise demonstrates the practical knowledge required for building a successful career in IT. Entry-level positions like IT Support, Systems Analyst, and Network Administrator provide a strong foundation in troubleshooting, system maintenance, and network management. These roles offer hands-on experience, gaining a deep understanding of daily IT operations.
Progressing from entry-level roles into more advanced positions involves taking on greater responsibilities and complex projects. Early advancement typically involves managing teams, overseeing large-scale IT projects, and developing strategic initiatives to support organizational goals.
Robust leadership and project management skills are essential to reach top roles like IT Manager or IT Director. Effective IT leaders guide and motivate teams, make strategic decisions, and manage resources efficiently, ensuring projects are completed successfully, on time, and within scope.
Building Your Professional Network
Building a supportive professional network in IT can be a valuable asset as you grow your career. Joining relevant organizations such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) or ISACA offers valuable opportunities to connect with peers, share knowledge, and access resources tailored to IT professionals. These associations provide platforms for networking, access to industry events, and specialized forums that can help you build and maintain professional relationships.
Active involvement in professional organizations also opens doors to mentorship opportunities, career advice, and industry insights that can help you advance. By engaging with your community of professionals and staying involved in relevant activities, you can enhance your visibility in the field, learn from others’ experiences, and keep your skills and knowledge current.
Steps to Become an IT Manager
Becoming an IT manager involves a combination of hands-on experience and strategic preparation, with mentorship playing an important role in guiding you through the process. Let’s recap the key steps to prepare for a managerial role in IT:
1. Getting an Educational Foundation
Start by earning your degree in information technology, information systems, computer science, or a related field to gain technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Consider graduate studies to maximize your value as a job candidate.
2. Gaining Experience
Acquire practical experience in entry-level IT roles such as systems administration or network management to deepen your expertise and learn the key aspects of IT operations.
3. Developing Leadership Skills
Cultivate leadership abilities by volunteering for opportunities to take on more responsibility. Consider taking on team lead roles, managing small projects, and pursuing leadership training to hone your skills.
 4. Building a Professional Network
Establish and maintain relationships with industry professionals through networking events, conferences, webinars, and social media to gain insights, mentorship, and career opportunities.
5. Transitioning to Management
Look for managerial roles within your organization or seek opportunities at other companies. Demonstrate your ability to lead, delegate, and achieve organizational goals to make a strong case for promotion.
6. Managing IT Teams and Projects
Successfully lead IT teams and manage projects by applying your technical knowledge, leadership skills, and project management techniques to deliver results on time and within budget.
7. Understanding Business Operations
Develop a strong understanding of business processes, financial management, and strategic planning to align IT initiatives with organizational objectives.
8. Continuing Education and Growth
Stay current with industry trends and technologies by pursuing further certifications, attending workshops, and participating in professional development courses.
9. Career Advancement and Opportunities
Advance your career by leveraging your experience, skills, and network to seek higher-level management positions, explore specialized IT roles, or transition into executive leadership.
Getting Started with NU’s Online Degree Programs
The IT industry is constantly evolving, presenting exciting opportunities for growth and innovation. If you’re seeking a challenging and rewarding career that combines technical expertise, leadership skills, and business acumen, consider exploring National University’s educational programs in IT.
Whether you’re just starting your professional journey, looking for new advancement opportunities, or are ready for a career pivot, investing in your education and skill development can set you on the path toward becoming an IT manager.
Learn more about some of our undergraduate and graduate degree offerings in ITÂ :