How to become an IT manager

Is becoming an IT manager right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do IT managers do?
Career Satisfaction
Are IT managers happy with their careers?
Personality
What are IT managers like?

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How to become an IT Manager

Becoming an IT manager requires a combination of education, experience, and skills. Here are some steps you can take to become an IT manager:

  • Obtain A Relevant Degree: Many IT managers hold a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. A degree provides you with a solid foundation in technical knowledge and principles that are essential for an IT management role.
  • Gain Experience In IT Roles: Start your career by working in entry-level IT positions to gain practical experience and develop your skills. This could include roles such as IT support, system administrator, network engineer, or software developer. As you progress, seek opportunities to take on leadership responsibilities and gain exposure to project management and team coordination.
  • Develop Managerial And Leadership Skills: To transition into an IT management role, it's important to develop skills in areas such as team leadership, project management, communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. Look for opportunities to lead projects, coordinate teams, and take on management responsibilities within your current role or through additional training and certifications.
  • Pursue Relevant Certifications: Consider obtaining industry-recognized certifications that demonstrate your expertise in specific areas of IT management (see below).
  • Consider Pursuing Advanced Education: While not mandatory, obtaining an advanced degree such as an MBA (Master of Business Administration) with a specialization in IT management can provide you with a strong foundation in business principles and further enhance your prospects for senior IT management roles.
  • Seek Professional Development Opportunities: Stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in the IT industry by attending workshops, conferences, and seminars. Join professional associations and engage in networking opportunities to connect with other IT professionals and gain insights into the field.
  • Showcase Your Leadership Abilities: Highlight your leadership skills and management experience in your resume and during job interviews. Emphasize your ability to effectively manage teams, handle projects, and align IT initiatives with business objectives.

Certifications
There are several certifications that can help IT managers boost their skills and stand out in the field. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  • Project Management Professional (PMP): Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), this certification shows you know how to manage projects from start to finish. It covers planning, execution, monitoring, and closing projects, and highlights your ability to lead teams effectively.
  • Certified Information Systems Manager (CISM): Provided by ISACA, CISM focuses on information security management. It demonstrates your ability to design and oversee an organization’s security program, protect sensitive data, and manage risks.
  • Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC): Also from ISACA, CRISC validates your skills in identifying, assessing, and managing IT risks while maintaining strong control over information systems.
  • ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library): ITIL certifications, like ITIL Foundation or ITIL Practitioner, show you understand IT service management and best practices. They’re especially useful if you oversee IT services and want to keep systems running smoothly.
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Offered by (ISC)², CISSP demonstrates your expertise in cybersecurity and information assurance, a must-have for IT managers responsible for protecting company data.
  • Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT): Another ISACA certification, CGEIT focuses on IT governance, helping you align IT with business goals, manage risks, and ensure investments deliver value.
  • Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): Provided by the Scrum Alliance, CSM is for IT managers working with Agile teams. It shows you can lead projects collaboratively, adapt quickly, and guide teams through iterative development cycles.