We surveyed 5,961 IT managers to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical IT manager. Here are the results.

How much intelligence is required as an IT manager?

Low

High

Working as an IT manager typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.

Can I learn to become an IT manager?

Intrinsic Talent

Acquired Talent

A career as an IT manager typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.

Is it easy to get a job as an IT manager?

Easy

Hard

It’s typically difficult to find a job as an IT manager. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for IT managers.

Info

Do IT managers work full-time or part-time?

89% of IT managers work in full-time roles while 11% work part-time.

Is being an IT manager stressful?

Low

High

Stress is not uncommon amongst IT managers, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.

Is being organized important as an IT manager?

Low

High

Some level of organization is generally required to be an IT manager.

How competitive is the workplace for IT managers?

Low

High

IT managers see mild competition in their workplace.

Does being an IT manager require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?

Low

High

IT managers will have to sometimes face time pressure on the job.

Are IT managers allowed to express themselves creatively?

Low

High

IT managers are afforded a certain level of ability to express themselves creatively, compared to other careers.

Do IT managers have control over the direction of their work?

Low

High

IT managers have high flexibility in the direction of their work, allowing them a lot of freedom in how they accomplish their goals.

Is being an IT manager physically demanding?

Low

High

Work as an IT managers is rarely physically demanding, making it a suitable option for those unable to perform physically strenuous tasks.

Are IT managers exposed to a wide variety of work?

Low

High

While sometimes repetitive, IT managers tend to have opportunities for variety in their work.

Does being an IT manager require attention to detail?

Low

High

As in many careers, attention to detail is quite helpful for IT managers.

Does being a good IT manager require compassion and empathy?

Low

High

The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as an IT manager.