The tech industry is one of the largest industries in the world, and it continues to expand as the world becomes increasingly digital. This is good news for individuals who are interested in making their mark in the field as IT managers.
As an IT manager, you’ll combine your expertise in technology and management to guide the integration of technology into an organization’s operations. If this sounds like something you’d want to do, keep reading to learn what the job entails and how to be an IT manager.
What does an IT Manager do?
An Information Technology Manager primarily manages a team of other IT professionals that handle a company’s computer-related activities and issues. However, an IT manager’s responsibilities also encompass building their organization’s technology infrastructure, optimizing processes, ensuring the security of systems, planning the budget allocation, and directing the overall IT policy.
IT managers regularly communicate with the company’s leaders regarding issues and policies. They may also meet with vendors regarding new technologies and guide their team toward their goals.
How much do IT managers make in the Philippines?
Being an IT manager requires a balance of knowledge in both Information Technology and Management. It comes with a lot of expectations and responsibilities, so IT managers receive a substantial compensation.
IT managers can expect a salary of Php 70,000 to Php 80,000 on average according to Jobstreet, but this can go higher as you gain more experience, improve your IT skills, and earn additional credentials. In addition to a competitive salary, you can expect health benefits, retirement benefits, and paid time off.
Skills Needed to be an IT Manager
IT managers need a combination of hard and soft skills to successfully lead their team. Let’s dive into the relevant skills you need to do what IT managers do.
Project Management
IT managers need a solid grasp of project management principles to ensure effective planning, resource allocation, and risk mitigation. They must oversee project execution, monitor progress, and adapt to changes for multiple projects while ensuring alignment with organizational goals and client expectations.
Communication Skills
Clear and effective communication is essential for conveying technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, facilitating collaboration among team members, and resolving conflicts.
IT managers must articulate project requirements, provide guidance, and foster an environment of open communication to ensure that everyone on the team is on the same page.
Team Management Skills
Managing a team of IT professionals requires the ability to motivate, delegate tasks, provide feedback, and foster a collaborative work environment. IT managers must understand the strengths and weaknesses of team members, align individual goals with organizational objectives, and cultivate camaraderie to drive collective success for the team.
Strategic Thinking
IT managers must have a strategic mindset to anticipate industry trends, identify opportunities for innovation, align technology initiatives with business objectives, and handle IT-related issues.
An IT manager’s strategic thinking should encompass both technical and business elements. They need to assess the long-term impact of their decisions and prioritize IT investments that support the organization’s growth strategy.
Leadership Skills
Effective leadership is one of the most important skills an IT manager needs. Effective leadership is crucial for inspiring teams, driving change, and fostering a culture of excellence.
IT managers must lead by example, demonstrating integrity and empowering team members to take ownership of their work. However, they also need to provide vision, direction, and support to help them navigate challenges and achieve shared goals.
Problem Solving
IT managers encounter various technical and organizational challengers that require analytical thinking, creativity, and resourcefulness. They must identify root causes, evaluate alternative solutions, and implement effective strategies to overcome obstacles and deliver results.
Resilience
In a fast-paced and dynamic industry like IT, an essential skill for IT managers is resilience – being able to bounce back from setbacks, learn from mistakes, and stay focused on achieving objectives. They must remain adaptable and agile in the face of adversity to lead their teams through challenges and drive continuous improvement.
How to Become an IT Manager
Ever IT professional aims to climb the corporate ladder. The question is, “how do I become an IT manager?” Let’s go through what you need to become qualified to be an IT manager.
Complete the Educational Requirements
To be an IT professional, you need a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or Computer Science (or certifications if you shifted careers). However, to be an IT manager, you’ll also need a Master’s degree in Information Technology or a related course.
While a Masteral degree may not always be a requirement, it can give you an advantage over other applicants. Masteral programs in IT or Computer Science are designed to prepare you for a managerial role, so they hone students’ business and leadership skills along with relevant topics in IT.
Earn IT Experience
It goes without saying that you’ll need experience working in IT before you can become an IT manager. Most IT managers start as entry-level IT specialists, and it usually takes years before they get promoted.
These job opportunities help you build your skills and knowledge working in the field, which should help you be better equipped to manage an IT team and a project or an organization’s systems when your promotion comes.
Upgrade Your IT and Leadership Skills
As an IT manager, you’ll need both technical knowledge and leadership experience. This means that you can’t rely solely on your experience as an IT specialist or another similar role. You’ll need to proactively expand your knowledge and skills if you want to pursue a management role in IT.
Pursuing a masteral degree is one way to upgrade your competencies. However, you can also build your skills with certifications and computer short courses. You can target specific IT skills or leadership and management skills with the right courses. These courses serve as proof abilities and fitness for a management role.
You may also ask your employer for opportunities to develop your leadership skills. Doing so can demonstrate your willingness to learn and initiative. It could put you on the higher-up’s radar as a potential candidate.
Apply for Promotions
Finally, you can’t become an IT manager without asking for it. So, when you’ve acquired the educational requirements and essential skills for IT managers, don’t be afraid to apply for positions.
Keep in mind that it’s rare for individuals to successfully jump from entry-level positions to a managerial position. You’ll likely have to apply for multiple promotions, such as to a project manager role, before you can be an IT manager.
If there are managerial positions open in your company, don’t hesitate to apply. You have worked with them, so not only do they know your capabilities, but you are also already familiar with their IT systems and processes.
However, if there are no opportunities within your company, you’re sure to find plenty of job openings in other organizations.
Grow as an IT Leader with Postgrad
Becoming an IT manager is only one of the many career opportunities you can explore as an IT manager. However, if this is your career goal, this guide on how to be an IT manager can help you acquire the right education, certification, and skills.
With Online Postgrad, you can enrich your skills while you work and fast-track your journey to success. Get in touch with us to learn more about our IT programs.