Information Technology (IT) is a field that harnesses some of the world’s brightest, most innovative minds. We’re talking folks who have the potential to create the next great social medium or develop software that can aid in cancer research. Their potential truly knows no bounds.
Often, though, IT employees work to ensure all things technology-wise are running smoothly for a corporation and/or website. So, it may come as no surprise that becoming an IT manager comes with additional pressures and responsibilities to safeguard a company’s network and online assets.
While it may seem like this whip-smart role would require an associate degree at the very least, we can assure you there are options for becoming an IT manager without one.
Read on to find out more.
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What is an IT Manager and What Do They Do?
IT managers oversee the technology-related aspects of a company, whether it’s in-house or for a third party. Further, they maintain the company’s networks and software upgrades; troubleshoot tech issues; supervise the IT budget; and choose the technological components for running a company’s servers and/or devices. Naturally, as a manager, they also may be tasked with managing a team, which could look like hiring and training new employees or delegating duties to their colleagues.
It’s also in the best interest of IT managers (and their coworkers, too) to keep current with the latest technological developments, whether it’s regarding computers, tablets, cellphones, software or the web at large. And, honestly, this can be difficult since there are changes—whether micro or macro—on a daily basis. For example, perhaps Apple is updating their Mac software, so an entire company may need to update their computers to maintain optimal efficiency across all teams. If the IT manager doesn’t alert the company that they need to make said update by a certain time, technological issues may arise (which they will also be expected to resolve).
Is it difficult to become an IT manager?
Like most jobs, there’s a hierarchy when working in IT. Thus, you may have to start at “the bottom” (AKA an entry-level position) and work your way to a management position.
Depending on where you work, this may or may not be a difficult feat. If your manager sets you up for success and genuinely wants to see you ascend the ranks, you might get promoted more quickly than you expected. Of course, you’ll have to demonstrate your technological know-how, take initiative with different tasks, and be a reliable colleague to your manager and team. So, to state the obvious, putting your best foot forward every day is an ideal plan for getting noticed.
Also, consider the size of the company you’re working for. Perhaps your team is massive (think 50+ people) and your efforts might go unnoticed amongst all of the other projects and assignments taking place. That said, you may even need to bounce around to a few different companies before you achieve manager status.
How long does it take to become an IT manager?
Once again, this might depend on where you work. Say you start at a company in an associate or an entry level help desk position. If you impress your employer in the first year or year-and-a-half, you could earn a new role as an administrator, assistant manager, or analyst. (Hierarchy and titles might differ from company to company, FYI.) However, you might not see a managerial title until you’re four or five years into your career. This could simply be due to lack of experience—and room for improvement.
Some words of advice: when you start a new IT job as an entry-level or mid-level hire, communicate to your boss that your goal is to eventually become an IT manager. Better yet—this is vital information that you should share during the interview process. Recruiters will likely be impressed that you’re thinking that far ahead and that you have the ambition to climb the hierarchical ladder. (On the other hand, though, this might be an opportunity for a recruiter to be honest and let you know that there isn’t currently much room for growth at their company.)
Moreover, when your boss knows that a managerial title is what you’re working towards—whether you express this from day one or during your first annual performance review—they can (and should) put you on a path to achieve just that. With specific direction and guidance, you’ll be able to attain the necessary qualifications and experience to be promoted.
But, if you don’t see the needle moving forward after one, two, or three years at the same company, it may be time to consider taking your talents elsewhere.
How much does an IT manager make?
According to Indeed.com, the average salary for an IT manager in the United States is $92,486. The low end is around $62,500 while the higher end could be as much as $136,700.
Two major factors that could influence an IT manager’s salary would be location (city and/or company, that is) and years of experience. Indeed also reports that it’s possible you may not reach the six-figure mark until you have nearly a decade of experience—but even one or two years into your management position could lead to a salary of $87,000 (or more).
How to Become an IT manager without a Degree
As previously mentioned, you technically don’t need a degree to eventually become an IT manager. Thankfully, the number of reputable online courses that offer certifications are plentiful. Whether you take a coding course or cyber security course, such options are a fast track to make you eligible for an IT position. (Not to mention, taking a course is a good litmus test to see if pursuing IT is really what you want to do.)
As far as becoming an IT manager, much of what we already touched on still applies—that is, you’ll likely need to begin in an entry-level position, regardless of your age or former field of work. But, as we’ve learned, even entry-level IT jobs pay rather generously.
When you do happen to land your first IT gig, it would also be a good idea to keep furthering your education at the same time. Ask your manager if the company offers higher education courses of sorts or do your own research to better understand the software, hardware, backends, websites, etc., that your company uses.
And, of course, you can also resort back to the course providers that gave you your start to see if they have intermediate and advanced-level certification classes. Once those are completed, you can share your new credentials with your employer and use your extensive IT knowledge to be of better service to your team.
Then, hopefully this will be the catalyst for a potential promotion and a step closer to fulfilling your goal of becoming an IT manager.
Qualifications for becoming an IT manager without a degree
Aside from your professional skills, though, it’s important to embody the basic qualities that would make for a good employee in this type of setting. For both IT managers and other IT-related positions, one should strive to be an effective communicator; an ambitious, passionate leader who takes initiative; and someone who pursues a creative, resourceful, flexible yet precise approach to problem-solving.
It’s one thing to come equipped with all the proper knowledge for the job, but it’s another to have that know-how and be a pleasant, helpful, and reliable member within your team.
Can You Get an IT job without an IT Degree?
Let’s say you did attend college and earned a bachelor’s degree… in writing. Maybe you even started your post-grad career as an editorial assistant, but then you decided you want to pivot into IT. What would that look like?
Similarly to those that don’t have a degree at all, you can earn certifications through online courses. And even if your degree or background may not seem irrelevant to IT, you might even surprise yourself in how your skillset can still be applicable.
One leg-up that those with a degree may have in this instance is being able to reach out to their university alumni network to get their start in IT. However, those who have no degree but do have certifications can still effectively network the “old-fashioned way” via cold calls, cold emails, cold messages on social media (LinkedIn messaging for example), as well as reaching out to second- and third-degree connections that can help them break into the industry.
Conclusion
Given that the world of Information Technology is ever changing, this field requires the sharpest minds from every corner of the globe.
Whether you end up taking a job at a small nonprofit organization or a position with a tech conglomerate, you’ll need to use your skills to ensure systems are running as efficiently as possible, while also fixing any problems that arise. This might result in some uneventful days or, conversely, working overtime to troubleshoot and correct a network-wide threat. Thus, the stakes can be high for such a role.
Although it may take several years to achieve IT manager status, at least you’ll have plenty of time to hone in on the skills that matter most for this position. And when the day comes, you’ll be ready to lead with utmost confidence.
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