Computer and IT Manager Careers
Computer and IT managers are responsible for overseeing organizations’ technical capabilities. Rather than programming or working with individual computers, they think about how a computer network works as a whole. They try to anticipate security flaws, arrange for systems upgrades as necessary, and oversee the management of a network’s secure documents.
In most instances, computer and IT managers are also responsible for managing a staff of other IT professionals. This involves hiring, overseeing, and disciplining a staff who will need guidance. They may also work with other managers at an organization to ensure that their department goals align with other organizational priorities.
Computer and IT Manager Career Snapshot
Computer and IT managers usually work a standard 9-5 schedule in an office setting. Some may be expected to be available during other hours in the event that a network emergency arises. Additionally, although a 9-5 workweek is typical, 40 percent of computer and IT managers reported working more than 40 hours a week.
Further details on a career as a computer and IT manager are listed below (statistics from the May 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):
is the average yearly pay for computer and IT managers.
increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.
have a Bachelor’s degree while 26% have some college, but no degree.
Education
To become a computer or IT manager, you will likely need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science. However, 26 percent of managers in the field have not earned their degrees. An additional 14 percent have master’s degrees. MBAs are very common among computer and IT managers.
Job Duties
As a computer or IT manager, you may spend your day meeting with employees and executives to discuss your organization’s computer and technology needs. You may research potential solutions to network challenges facing your organization, and create plans to implement those solutions. At times, you will need to learn about new technical equipment that is available to meet your organization’s needs.
Salaries
Computer and IT managers generally earn high; in 2015, their median pay was $131,600 according to May 2015 BLS.gov statistics. The top 10 percent of earners in this field earned $187,200 or more, while the bottom 10 percent earned $80,160 or less. Earning a master’s degree will increase your earning potential.
Job Outlook
The demand for computer and IT managers is growing much faster than average. In 2014, the United States had 348,500 computer and IT managers. That number is expected to grow 15 percent by 2024.
Computer and IT Manager Skills & Abilities
| Computer and IT Manager Skill Set: | Required Abilities: | Tools Used by Computer and IT Managers: | Typical Work Activities: |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Critical Thinking • Active Listening • Reading Comprehension • Judgment and Decision Making • Monitoring | • Deductive Reasoning • Inductive Reasoning • Oral Comprehension • Oral Expression • Problem Sensitivity | • Computer servers • Workstations • Network interface cards • Teleconference equipment | • Working with computers • Decision making • Problem solving • Getting information • Communicating with supervisors and peers |
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