IT Management Career Opportunities for MS IT and MBA IT Graduates
IT management careers continue to boom as the nation’s economic recovery slowly rebounds. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ long-term outlook is that by 2018, careers in information technology will expand to more than two million new jobs.
Researchers and consultants in the IT management field note that the recession has been a wake-up call for many workers with out-of-date skills. This points to one reason why the marketplace for professionals with advanced, specialized IT management skills will remain strong for years to come.
Holding an MS IT or MBA IT Management degree presents you as a stronger candidate for IT jobs and promotions – and you’ll be able to find a wide variety of information technology management careers.
A Master of Science in Information Technology is prized by many employers looking for professionals with advanced degrees, practical leadership abilities and a broad technical understanding of emerging technologies in the IT field. Earning a specialization in Database Administration or Enterprise Resource Planning focuses in on specific industries.
It’s highly sought after for a number of positions including:
- Director of Information Technology
- IT Architect and Systems Manager
- Data Processing Manager
- Systems Software Manager
- Chief Information Officer
And while evolving technologies continue to put qualified IT professionals in high demand, those who hold a graduate degree will most likely be offered the top management and executive opportunities. An MBA with a specialization in Information Technology Management combines the advanced technical skills and proven business and management principles employers seek for positions such as:
- IT Director
- Chief Technology Officer
- Management Information Systems Director
- Vice President of Information Technology
- Information Technology Management Consultant
The Rewards and Challenges of Information Technology Management Careers
A career in IT management can have just as many rewards and challenges. Here are some things to consider when you receive your MS IT or MBA IT degree.
Rewards
- Compensation. Professionals pursuing IT management careers can expect to earn more than their colleagues in the IT department – often well into the six-figure salary ranges. Click here to see the 2010 information technology salary outlook.
- High profile projects. Your position within the company combined with your advanced skills will earn you a fast-track spot on the key organizational initiatives.
- Leadership opportunities. C-level management and cross-department peers look to your IT expertise to position the company as a leader in its field. An IT management career also gives you an opportunity to mentor others and directly showcase the benefits of an MS IT or MBA IT degree.
Challenges
- Accountability. When you pursue an IT management career, there’s no finger-pointing when something goes wrong. You take the responsibility for your team and your ability to manage is measured by their performance.
- Demanding hours. The workload of the typical IT management career profession is anything but typical. Projects are generally mission-critical to the organization and lean budgets and tight deadlines mean a lot of hours logged at the office.
- Managing. Yes, the challenge of an information management career is that you are responsible for your staff’s career development, job satisfaction and performance. Difficult personalities and less-than-enthusiastic work ethics can make an IT managers job a challenge.
What Information Technology Careers IT Graduates Can Expect
Armed with a master’s in information technology, there are a wide range of IT management careers that MS IT and MBA IT graduates can explore.
Jumpstart Your IT Management Career!
If you’ve been thinking about advancing in your IT career, take the next steps and see what you’ll gain my earning your MS IT or MBA IT degree online.