How to become an Information Technology Manager: Skills, Qualification, Average Salary

Information Technology Manager is what is all in your mind and if you are someone who is doing an IT support specialist job or any other IT-related job and looking for the position of Information Technology Manager then you have landed in the right place. In this article, we will discuss how to become an Information Technology Manager.

But before we look at Information Technology Manager, let us first look at what is Information Technology, what are its qualifications or requirements, what are the roles and responsibilities, skills, and everything you need to know about Information Technology Manager.

What is Information Technology (IT)?

Information Technology (IT) involves the development, maintenance, and use of computer systems, and networks, and the sharing of information or data. Server upgrades, IT support, creating and applying new software, data collection, and processing, security monitoring, and technology upgrades for the functioning of the organisation or the business are some examples of Information Technology (IT). IT can be explained in just a simple sentence in that it deals with information, data, and security.

Who is Information Technology Manager

When you are planning or looking for an Information Technology Manager job role, then you must know who is Information Technology Service Management Manager, the qualifications, requirements, and everything related to it that will help you to know better about the job position.

An Information Technology Manager is a professional who is responsible for the organisation's computer-related queries and solutions. He/She is responsible for planning the needs of the department, managing the IT budget, managing the team, plans, and managing reports. They look after the organisation's operational requirements, research strategies, and technology solutions.

They evaluate hardware both existing and new, deal with new servers, and server crashes, control IT and electronic data operations, coordinate systems, policies and ensure data security, and backup systems. They work with systems and security analysts, software developers, and support personnel. Read further to know more in detail about Information Technology Manager.

Types of Information Technology Managers

• IT Financial Manager
• IT Service Manager
• Senior Information Technology Manager
• IT Asset and Configuration Manager

Information Technology Manager Qualifications/Requirements

For becoming an Information Technology (IT) Manager you will need a Bachelor’s Degree in IT in computer science or management information systems. Getting an IT Manager post doesn't need only a degree but also needs good years of experience and strong technical, managerial, and communication skills.

Computer programming, software development, and computer network security are all important skills that a manager must have. Let us see some more technical and soft skills.

Information Technology Manager Skills

Information Technology Technical Skills

• Budgeting
• Scheduling
• Information Systems
• Staff Management
• Business Process Analysis
• Strategic Planning
• Systems Engineering
• Information Security
• Project Management
• Software Development/Engineering

Soft Skills

• Communication
• Research
• Planning
• Collaboration
• Problem Solving
• Strategic thinking
• Ability to work under pressure
• Empathy and Active listening
• Negotiation skills
• Writing and Public speaking skills

Information Technology Manager Certifications

Information Technology Manager Certifications are listed below that help you get a highly paid job and its weightage and more value to your degree. Certifications build your confidence to work out things in the job role you are going to apply for. With certifications, you can gain more knowledge and understanding about IT related issues such as security, data storage, hardware, software, and many more.

Here are some of the top IT Management certifications

• Six Sigma
• CompTIA Network+
• Certified in Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
• AMA Certified Professional in Management
• Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Information Technology Manager Roles

An Information Technology Manager is responsible to do His/Her an everyday basis listed down below. However, some of the responsibilities may vary or change depending on the organisation's needs.

• Manages and reports the distribution of IT budget
• Deals with server crashes and sets up new servers
• Designs workshops and trains the staff
• Develops IT guidelines and policies and implements them
• Manages information technology and computer systems
• Looks after the major IT projects
• Identifies opportunities, updation of software and systems, and improves it
• Conducts system audits
• Controls and evaluate IT and electronic data operations
• Preserves information security, and network access, and implements solution strategies for problems
• Maintains staff, recruits, selects, orients, and trains the employees'

Information Technology Manager Salary in India

Information Technology Manager average salary in India is Rs 12.9 lakhs per annum. It ranges from Rs 3.3 lakhs to Rs 25.0 lakhs per annum.

Information Technology Manager salary based on the companies

• Information Technology salary of HDFC is Rs 10.3 lakhs per year with experience of 5 to 12 years

• Information Technology salary of TCS is Rs 5.06 lakhs per year with experience of 1 to 13 years

• Information Technology salary of Capgemini is Rs 17.4 lakhs per year with experience of 10 to 13 years

• Information Technology salary of Wipro is Rs 7.8 lakhs per year with experience of 4 to 15 years

• Information Technology salary of Axis Bank is Rs 12.6 lakhs per year with experience of 1 to 12 years

• Information Technology salary of Accenture is Rs 23.0 lakhs per year with experience of 9 to 20 years

• Information Technology salary of Tata Steel is Rs 11.5 lakhs per year with experience of 1 to 12 years

How to become an Information Technology Manager

An IT Manager job position provides you with a great salary but to become an IT Manager one needs to do a lot of hard work and must be dedicated. If you really want to make your career as an IT Manager. Here are a few steps to follow to reach your goal.

Diploma in High school

If you discover your career goal during your high school or Intermediate studies it is well and great. During high school, if options are available, take classes in computer science and coding that help you to develop your skills.

Entrance Exam

Many colleges provide admissions without an entrance exam but some of the colleges require the entrance exam. So it's better to take up the entrance exams that are held on the national or state level exams such as BITSAT, JEE Main, CET, TNEA, WBJEE, COMEDK UGET, and many more.

Enroll in a bachelor's degree program

You must choose a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology if you are looking for most computer and information systems (CIS) managerial positions.

Internship in Information Technology field

There's a lot of competition and demand going on in the IT sector and in the tough competition you should be able to prove yourself skillful and experienced. So for industry skills and experience you can take up an internship during your graduation which helps you to get real-world work experience. You get to work with CIS managers and learn from the professionals which is an added option to your resume as well as building your skills and experience and knowledge in the related field.

Look for an entry-level job

Look for an entry-level job as an IT support specialist or any related position in the same field.

Taking a job in IT support helps to build your career as it adds to your experience and improves skills.

Develop Leadership skills

When you have taken your entry-level job look for opportunities to develop your leadership skills. Build your skills and prove to yourself that you have the ability to lead a team.

Enroll for a Master's Degree

Many organisations require a Master's degree in computer and information systems management. A Master's degree is needed to develop some of the specific skills and helps to get trained in the job. You can also opt for an MBA in Technology Management or in the areas such as managerial concepts, strategic or technical.