What does an IT manager do?

IT managers lead either IT teams or the entire IT department, depending on the size of the company. They act as an interface and mediate between their subordinates and the rest of the company.

In this article, you will learn what the tasks of an IT manager actually look like and what requirements you need to fulfill for this profession.
 

Definition: what is an IT manager?

IT managers work at the executive level and are responsible for the IT department of a company. They ensure that IT projects are successfully completed and guarantee the efficient work of their team. Within the company, they have a high status and thus also a great responsibility, because a well-functioning IT infrastructure has a significant influence on the success of the company.

As the name suggests, in addition to IT skills, they also have management skills. In addition, IT managers should have a good understanding of the respective industry in which the company operates. As the head of the department, IT managers distribute the tasks and ensure that projects can be completed on time. Together with the team, they are able to develop software solutions that meet the needs of the company.
 

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How do you become an IT manager? Requirements and skills

Are you interested in the job of the IT manager? But you are not yet sure what training you need and what you have to be able to do?
 

Training & studies

As an IT Manager, you should have a degree in computer science or business administration. However, it is important that you have focused your studies on IT. Therefore the best prerequisite is a combination of both. There is now also a special IT management course that you can study at university. Training to become a computer scientist is also an opportunity to start your career, but your chances are better with a degree.

Since IT is constantly changing, IT managers need to stay up to date with further training. Even after several years of professional experience, it is assumed that IT managers are trained and familiar with the latest developments in the industry.
 

Qualifications and skills

In addition to a professional qualification, you should have various skills to be successful as an IT Manager:

Several years of professional experience are required to take on the position of IT manager in the company. It is unlikely that you would be given such a senior role right after graduation. In addition to a wide range of IT knowledge (operating systems, programming languages, IT security, databases), a number of other skills are required:

• Leadership skills to lead the department successfully
• Communication skills in order to appear confidently in a managerial position and to explain difficult issues in an understandable manner
• Foreign language skills (basic requirement: English) in order to find your way in an international working environment
• Time management to complete projects on time
• Ability to deal with conflict in order to mediate between different positions in the team
• Presentation techniques to give managers regular reports on progress
• Persuasiveness to justify the department’s work and direction in front of management

 

What tasks does an IT manager have?

Managing your own IT team or an entire IT department brings with it many tasks. The main task is to ensure that the IT department functions smoothly because the IT Manager is responsible for the success of his team. This also includes taking responsibility for the work before the management level. In regular presentations, he reports on the status of the projects whose tasks he has distributed to the various employees. Thanks to his broad expertise, the IT Manager is the point of contact in case of problems and if something does not go according to plan, he must explain why and, if necessary, have alternative solutions ready.

The progress of the project is analyzed at regular intervals and then documented. To keep the team motivated, feedback discussions with the employees are also part of the tasks of an IT manager. He is also responsible for coordinating the team’s work processes and supporting and developing solutions when the department is faced with problems.

As already mentioned, further education and training are not only required during the studies. Therefore this part is also part of the tasks of an IT manager. But IT managers also have to keep up to date with developments in the company’s industry.
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How much does an IT manager earn?

As an IT manager, you earn an average of $7,446 per month across the US.

Depending on your professional experience, company size, and region, you can earn up to $142,530 a year as an IT manager.
 

 

Potential industries for IT managers

Due to the advancing digitalization, IT managers are required in many different industries. With the right training and relevant work experience, you have very good prospects for a well-paying job. Since nowadays basically nobody can do without a functioning IT department, the areas of work of an IT manager are diverse. So you can apply for the industry you are most interested in.
 

Application as IT manager

In order to apply for a position as an IT manager, you must have several years of experience in IT and the business sector. Your chances increase if you were also responsible for staff and budget. It is also helpful if you have already gained experience in the industry in which the company operates.

In your application you should also highlight your soft skills, communication skills and teamwork skills are particularly important as an IT manager. You also give a good impression if you have actively trained yourself. Therefore, it’s best to include certificates or other proof of further education in your application.

In the cover letter, you can also describe your previous activities in IT projects and briefly explain the successes you have achieved there. This gives the HR manager a comprehensive picture of you.
 

Conclusion

IT managers either lead IT teams or an entire IT department. The basis for this profession is a degree in computer science or business administration or a combination of both. The special IT management course is also ideal if you are aiming for a position as an IT manager.
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