By Philip Yiga | July 27, 2018

An information technology (IT) manager is a person in charge of installing and maintaining computer-systems including wireless-networks and software for companies. In fact, IT-Managers are involved in both technical and management aspects of a company’s IT department and to become a good IT-manager you will need to build up your computer skills by taking computer classes from high school and after obtain a bachelor’s degree in information technology or management. On top of that, you will need some experience in the field as an entry-level IT worker before you can move up to manager-level. So, below are some of the steps you will need to follow in-order to become a good IT-professional.

 

How To Work On Your IT-Education:

1. Go for computer electives while in middle and high school: In-order to prepare yourself for a great career in IT, you will need to learn as much as possible about computers and even understand how computers work and how to repair them. This is very important because IT-managers deal with setting-up and overseeing computer technology such as software and networking. Additionally, they can also do routine diagnostics checks and troubleshoot issues with the machines.

 

2. Get a bachelor’s in information technology or computer science: IT-Managers need to have a bachelor’s degree to get hired and there are actually many colleges that offer information-technology and computer-science majors in-order to prepare students for both business and technical aspects of IT careers. So, consider asking your guidance counselor to help you find these schools or consider looking online for the top-rated information technology programs.

 

3. Take communications and management programs: A degree in computer-science or information-technology will only prepare you to handle the technical side of the job. However, as an IT-Manager you will also need to communicate with your employees and the rest of the workers at the company in-order to achieve smooth operation. So, consider going for communications and management classes because they will help you with your public speaking, leadership and business management skills.

 

4. Go for internship so as to build your network: Kook for an internship position while you are still an undergraduate and then apply for internships that will expose you to IT-departments at major companies. In fact, you can even ask your professor or advisor to help you find internships that will improve on your career prospects.

 

5. Search for a Tech Boot-Camp at a local-university or online: Tech boot-camps can actually cover different topics and most of them are meant to launch people into their IT-careers while some topics are meant for fresh graduates and will likely be the best option for you. So, look for boot-camps that emphasize IT management as well.

 

6. Go for a master’s degree to improve on your job prospects: Although a master’s degree isn’t necessary to become an IT-manager, it may help you land on a higher-paying job or competitive position within a great company. So, look into getting a Master of Science (MS) degree in IT management or a master’s of business administration (MBA) with an emphasis on computer technology.

 

SECTION-2: How To Become A Certified IT-Worker Or Manager:

1. Go for Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certifications: The CCNA Routing & Switching exam can be a great certification because it will help you cover the installation and configuration of network routers and switches coupled with upgrading company networks when a new technology arises. In fact, once you have completed a CCNA-Certification you can consider taking an upper-level exam in security, service provider operations, remote-collaboration or wireless-setup. In fact, entry-level IT-workers will need to be certified to do network setup, computer security and repair and installation of new computer-technologies.

 

2. Get foundational skills as a CompTIA A+ Technician: Completing a CompTIA A+ exam shows that you understand the typical hardware and software that is used by companies in the business world. In fact, it also shows that you can handle multiple platforms, including mobile and traditional devices.

 

3. Develop networking skills with CompTIA Network+ certification: Passing the CompTIA Network+ exam will show employers that you can design, configure and troubleshoot wireless-networks. In fact, this is a good certification to get early in your career because it will show-off your IT skill-set.

 

4. Volunteer your IT-skills with any local-organization to get experience: Consider getting in touch with nonprofits, schools or other institutions near you and then try to solve any computer or technology problems they are facing. In fact, this will provide you with enough experience that you can even put on your resume to show employers that you have applied your education and certifications in the real-world.

 

5. Get an entry-level job and work for about 5-years: you will actually need to work as an entry-level IT-employee for about 5-to-6 years because most companies will want to see that you have worked in an IT-field for several years before moving you up to the management-level. So, consider starting your IT-Career as an IT specialist or IT support worker.

 

6. Search for IT-Manager jobs online: in case there are no advancement opportunities where you work now, consider going to online-platforms like Indeed or LinkedIn and search for open positions near you. Remember to write down your skills and experience because this will help to set you apart from the rest of the applicants.