IT Project Manager Career Guide

An IT manager oversees an IT department or information technology projects. IT managers have many responsibilities and must have both technical skills and people skills. Time management is also an essential part of the job, as is keeping team members motivated and working towards the accomplishment of goals.

An understanding of computer software and hardware is essential for this career. IT managers are in charge of supervising a team of other IT workers and managing a department within a business that is focused on effective use of technology. They must be able to manage multiple projects from start to finish to ensure a company?s information technology needs are met.

IT managers typically have training in technology and computers, and may also have human resources education or experience. Some IT managers begin as computer programmers or computer technicians and are able to work their way up to management positions. As with all computer and IT careers, special certifications are always a plus and sometimes a requirement for employers. Most work in office environments and may work normal business hours with occasional evenings, weekends, and overtime hours when projects are on a deadline. Although this career requires minimum physical labor, being an IT manager is mentally challenging.

Responsibilities of IT managers vary and depend upon the specific field they are in. They can head up IT departments in companies ranging from healthcare to education to retail. They may also work for companies dedicated to technology and computer.

If you think you may want to become an IT manager, browse the career profiles below. We have spoken with people who work as IT managers to compile comprehensive profiles of this career. The profiles give you unique insider information you need to make the most informed choice about which careers may best for you.