How To Become An IT Manager: Take These 5 Steps

Maybe your like

Alumni
Students
Giving
Partnerships
Accessibility

Live Chat
(800) 596-0724
Search

Home
Information Technology (IT) Manager

Program availability

Your Preferences

Update your Zip code, preferred campus, and preferred program

Zip code Preferred Campus OnlineAkronAtlantaBirminghamBrookfield/MilwaukeeClarksvilleKenoshaMadisonMinneapolisNashvilleNew OrleansOrlandoTampa Preferred Program Bachelor of Social WorkHealth and Human ServicesInterdisciplinary StudiesMS in Health and Human Services LeadershipMaster of Social WorkPsychologyAccountingBusiness AnalyticsBusiness ManagementHuman ResourcesInterdisciplinary StudiesMBAMBA - Business AnalyticsMS - Business AnalyticsMarketingProject ManagementDental AssistingDental HygieneDental Hygiene - BridgeDental RadiologyHealth Information ManagementHealth SciencesHealthcare AdministrationInterdisciplinary StudiesMS - Healthcare AdministrationMedical AssistingMedical Billing / Medical CodingMedical Office AdministrationPhysical Therapist AssistantRadiologic TechnologySterile ProcessingSurgical Technology ProgramLegal StudiesAssociate in Nursing (RN Prep)Associate of Science in General Studies - Pre-NursingBSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerBSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse PractitionerBSN to DNP - Family Nurse PractitionerBSN to DNP - Nursing Leadership & AdministrationBSN to DNP - Pediatric Nurse PractitionerBSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerBSN to DNP - Public HealthBSN to DNP - Women's Health Nurse PractitionerBachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)Doctor of Nursing EducationDoctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)LPN to Associate in NursingMSN - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerMSN - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse PractitionerMSN - Direct EntryMSN - Family Nurse PractitionerMSN - Nurse EducatorMSN - Nursing LeadershipMSN - Pediatric Nurse PractitionerMSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerMSN - Public Health NursingMSN - Women’s HealthMSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerMSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse PractitionerMSN to DNP - Family Nurse PractitionerMSN to DNP - Nursing Leadership & AdministrationMSN to DNP - Pediatric Nurse PractitionerMSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerMSN to DNP - Public HealthMSN to DNP - Women's Health Nurse PractitionerPMC - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerPMC - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse PractitionerPMC - Family Nurse PractitionerPMC - Nurse EducationPMC - Nursing Leadership and AdministrationPMC - Pediatric Nurse PractitionerPMC - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerPMC - Public HealthPMC - Women's Health Nurse PractitionerPractical Nursing (LPN prep)RN to BSNRN to MSN - Adult Gerontology Acute Care NurseRN to MSN - Adult Gerontology Primary Care NurseRN to MSN - Family Nurse PractitionerRN to MSN - Nursing EducationRN to MSN - Nursing LeadershipRN to MSN - Pediatric Nurse PractitionerRN to MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse PractitionerRN to MSN - Public Health NursingRN to MSN - Women’s HealthCriminal JusticeInterdisciplinary StudiesComputer Science - Bachelor's DegreeComputer Science - Master's DegreeCybersecurity - Bachelor of ScienceCybersecurity - Master of ScienceCybersecurity - Post Bachelor's CertificateCybersecurity - Post Master's CertificateInformation Technology (IT)Information Technology - CertificateInterdisciplinary StudiesUndecided Update IT manager wearing a suit leading team meeting at desk

IT manager wearing a suit leading team meeting at desk

How to Become an IT Manager

Here are five steps for securing a job as an IT manager (computer and information systems manager) and what you need to know for your career.

Start your new career path

As companies have become more reliant on technology for everything from financial analytics to sales lead development, the role of computer and information systems managers have increased as well.

IT managers play a vital role in the future of every organization because they not only lead the teams that manage the expansion of their information systems and oversee cybersecurity initiatives, they also provide the strategic direction for long-term IT needs.

Becoming a computer and information systems managers requires a background in technology as well as a passion for solving problems, strong project management skills and the ability to lead and motivate others.

Here are five steps for securing a job as a computer and information systems manager.

1. Enroll in a technology bachelor’s degree program

A bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology is a requirement for most computer and information systems (CIS) managerial positions. Computer science, software development, and computer network security are all important skills and knowledge areas for computer and information systems managers. There are many types of jobs you can get with an IT degree in which you can build practical experience in the field and prepare you best for managerial positions in the future.

While you may choose to begin your IT career in a more focused discipline, you can also begin preparing for managerial roles now. Enrolling in an IT management bachelor's degree program can help you build the foundational skills and knowledge to qualify for entry-level jobs right from the start.

2. Find an internship in the field

Competition for IT jobs is tough, which is why an internship – which gives you real-world experience with CIS managers – is so important.

You’ll have hands-on insight regarding network administration, software engineering and more before you even begin your official job search.

3. Gain work experience

Like every profession, securing a managerial position requires some experience. For example, many individuals start out in an IT support tech or IT help desk role, learning the ins and outs of the organization as they pursue a higher-tier position.

From their experience, they are able to achieve a well-rounded perspective of an organization’s IT needs, and build up their arsenal of strong technical skills in order to become a top-notch information technology manager one day.

Classes Start: March 2nd

Waived Enrollment Fee

Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.

Request Info Apply Now

4. Continue your education

Many employers require a master’s degree in computer and information systems management.

Consider an MBA program that focuses on technical, strategic, and managerial concepts.

A Master of Business Administration is a good option for those who want to advance their IT career into managerial or leadership positions.

5. Get the job

With the right experience and education, you can become a skilled computer and information systems manager, helping organizations prepare for and respond to the IT needs of the future.

Often, computer and information systems managers that start out in mid-level management positions can eventually advance to executive or C-suite roles, such as IT director or CTO.

Learn more about the Herzing Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program

Explore Now

* BLS pay estimates calculate the median annual wage for various occupations. Per the BLS the median wage for an occupation is: "The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey." Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024. BLS median wage estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geographic market in which you want to work, and degree level and field, will affect career outcomes, including starting salary and earnings as an experienced employee. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the median salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, particular wage or salary, or other career growth.

Learn More Today!

Classes start: March 2nd Have you taken the TEAS test? Yes No First Name Last Name Email Phone ZIP Code By submitting this form, I consent to Herzing University contacting me by phone for marketing messages (including mobile and manual/autodialed means) and email using the information I have provided. I understand that my consent is not a condition of enrollment.

Opt-In to Receive SMS Messages

SMS Opt In By selecting this button you agree to receive updates and alerts from Herzing University. Text HELP to 85109 for help, Text STOP to 85109 to end. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. By opting in, I authorize Herzing University to deliver SMS messages and I understand that I am not required to opt in as a condition of enrollment. By leaving this box unchecked you will not be opted in for SMS messages. Click to read Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Leave this field blank Top

Start your journey with Herzing University

Let's work together to determine the career pathway that's right for you.

Request Info Request Information Apply Call

Request Information

Ready to get started?

Tag » How To Become An It Manager