Venturing into a career as an information technology manager requires that you acquire the necessary education and expertise needed to take up this role. The field of information technology is broad and includes numerous professions. Furthermore,  IT has expanded in our society today. This is because computers have become a part of our daily lives. However, a career as an information technology manager is one of the branches of IT, and it comes with many responsibilities.

IT managers are experts in information technology who organise, control and monitor operations using a company’s computer and information systems. Information technology managers can work for any company that has an internal IT department or for companies that specialise in IT. They also provide support services to companies without internal IT staff personnel. Additionally, an information technology manager is in charge of supervising jobs involving a company’s hardware, software and network.

In today’s data-driven environment, a career as an information technology manager can be more important than ever. IT managers have intricate responsibilities that require an in-depth understanding of business management, administration and information technology.

I will discuss the important steps needed to pursue a career as an information technology manager.

How to become an Information Technology Manager

1. Obtain an O’level Certificate

   You need to obtain an O’level certificate before you gain admission into the university. You should have a minimum of credits, especially in science subjects. Additionally, you can enrol in coding courses. This can broaden your knowledge.

2. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

   You can obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology or a related field. Furthermore, you should concentrate on developing relevant skills that will be useful to the industry while studying.

3. Gain Practical Experience

   You can apply for internships or an entry-level position to gain hands-on experience. These opportunities offer real-world application of the knowledge learned in a university-level program.

4. Acquire Leadership Experience

   You should look for a professional leadership role that will allow you to demonstrate your management skills. This position can also be a volunteer or entry-level position. You should explore ways to strengthen your skills so you can manage others and lead a team.

5. Pursue a Master’s Degree

   You can consider earning a master’s degree in information technology management or a related field. Additionally, you can choose to pursue an MBA. This is to enable you to your further education and gain the skills needed to excel. Additionally, you can gain preference from employers in the employment market.

6. Earn Professional Certifications

   Pursuing certifications can demonstrate your expertise in IT and management. Additionally, these can be used to demonstrate your qualifications to prospective employers if you want to advance in your career. You can acquire certifications such as CAPM, CISSP, CompTIA Project and TOGAF 9 Certification.

7. Choose an Area of Specialisation

   As an IT manager, you may be required to select an area of speciality as you cannot be everywhere. You must carve a niche and area of expertise. However, you should select an area that you are most comfortable in, and advance your knowledge in it.

Areas of Specialisation in Information Technology Management

1. Network Administration and Management: This specialisation is largely concerned with network applications and their administration. It has a lot in common with information systems or information technology management.
2. Software Development: This field focuses on programming and the creation of sophisticated applications for usage in government and corporate organisations. Furthermore, these professionals utilise programming languages to create apps and programs that address the client’s demands.
3. Systems Administration: This area of expertise focuses on managing and administering the servers that are utilised to distribute customer or client solution deliverables.
4. Information Systems Management & Information Technology Management: This area of expertise focuses on the planning, development and testing of information systems that management can employ to improve organizational efficiency in day-to-day operations.
5. Web Application Development: This area of expertise focuses on programming and creating complex websites and applications. Programming languages are used by experts in web and application development to create software programs that address specific IT issues.

Skills an Information Technology Manager should Possess

1. Communication Skills
2. Leadership Skills
3. Critical Thinking
4. Problem-Solving Skills
5. Software Proficiency
6. Project Management
7. Programming Languages

Universities in Africa that offer Information Technology Management

1. University of Cape Town, South Africa
2. Alexandria University, Egypt
3. University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
4. Cairo University, Egypt
5. University of Ibadan, Nigeria
6. Mansoura University, Egypt
7. University of Johannesburg, South Africa
8. Tanta University, Egypt
9. University of Lagos, Nigeria
10. Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria
11. University of Pretoria, South Africa
12. Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
13. University of Monastir, Tunisia
14. Covenant University, Nigeria
15. University of Nigeria, Nigeria
16. Ain Shams University, Egypt

Starting a career as an information technology manager is not an easy one. However, it comes with rewarding benefits and a fulfilling career path. IT management includes planning, coordinating and leading all computer-related tasks for the business you work for. Therefore, you must acquire the required education, hard skills and soft skills needed to thrive in this job.

Good luck!

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