Tech Skills You Need To Start A Management Career In IT

Artur Meyster – October 2021

Technology is becoming a vital aspect of every business, from schools to hedge funds. All companies rely on technology to connect their employees and assist them in completing their jobs. The roles related to managing computer systems are growing annually.

There is more technology at your place of work than you might first believe. Cell phones and laptops easily come to mind, but IT managers are also responsible for routers, projectors, screens, and conference room technology. They also ensure data is safely handled, develop standard procedures for new technology, and acquire new technologies to further business goals. 

IT managers need to be versatile and adaptable individuals with an organized mindset. The wide span of responsibilities means you must be able to troubleshoot a variety of issues ranging from hardware to cloud computing services. You will be the point person when employees have issues with their laptops. These issues could range from installing new programs to dealing with an employee who downloaded an attachment from a phishing email. Being able to communicate effectively with coworkers will increase your success in a career in IT management. 

Know Programming Languages

Programming won’t be the primary concern for an IT manager, but they will need to be well versed in a variety of languages to solve issues that might arise. Understanding the differences between Python vs JavaScript will be helpful when you come across issues relating to code. An IT manager is typically in charge of any updates to systems that may require knowledge of different languages to ensure updates are compatible with one another. 

Understand Networks

The knowledge of networks and setting up servers is vital to the current office space. Without Internet access, companies would only be able to complete a small portion, if any, of their typical output. Keeping the network safe by ensuring proper firewalls and server set up will keep everyone at your workspace safe from scammers and hackers attempting to gain access to customer information or trade secrets. The IT manager might be responsible for the cybersecurity duties, depending on the size of the company. 

Database Queries

Companies have always relied on data to make sound business decisions, but data is becoming increasingly important as computer systems allow us to collect more data. Knowing how to update, amend, and use queries to find desired data will go a long way to furthering your company’s goals. 

Understand Hardware

Hardware, the physical devices that run the software, is vital to an IT manager’s role. Getting the right technology into the right hands keeps everyone performing their jobs at the highest capacity. Knowing the hardware will assist in troubleshooting problems that will inevitably arise as an IT manager. Technology doesn’t always work the way we want. Knowing if the issues are related to hardware or software will help diagnose problems more efficiently. 

Interact With Cloud Services

As an IT manager, you will need to know how to work with web services and their various interfaces. A company may subscribe to a wide variety of web services to provide essential services to your company. These services may range from appointment setting programs to grade books and messaging software. These services are run through a set of servers at the host company’s site. IT managers often have to coordinate with these service providers to inform companies when updates are needed, or service will be disrupted. 

IT Managers Are Needed Everywhere

Whether you are in a major tech hub such as San Francisco or live in the Midwest, companies need IT managers. You can learn to be an IT manager by attending a Detroit coding bootcamp. IT managers work for schools, cities, and private companies. Basically, any business with a computer system is in need of a dedicated IT manager. The role differs from company to company, but knowing the right skills will increase your chance of being employed as an IT manager. 

Job Outlook for IT Managers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is bullish when it comes to IT manager roles. These and similar roles are set to increase by 11 percent for the next eight years. Companies, tech and non-tech, will need knowledgeable IT managers to help companies adopt and implement new technology. You can start the path to becoming an IT manager by attending a top coding bootcamp to build the skills needed to perform this job’s essential tasks.