What Is an IT Project Manager
IT project managers oversee and direct the activities of information technology projects, including managing personnel, overseeing budgets and schedules, and executing a project communication plan. In a nutshell, an IT project manager is there to make sure day-to-day work in a tech department happens as smoothly as possible.
Information technology project management may also be referred to as computer and information systems management and IT project management qualifications include a bachelor's degree and considerable amounts of experience and on-the-job training.
The majority of computer and information systems managers work full-time, with overtime commonly reported as projects' needs require. Though many IT professionals are able to telecommute, project managers generally have to report to an office setting in order to supervise their team and the project as a whole. There are few physical demands or risks associated with becoming an IT project manager.
IT Project Manager Career Path
| Degree Level | Bachelor's; master's will improve prospects |
| Degree Field | Computer science, information technology, IT project management, or related field |
| Experience | Varies; several years to reach a management position |
| Key Skills | Possess personnel management, time management, monitoring, critical thinking, inductive reasoning and information ordering skills; strong communication, analytical, decision-making and leadership skills; able to use enterprise resource planning software, database user interface and query software, project management software, and pattern design software; able to conduct systems analysis |
| Median Salary (2019)* | $146,360 yearly (median for computer and information systems managers) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Becoming an IT Project Manager: Steps
So, how do I become an IT project manager? Let's go through each of the various steps required.
Step 1: Earn an Information Technology Project Management Degree
Both O*Net Online and the BLS state that managers of IT projects must possess at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology or IT project management. The courses in these 4-year programs cover topics like:
- Database management systems
- IT security
- Management information systems
- Programming fundamentals
- Project procurement management
- Principles of project management
Elective classes may include quality management, organizational behavior, and information storage management.
Success Tip
Complete an internship. An internship allows students to interact with experienced IT project managers like a computer project manager while practicing to complete some of the same tasks they will perform when working in the field. This experience and these networking opportunities may make it easier to find a position in IT project management immediately after graduation.
Step 2: Gain Experience as an IT Project Manager
According to the BLS, most computer and information systems managers have several years of work experience in the field of information technology. Employers often seek candidates who not only possess a bachelor's degree, but who also have experience working in project management or supervising individuals in an information technology department.
Step 3: Work as an IT Project Manager
After 3-5 years of experience working in an area related to IT project management, many individuals may be able to advance in their careers. O*Net Online states that IT project managers oversee IT projects by planning the project and managing staff. More research into how to become an IT manager from a software engineer may interest those looking into this step as well.
Success Tip:
Another tip for how to become a project manager in information technology and to improve employment prospects is to consider earning a master's degree. The BLS states that many computer and information systems managers possess a Master of Business Administration degree, as this type of degree may be preferred by many employers. These programs usually require two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree.
Step 4: Pursue Career Advancement
Essentially, with enough management experience, IT project managers can advance and become chief technology officers or even chief executives.
FAQs
What are some workplace demands of an IT project manager ?
- Create and manage a stakeholder management plan
- Track and coordinate tasks and smaller projects within the project life cycle
- Supervise and manage group members and mentees
- Determine priorities
- Procure the means for collecting, sharing, and storing data
- Partner with all departments to ensure work is done according to demands
- Create a network for communicating effectively
- Supply IT tools needed to accomplish tasks
- Ensure progress runs smooth with continuous and consistent follow-ups
- Lead all phases of IT project life cycles
What are the phases of an IT project life cycle?
- Analysis
- Architecture
- Design
- Construction
- Integration and test
- Implementation
What projects might an IT project manager be responsible for?
- System deployment
- Software development
- Hardware installations
- Infrastructure updates
- Cloud computing
What teams might an IT project manager work with?
- Software
- Networking
- Information security
- Help-desk support
What are some common project management certifications?
- Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
- PRINCE2 certifications
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
- CompTIA Project+
- Project Management in IT Security (PMITS)
What are some difficult parts of the job for an IT project manager?
- Understanding and adapting to client needs
- Managing relations among hardware, software, data, and users
- Dealing with consequences of unplanned software or hardware updates
- Looking for and identifying faults in security
- Communicating IT problems with those outside the field
What does the future of IT project managers look like?
With the improvement of AI and technology, project management roles may see a decrease in work specifically with tasks having to do with collecting, tracking, and reporting data. This should improve output of completing a project by increasing the quality of interactions. The role is going through a gradual evolution as technology progresses. The hope is to create a role that will use these technological advances to master management of projects more than before.
In summary, what is an IT manager? IT project managers oversee and direct the activities of information technology projects. Employers typically require a bachelor's degree, but a master's can help one's prospects. Work experience is key for this role, and optional certifications include the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, PRINCE2 certifications, and the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM).
