Sign up for our newsletter
Join our newsletter to receive the latest updates and insights in online education. Get exclusive access to in-depth articles, expert advice, and special offers tailored for your educational journey.
Join our newsletter to receive the latest updates and insights in online education. Get exclusive access to in-depth articles, expert advice, and special offers tailored for your educational journey.
This bar graph shows the annual salary for Information Technology Project Managers.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Information Technology Project Managers.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 10%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Assess blockchain threats, such as untested code and unprotected keys.
Automate the deployment of software updates over geographically distributed network nodes.
Design and deploy blockchain design patterns to make transactions secure, transparent, and immutable.
Becoming an Information Technology (IT) Project Manager is a goal many in the tech field aspire to achieve. If you're aiming for a role where you can oversee complex IT projects, guide teams, and ensure the successful delivery of technical solutions, here's a step-by-step guide to set you on the right track.
Before you pursue a career as an IT Project Manager, it's crucial to understand what the role entails. IT Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They manage resources, schedules, and stakeholder communication to ensure that IT projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
Education is a key foundation for an IT Project Manager. Consider pursuing a degree in one of the following areas:
Many IT Project Managers hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. However, some positions may require a master's degree or specific technical qualifications depending on the complexity of the projects.
Hands-on experience is invaluable. Start by working in IT roles that allow you to develop technical skills and understand various technologies. Roles such as systems analyst, developer, or network administrator can provide a solid foundation.
While working in IT, seek opportunities to lead small projects or components of larger projects to hone your project management skills. You can also:
Certifications can enhance your credibility and showcase your commitment to the profession. Popular certifications for IT Project Managers include:
Effective IT Project Managers possess strong communication, leadership, and negotiation skills. They must also be adept at problem-solving and decision-making. Continuously work on these soft skills through practice, training, and feedback.
Networking can open doors to opportunities and provide insights into the industry. Join professional associations like PMI or attend tech conferences to connect with peers and potential mentors.
Tailor your resume to highlight relevant project management experience and skills. When preparing for interviews:
The IT field is constantly evolving. Stay informed about new technologies, methodologies, and best practices by:
Once you've secured a position as an IT Project Manager, consider ways to advance your career further. This might involve:
By following these steps, you can strategically position yourself as a strong candidate for an IT Project Manager role. Remember that this career path requires a blend of technical knowledge, management expertise, and continuous learning to succeed.
To become an IT Project Manager, most employers look for candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree in:
Some positions may prefer or even require a master's degree, such as an MBA with a concentration in information systems.
Several certifications can bolster an IT Project Manager's qualifications, including:
An IT Project Manager should possess a combination of technical and soft skills including:
The amount of experience needed can vary greatly, but generally, you should have:
Both education and work experience are important for an IT Project Manager. While education provides the theoretical foundation, work experience allows you to apply practical skills and knowledge to real-world scenarios. Employers often seek a balance of both.
IT Project Managers are employed across various industries, including:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of computer and information systems managers, which includes IT Project Managers, is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. The increasing emphasis on cloud computing, the collection and storage of big data, and information security will drive demand.
Yes, IT Project Managers can often work remotely, depending on their specific role and company policy. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the prevalence of remote work within the industry.
Salaries for IT Project Managers can vary based on location, experience, education, and the specific industry. To get up-to-date salary information, check authoritative sites like Glassdoor or the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
To start your career:
Remember to keep abreast of new technologies and project management methodologies to stay competitive in this evolving field.