How Do I Become a Computer Manager?

Individuals with jobs as computer managers usually head information technology (IT) departments. They are responsible for overseeing the ways in which software is used to reach organizational goals, taking part in long term planning that involves IT solutions, and performing troubleshooting and inspection tasks. To become a computer manager, your first step should be to earn an undergraduate degree in a field such as computer science, information systems, or computer engineering. If you aim to become a computer manager within a particular industry, such as finance or health, you might want to take some courses specific to that field. In some cases, individuals without college degrees become computer managers in smaller organizations with limited IT service, though this less common.

As a matter of fact, in more competitive job markets, such as in global cities and other urban environments, a graduate degree might be necessary for a person who would like to become a computer manager. In most cases, it is a good idea to study the ways in which information systems are used by organizations. While an in depth knowledge of computer programming might be helpful, most employers want to know instead that job candidates can listen to their challenges and opportunities and create networks and purchase software that provides solutions.

To become a computer manager, you should plan first on spending a number of years as an IT worker. Many people take advantage of internship opportunities while they are undergraduate or graduate students. These opportunities can prepare you to take higher level positions after graduation, making it easier for you to achieve your goals of becoming a computer manager in the near future.

Any person who wants to become a computer manager must also be an excellent communicator. You might have to attend meetings with representatives from other departments. In some scenarios, you might even have to meet with clients. Your goal as a computer manager should be to translate complex IT concepts into a language that is easy for non-IT workers to understand. You in turn should be able to communicate needs of other departments and clients to your IT employees.

A computer manager usually is an employee manager, meaning that he or she is responsible for training employees, overseeing their work, and upholding company standards and values. In some cases, you might be required to participate in IT recruiting initiatives by interviewing job candidates and mining resumes and applications for promising applicants. It is also common for computer managers to have to discipline workers who behave in inappropriate ways.