Directors of information technology (IT) are responsible for managing the computer resources of companies in a variety of sectors. These people are very necessary for guaranteeing that the information technology of a corporation is both accessible at all times and secure at all times. It is possible for people to enhance their careers into more demanding and lucrative IT director roles by enrolling in an MBA program that offers a specialty in Information Technology Management (ITM).
Outlook for Positions in IT Directorships
Between the years 2018 and 2028, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States (BLS) anticipates an increase in employment opportunities for the group of professionals known as computer and information systems managers, which includes IT directors. This growth will take place across the country. That is a far quicker rate of expansion than the average one for all jobs over the same time period. The need for information technology directors will continue to be driven by the development of new technologies as well as the growing demands of businesses. People who possess excellent business skills as well as sophisticated technical knowledge, in addition to those who have an MBA, will generally have greater work opportunities.
What responsibilities does an IT Director have?
An organization's IT infrastructure, as well as its administration, strategy, and implementation of that infrastructure, are the purview of the IT director. Typical job tasks include:
Monitoring the completion of technical initiatives in accordance with the objectives of the organization
Ensure the efficient delivery of networks, development, and disaster recovery procedures while also directing the supply of these systems.
Collaborating with information engineers to identify potential solutions to problems in the management of business operations
In charge of supervising a group of employees while also collaborating closely with management, external suppliers, and advisers
putting up financial budgets and providing top executives with ideas for various types of capital projects
doing research on and making suggestions on new items
Identifying fresh market opportunities
Taking the initiative to lead initiatives to enhance various IT processes
According to the BLS, in order to become an IT director, one must typically have at least five years of experience working in management positions at a lower level. These IT leaders have the potential to be promoted to the position of Chief Technology Officer (CTO), which is a title that is comparable to a more managerial and executive position like Chief Information Officer and requires a similar amount of experience and a long list of accomplishments within their own department (CIO).
How much does one make working as an IT director?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual income for IT directors and other managers of computer and information systems was $142,530 as of May 2018, with the top 10 percent of earners bringing in more than $208,000. This figure represents the average salary for these positions.
Similar Job Titles
Chief Executive Officer of Technology
The Director of Management and Information Systems
IT Manager
IT Management Consultant
Analyst of Computer and System Operations
What Kind of Experience Is Necessary to Work in Information Technology?
In most cases, applicants for IT director roles need to have at least a bachelor's degree as well as a significant amount of experience in the field of information technology; however, many organizations prefer to select individuals who have a master's degree.
Those who are vying for positions as IT directors might differentiate themselves from their competitors by acquiring an MBA with a concentration in Information Technology Management. The coursework may cover topics such as organizational behavior, database management technology, global information management, and management information systems.
Those professionals who have received an MBA with a concentration in Information Technology Management need should be able to do the following things:
Find technological solutions to real-world problems.
Evaluate emerging technologies with an eye on gaining a competitive edge.
Implement the cutting-edge business practices that are essential to running a high-tech company.
Which Abilities Are Necessary to Have to Become an IT Director?
IT directors are entrusted with a significant amount of responsibility, and as a result, they are required to possess a diverse set of abilities, including an awareness of both traditional and contemporary business procedures. To be successful in the role of IT director, you will need to possess not just strong technical capabilities, but also strong leadership and communication abilities, as well as a background in business management. According to Robert Half, the following are the management competencies that companies are looking for in candidates:
Conduct an analysis of processes and assign responsibilities.
Establish and continue to uphold performance criteria.
Put new ideas into action and keep an eye on them.
Make hiring choices
A candidate's capacity to pursue a job in IT management may be strengthened by earning an MBA with a concentration in Information Technology Management. This degree can also enhance the candidate's existing skill set.