While many of us have the desire, skills and talent to have successful careers in information technology management--or IT Management--we have seen a hemorrhage of these positions from our shores. Any job we could want can be moved overseas at the whim of a CEO, and future IT professionals are a bit nervous about venturing into this field. Who could blame them?
The good news is that, in spite of the bleeding of our IT jobs into other countries, the IT management field has expanded here in the United States. Since 2000, jobs have, indeed, increased on our home turf, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates it believes this trend will continue.
One area that is difficult to farm out is management. Because a good manager must know about the companys specific needs, its nearly impossible to outsource that job. Here are some ways you can prepare for a job in IT management right here in the US.
Experience
Employers want managers with experience, and often people are starting that experience before they leave their college programs. Internships and externships are very popular in the IT field, and sometimes a student can get a permanent position with the company that accepts them as interns.
Education
The first thing you will need to establish your qualifications is a degree. Whether you go for an associates, bachelors, masters, or higher, the college degree is your starting point. In fact, many who get associates degrees go on to complete their bachelor degrees as well.
Certificates in specific computer specialties is often required for certain types of IT positions. Certification provides the credentials that your bachelors degree may have overlooked, such as Microsoft Windows intricacies.
Where is the best place to get your education in IT? It depends on a lot of things, but mostly your availability. If you have time to devote to day classes and dont need to work, or could work a part time night job, perhaps a traditional setting is for you.
Unfortunately, not everyone has that luxury. More and more students are working full time jobs and/or taking care of families, so what can they do? They turn to the Internet. Accredited online colleges and universities have been the answer for thousands of students who want jobs in IT management but who cant attend traditional classes.
Students can get all levels of degrees plus certifications online. Although some may require minimal residency, many do not. Online programs are also eligible for scholarship and grant money, so if you want an IT job but need an education, look to online schools for your degree.
The good news is that, in spite of the bleeding of our IT jobs into other countries, the IT management field has expanded here in the United States. Since 2000, jobs have, indeed, increased on our home turf, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates it believes this trend will continue.
One area that is difficult to farm out is management. Because a good manager must know about the companys specific needs, its nearly impossible to outsource that job. Here are some ways you can prepare for a job in IT management right here in the US.
Experience
Employers want managers with experience, and often people are starting that experience before they leave their college programs. Internships and externships are very popular in the IT field, and sometimes a student can get a permanent position with the company that accepts them as interns.
Education
The first thing you will need to establish your qualifications is a degree. Whether you go for an associates, bachelors, masters, or higher, the college degree is your starting point. In fact, many who get associates degrees go on to complete their bachelor degrees as well.
Certificates in specific computer specialties is often required for certain types of IT positions. Certification provides the credentials that your bachelors degree may have overlooked, such as Microsoft Windows intricacies.
Where is the best place to get your education in IT? It depends on a lot of things, but mostly your availability. If you have time to devote to day classes and dont need to work, or could work a part time night job, perhaps a traditional setting is for you.
Unfortunately, not everyone has that luxury. More and more students are working full time jobs and/or taking care of families, so what can they do? They turn to the Internet. Accredited online colleges and universities have been the answer for thousands of students who want jobs in IT management but who cant attend traditional classes.
Students can get all levels of degrees plus certifications online. Although some may require minimal residency, many do not. Online programs are also eligible for scholarship and grant money, so if you want an IT job but need an education, look to online schools for your degree.
About the Author:
Carrie Sommer is the founder of Classes24Seven.com where you can read much more resources about online degree programs , and in particular IT Management degrees and certificates at all levels.
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