Here is an in-depth discussion of jobs you can do with a masters in information technology management. You can earn an IT management degree through online study or by attending in person if you have the time. A university program typically consists of 12 units of study.
Why an IT Management Masters is Worth It
The world of technology is ever growing, with new inventions and discoveries being made every moment. For a professional already working in the information technology sector, you must keep on learning to remain relevant. Rapid change in the IT industry can leave you a little behind if you don’t take the initiative to increase your knowledge and skills.
An important opportunity as you gain experience as an IT professional is to move into the role of a team or project manager. To do so, you need to build skills in management and leadership. Formal qualifications also help.
That’s where an IT management masters comes in. The degree offers a chance to shift away from the purely technical side of the IT industry and become a leader. In doing so, you can gain extra responsibilities and influence, and often a higher salary as well.
Completing a Master of IT Management is a signal that you’re committed to a management career path. You also graduate with the skills and knowledge to competently take on management and leadership roles.
The availability of online technology management masters means there is no excuse for not grabbing this educational opportunity. You can study online with a part-time load and continue working full-time. Accelerated courses, which run throughout the year, mean a masters can be earned in less than 2 years of part-time study.
Jobs You Can Do with a Masters in IT Management
Data Analysis Supervisor
Whether you are working in a privately owned firm or in a government-owned institution, there’s always an opportunity for you to work in data analysis. If your best strength is in mathematics or numbers, then you are best suited to work as a career data analyst.
Acquiring a Master of Information Technology Management can help you quickly rise through the ranks to hold supervisory positions in any institution you join. The main duties of a data analyst include:
- Developing and maintaining automated data processes
- Pointing out different areas that need attention in regard to automation and efficiency of processes
- Recording management policies and process
- Supervising and auditing quality of data.
Cyber Security
Management degrees are available at a masters levels to qualify for you to work as a cyber security manager. The role is to protect the digital assets of an organisation, including systems and information such as business contact data.
Online university courses in cyber security management are suitable for both the technically minded — that is, people who can do serious coding — and people more focused on coordination and executive roles. Whatever your background, the aim of these programs is to teach you how to protect organisations by managing the various digital security activities.
Games Development
If you have an IT management degree and you love games and the benefits they provide to children, you’ll feel quite at home working in leading games development. Mainly your job will entail supervising the development and design of games which can be played on the tablet, computer, mobile phones, arcade games, over the internet among other devices. It can take upwards of a year to successfully develop a game.
With a management qualification, you’ll be ahead of the rest and on top of the game. Besides earning a higher salary, a masters degree enables you to choose from a wide range of career options that you’ll clearly qualify for given your increased level of education.
The main duties of a games developer include:
- Developing and designing games using high-quality code
- Conduct code reviews in a bid to guarantee high-quality levels
- Conduct quality testing to find bugs or defects and solve the problems accordingly
- Work together with the relevant team members in games development to brainstorm on how best to conduct a project
Systems Analysis
A systems analyst is vital to enterprises with high technology dependencies. His or her job entails using computers to design new technology features and solutions, make improvements in existing systems among many other duties. The main aim of a systems analyst is to ensure that the business systems stay productive and perform efficiently. A management masters from a good university for IT (such as UOW) will help land you more responsibilities in positions that you wouldn’t be considered for if you were perceived as only having technical skills.
The main duties of a Systems analyst include:
- Study and determine specific system requirements
- Scrutinizing all IT business models and systems
- Provide practical solutions and overlook their implementation
- Conducting product development.
Software Engineering
Competition for management jobs in software engineering can be high, and a formal management qualification can make all the difference. You stand out from technical experts and are better positioned to clinch supervisory positions.
Besides earning a good amount of money and beating competition, a masters in IT management forces you to grow and improve your leadership skills through time and dedication. Software engineering requires high-level management skills because of the complexity and multi-disciplinary nature of many software development projects.
The main duties of a software engineer include;
- Create, audit and maintain systems
- Designing new software programs
- Refining and testing code
- Studying and identifying areas on the existing programs that need attention.
Which Degree is Best for an IT Manager?
Aspiring IT leaders often face the choice between a Master’s in Technology Management (MTM) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Each degree is suitable for creating career opportunities, though they can lead in somewhat different directions.
An MBA is ideal for those looking to gain a broad understanding of business management. Lerna Courses highlights that an MBA focuses on leadership and general business skills, such as marketing and finance.
In contrast, a Master’s in Technology Management covers technology-related subjects like data analytics, digital strategies, and cyber security. An MTM is ideal for professionals wanting to specialise in managing technological solutions.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your career goals and background. If you want to lead in diverse or general business settings, an MBA might be the right choice. If your aim is to become an expert in technology management and lead IT initiatives, a Master’s in Technology Management could provide the specialised knowledge and skills you need.