Recently we explored why information technology is important, and whether or not a degree in IT is worth getting. Here we’ll explain what information technology managers really do on a daily basis.

First, let’s be clear that it’s difficult to pin down a specific set of responsibilities that the typical IT manager handles, as these individuals may be tasked with a wide variety of different things. Some IT managers find roles in software engineering, others in network administration, and still others in computer programming.

When you’ve finished reading this post, fill out our information request form to receive additional details about CSU Global’s 100% online Master’s Degree in IT Management, or if you’re ready to get started, submit your application today.

What is Information Technology?

Information Technology is a discipline that revolves around computers and computer-based systems. IT professionals are the individuals tasked with studying, designing, developing, implementing, supporting, and managing those systems.

Virtually every modern organization needs IT experts to help keep their systems and employees on track, productive, and efficient, which is why IT professionals are in such high demand.

Without IT experts to handle the organization’s technical assets and processes there can be major business disruptions, problems, and breakdowns.

Accordingly, the role of an IT professional is exceptionally important to most businesses operating in the global economy, making this an excellent industry to consider launching a career in.

Now that you know a little bit about what information technology is, and why it's so important, let’s look at what IT professionals actually do on a day-to-day basis.

Typical IT Roles & Responsibilities

There can be a great deal of difference in terms of the tasks and responsibilities assigned to IT professionals serving in different roles.

However, most IT professionals will be responsible for similar types of tasks, and if you want to become successful in IT, then you’ll need to be capable of:

  • Becoming proficient in new, innovative technologies and analyzing both hardware and software systems to help meet the technology goals of an organization.
  • Identifying, analyzing, and responding to user needs for the selection, creation, evaluation, and administration of computers and computer-based systems.
  • Designing, implementing, and evaluating computer-based systems, processes, components, and programs.
  • Analyzing technical problems to identify the computing requirements needed to solve them with information technology solutions.
  • Recommending and executing technology-based solutions that are aligned with the strategic and operational objectives of the organization.
  • Demonstrating effective and efficient technological solutions for issues in a complex enterprise.

As you may be able to tell from this list of responsibilities, IT professionals face a wide-ranging assortment of tasks, and as you might imagine, the specific things you’ll be asked to do if you become an IT professional could vary considerably.

What Do IT Managers Really Do?

Information technology managers are tasked with a variety of responsibilities and duties, and there are several specialty areas within IT that you could consider focusing on, including:

  • Software engineering
  • Network administration
  • Information technology support

No matter what specific niche you choose to focus on, you’re likely to be tasked with work like:

  • Achieving expert-level proficiency in new, innovative technologies.
  • Analyzing hardware and software systems, and using that analysis to help meet an organization’s technology goals.
  • Aligning organizational and IT objectives to accomplish common strategic business goals
  • Reviewing technical problems and identifying computing requirements needed to solve them with information technology solutions.
  • Designing, implementing, and evaluating computer-based systems, processes, components, and programs.
  • Identifying and responding to user needs for the selection, creation, evaluation, and administration of computers and computer-based systems.
  • Communicating IT plans and recommendations to decision-making groups and other stakeholders.

The role of an IT manager can get complex, which is one of the reasons why it’s so important that anyone trying to break into the industry studies the topic in a serious academic environment.

Is Information Technology a Good Career?

Yes, IT is an excellent field for establishing a long-term career, especially since the industry continues to grow at a rapid pace.

In fact, the BLS recently estimated that employment for four of the top roles in the industry is likely to continue growing rapidly through 2030, including:

All four of these roles are projected to grow significantly faster than the average rate of growth for all occupations over the same time period.

Clearly, the industry is expanding, more jobs are being created, and the increased demand for skilled IT professionals makes this a career that’s worthy of your consideration.

Should you choose to pursue a job in IT, the best way to develop the critical job skills and knowledge needed to be successful in the field is to study the field in an academic setting. 

Completing CSU Global’s Master’s Degree program in Information Technology Management is one excellent way to prepare yourself for pursuing a variety of challenging, yet rewarding roles in the industry, including jobs at private or public corporations, nonprofit organizations, or state or federal government agencies.

How Can You Get Into Information Technology?

While you don’t necessarily need a degree in IT to secure a job in the field, having legitimate academic credentials does tend to make it easier to land a good job, especially if you’re looking to secure employment in a senior or management-level role.

If your goal is to become a leader in IT, and especially if you have your eye on senior management or executive positions, then you’ll almost certainly want to consider studying IT best practices in a serious academic setting, like CSU Global’s online Master’s Degree in Information Technology Management.

Earning your degree in IT is not just one of the best ways to prepare you to find success in the field, but also a great way to prove that you are properly trained, knowledgeable of industry best practices, and capable of providing value to any organization from day one.

What Jobs Can You Get With a Master’s Degree in Information Technology Management?

Completing a Master’s Degree program in IT Management will improve your eligibility for acquiring a leadership or management-oriented role in the industry, including positions like:

Again, this is only a short list of a few of the more common roles that graduates from master’s programs in IT Management are qualified to hold. Earning an M.S. in Information Technology Management will allow you to pursue a much larger variety of different job titles. 

Can I Get my Degree in IT Online?

Yes, you can get a degree in information technology online, and you should consider enrolling in online courses with us at CSU Global.

Our 100% online Master's Degree in IT Management was designed to provide as much flexibility as possible, including:

  • No requirements to show up at set times or in physical locations.
  • Monthly class starts.
  • Accelerated eight-week courses.

If you have family or work responsibilities that you need to balance with your educational pursuits, then you should certainly think about getting your IT degree online with CSU Global.

Why Should You Consider Studying Information Technology at CSU Global?

CSU Global’s online Master’s Degree in IT Management program prepares students to meet the challenges they’ll face working in the field of information technology. 

Our program is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and was designed to provide you with industry-relevant, workplace-related training and skills.

Our online M.S. in IT Management program has also won several top rankings, including:

  • A #9 ranking for Cheap Master's in Management Information Systems Online from Best Value Schools
  • A #9 ranking for Top 25 Best Value Online Master’s of Information Technology Programs for 2022 from Value Colleges
  • A #11 ranking for 35 Best Online Master of Information Technology Degree Programs from Master's Program Guide

CSU Global itself is also regarded as an industry leader in higher education, and recently won several important awards, including:

Finally, we offer competitive tuition rates, a tuition guarantee to ensure your rate won’t increase, and for our undergraduate programs, Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) to help save you time and money.

To get additional details about our fully-accredited online Master’s Degree in Information Technology Management, please give us a call at (800) 462-7845, or fill out our Information Request Form.

Ready to get started today? Apply now!