After enjoying a successful career in technology, maybe it’s time for something more rewarding? If you are looking to become an IT manager, there are a few steps to follow to ensure you are on the right path. If you have the technical skills and leadership acumen, it isn’t too difficult to transition your career into a leadership position.
Serve in a Team Lead Role on a Project
Serving in a senior developer or engineer position providing a team lead role on a project is a great way to get your feet wet with technology leadership. You need to mentor junior members on the project team and probably interact with senior leadership from your own company or even the customer, depending on the type of project. This is an excellent for learning the kinds of skills that you will need as an IT manager.
Improve your Public Speaking Skills
Interfacing with customers or executives requires a good grasp of public speaking skills. Consider giving a presentation at your company or at a local technology user group to hone your speaking ability. Maybe consider joining Toastmasters, an organization that helps foster speaking and leadership abilities for people in all kinds of industries?
Go Get an Advanced Degree
Earning a form of advanced degree — maybe a Masters in Computer Science or a MBA — is a great way to show the leadership at your company that you are ready to take on more of a managerial role. The MBA especially provides a host of business-related skills and knowledge that are needed as an IT manager. In many cases, good technology leadership requires the ability to look at things from a business angle, not just a technical angle, and a MBA definitely helps in this area.
If you are interested in taking the next step in becoming an IT manager, talk to your local technical recruiter. They can provide the insight into available managerial positions and their requirements and what you need to do to be able to qualify for an interview. One of the top IT staffing companies in the New York area, APN Consulting has the recruiters on staff to help you in your career journey.