Technology Management Careers
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Technology Management — Career Paths
It is the role of the technology manager to make decisions about the company’s technology usage while taking into account how the decisions will affect the company’s budget, employees, customers and profitability. When seeking a technology manager, employers prefer candidates with a strong technology background as well as a solid understanding of business practices.
For those entering this field with a bachelor degree but no work experience in IT or business, typical entry-level positions include: customer support specialist, help desk representative, and junior positions in database development, web site development, analysis, or programming. Graduates with some experience in the field may also qualify for supervisory roles in customer support departments and entry-level project management positions.
Career advancement
Upon receiving professional experience in the technology field, graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Technology Management degree will be able to explore opportunities in management such as:
- Chief Technology Officer – responsibilities include evaluating new technologies to determine which would benefit the company, advising upper management on benefits/drawbacks of the technology, and creating/overseeing implementation strategies
- Director of Management Information Systems (MIS) or Director of Information Technology (IT) - manage the daily operations of computing resources for proper function, availability, reliability and security; manage the support/help desk and other department employees
- Project Manager – oversee the budgets and schedules for technology-related projects (such as software or hardware upgrades); work with internal and external customers, vendors/suppliers, consultants and trainers to coordinate the development and implementation of projects
A master’s degree or higher may be required by some employers, however qualified upper-level technology managers are in short supply and a candidate’s experience may be valued more than a post-graduate education. Industry certifications are typically not required for technology management positions but can help add credibility for the candidate’s specific software or area of expertise.
Work environment
Technology managers work at least 40 hours per week in an office setting. When needed, the manager must be available to work additional hours to meet deadlines or address technology-related emergencies. The technology manager should also spend time learning about new trends in the field in order to ensure their company is not falling behind the competition due to outdated technology.
Professionals in this field typically receive a comprehensive benefits package including health care and retirement plans (such as 401(k), profit-sharing and/or company stock). Since technology managers spend many hours at a computer, they must take precautions against computer-related ailments such as eye strain and carpel tunnel.
Technology Management — Career Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is expected to increase 16% through 2016, which is much faster than average for all occupations.
Salary Surveys
While incomes vary depending on experience, employer, and location, the average reported earnings for technology managers in May 2007 were $108,070. The lowest 25% earned below $84,790, while the highest 25% of computer and information systems managers earned over $136,850. Below is a breakdown by the largest employer types:
Computer systems design and related services$121,210
Management of companies and enterprises$117,280
Data processing, hosting and related services$116,050
Insurance carriers$110,510
Software publishers$131,130
*Information on salaries is taken from the US Department of Labor–Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Occupational Employment Statistics. Further information can be found at the US Department of Labor–Bureau of Labor Statistics
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