What Can You Do With an IT Management Degree?
7 Min Read
Technology touches nearly every part of our lives. From the computers we use at home and work to the smartphones we carry around in our pockets, most of us are constantly connected to a tech device. And that has inspired many to pursue a full-time career in technology.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the number of IT careers will grow 12% by 2028. With an online information technology management degree from Concordia St. Paul, you can go far in today’s job market, which is powered by businesses looking for professionals to lead a growing workforce in a mission to get ahead of global competitors. Take a look at these information technology careers for graduates with a degree.
Network Administrator
Large corporations rely on sound networks to connect a workforce that is sometimes spread out between departments, buildings, and even states. Networks provide a central location for data stores and client information that links employees and gives them access to internal documents for consistent operations. Network administrators monitor and maintain these networks to ensure their functionality and efficiency. Network administrators are also in charge of repairs and modifications, such as the installation of routers and other network-related equipment. According to the BLS, network administrators make a median annual salary of $82,050.
IT Project Manager
Clients have a broad spectrum of needs when it comes to information technology. As an IT project manager, also known as a computer and information systems manager, you will oversee the development of computer systems, applications, and tools to meet these needs while also keeping an eye on deadlines and budgets. The scope of your daily responsibilities may vary depending on your work environment and industry; however, generally, you will work with clients to assess business needs, plan projects, coordinate team efforts, monitor project progress, and evaluate the final project. IT project managers and computer and information systems managers make a median annual salary of $142,530 according to the BLS.
IT Systems Architect
Developer and programmer language can get lost in translation for managers without an IT background. IT systems architects act as project liaisons bridging communications between the technical and managerial arms of a company. You will work with both sides to identify company or client needs, organize and oversee an action plan, evaluate the final project and postulate future IT initiatives. You will also be responsible for building local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranet connections. IT systems architects make a median annual salary of $109,020 according to the BLS.
Systems Analyst
IT managers who are natural problem solvers and exhibit a solid grasp of computer hardware, software, and programming will excel in the role of a systems analyst. Companies hire systems analysts to examine their IT systems and devise necessary improvements for efficiency and productivity. You will be a crucial part of the IT team and should exhibit excellent communication skills. After examining current systems, you will be charged with drafting a plan for improvements, overseeing modifications of the old system, or installation of the new system as well as training employees on the new or improved system. Systems analysts make a median annual salary of $88,740 according to the BLS.
Information Security Specialist
Companies store tremendous amounts of sensitive information on networks, systems, and clouds, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks and fraud. Information security specialists work to secure information when sharing or housing files through internal systems. These tech professionals will implement security policies, create security systems, and manage those systems. This added safety net is especially needed for companies with large data stores. Knowledge of document protection, firewalls, data encryption, data recovery, penetration testing, and security procedures is required. Information security specialists make a median annual salary of $98,350 according to the BLS.
Health Information Technology Specialist
Health care is the fastest growing industry across the globe and much of this growth has been powered by technology that has streamlined processes and advanced patient care practices. Information technology professionals with a specialization in health care (also called medical records and health information technicians) are assisting in the nationwide transition toward more high-tech practices and processes. These specialists will assist in training medical professionals to use new technology and will help facilitate their processes to establish a more efficient way to keep records, file paperwork, and communicate with patients. Health information technology specialists ensure that patient and health care information maintains its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security in both paper files and electronic systems. These professionals make a median annual salary of $40,350 according to the BLS.
Help Desk Technician
Any company that relies on computers, computer-related programs, and processes for operations will run into issues of down systems or broken technology that can halt work. Help desk technicians, also known as computer support specialists, work with users—often fellow employees—to troubleshoot computer issues, including hardware and software problems. Most help desk technicians and computer support specialists work full-time, although on-call or after-hours work could be expected for very large companies. These professionals make a median annual salary of $53,470 according to the BLS.
Cloud Architect
Clouds are the newest innovation in computing. Many global companies utilize clouds to store data and information and to connect employees; however, these clouds need to be designed and built for users. The components of cloud architecture, according to Cloud Academy, are a front end platform, back end platforms, a cloud-based delivery, and a network. Cloud architects design and build clouds for businesses looking to store large amounts of data in cyberspace. Cloud architects need to know multiple operating systems, networking, computer programming, and cloud security options. Cloud architects make a median annual salary of $128,418 according to PayScale.
Web Developer
Everything and everyone is online. Websites and Web pages provide a means of communication and connection between businesses and their clients. Web developers create pages, applications, content and other Web elements to facilitate a positive user experience and drive traffic to a particular site or page. Knowledge of programming, search engine optimization, graphic design, and writing is important for a web developer, who might be self-employed or work at any number of businesses, corporations, nonprofits, etc. Web developers make a median annual salary of $69,430 according to BLS.
Computer Forensic Investigator
Tech savvy professionals with a particularly analytical and critical thinking skill set may find a thriving career as a computer forensic investigator (also known as a digital forensic examiner, forensic computer examiner, forensic computer analyst, and computer forensic detective, according to ForensicAnalyst.org). These professionals often work in association with law enforcement to help facilitate criminal investigations by examining computers for incriminating information to present as evidence. ForensicAnalyst also writes that “Most often, a computer forensic analyst will find their job requirements to include recovering deleted emails, recovering data that has been deleted or encrypted, and uncovering passwords.” This information will be used in police investigations and sometimes in court cases. The median annual salary for computer forensic investigators is $68,358.
Mobile Application Developer
Smartphones can now do just about anything through the help of applications that users download through the Internet. People have grown dependent on their cell phones; Pew research reports that “more than 5 billion people have mobile devices, and over half of these connections are smartphones.” There are ample career opportunities for information technology professionals who have a particular interest in mobile app development. App developers need to be familiar with operating systems, programming, troubleshooting, user testing, and recent app releases. PayScale reports that the median annual salary for mobile app developers is $72,111.
Tech savvy individuals have considerable opportunities for career success in the field of information technology. As a critical component to business success, information technology helps power businesses through streamlined processes that support efficiency and drive productivity. Many people who pursue a career in the field later in life start by learning new technology and operations on their own then develop a passion for technology. An online computer science degree from Concordia St. Paul will take you from amateur status to the big leagues, giving you new insights and knowledge to technology and its many applications.