NetworkTigers overview on how to think like an IT manager.
The US News and World Report ranks IT management as the second-best technology job overall, second only to software engineering. It also ranks #3 on the list of best STEM jobs and #4 in the 100 Best Jobs overall.
IT managers earn high salaries, and the field has a generally low unemployment rate of 1.4%. But what does it take to become an IT manager? How does an IT manager handle a crisis like a data breach, a personnel conflict, and more? Is the job of an IT manager stressful?
What does an IT manager do?
The roles and responsibilities of an IT manager have evolved significantly over the last 20 years as information technology has adjusted and expanded. Today, an IT manager must have a unique blend of technological know-how and supervisory smarts. An IT manager may find themselves more likely to be involved in hiring and firing decisions than tangled up in wires in the server room. However, they must still be experts in their field and stay current on emerging technologies.
An IT manager’s responsibilities may include any combination of the following:
- Negotiate with vendors for better prices on software and hardware upgrades
- Plan and implement IT system management
- Hire and train new support technicians
- Organize the installation and maintenance of inter-office technology systems
- Troubleshoot remote access problems for clients, owners, and employees
- Respond to cyberthreats and make difficult decisions in the event of a ransomware attack
- Oversee system testing
- Coach and counsel staff into performing safer cybersecurity practices
- Create a data-driven budget about how best to invest funds in cybersecurity, cloud storage, logistics systems, and more
The mindset of an IT manager
Thinking like an IT manager means thinking like a manager of people, not just network operations. An IT manager is often the liaison between the tech world and senior management. IT managers might report to the CEO, CIO (Chief Information Officer), project managers, directors, or a VP, depending on the size and structure of the company. Because of this, a good IT manager should be a good delegator. Even though they may know how to fix every problem that arises themselves with regular network operations, an IT manager will know when to step back and let their team handle the nitty gritty so that they can focus on larger-picture problems, like cybersecurity infrastructure, network upgrades, and budgeting.
Communication
An IT manager has to be an effective leader and communicator. They must also understand and cut through the technical jargon that can surround IT upgrades and troubleshooting.
Continuous learning
With advances in AI learning, cloud computing, WiFi 7, and more, an IT manager must constantly stay on top of cybersecurity news to ensure their company reaps the rewards of what’s fresh in IT. An IT manager is a forward-facing position in the company. They are concerned not only with maintaining existing systems but also with seeking ways to save the company time and money by connecting to their clients and the broader industry.
Fast response times
As an IT manager, you may be the one who receives the call about a hack, leak, or disgruntled employee who has put the company at risk. As of 2023, the average cost for a company’s data breach is just over $9 million. An IT manager might escalate the information to a VP or CIO or handle the situation themselves in real time. Faster response times can save thousands to millions of dollars if an IT manager successfully isolates the threat. Being responsive and level-headed can save the day when it comes to a data breach.
Using data to your advantage
One of the most critical areas for an IT manager is their proactivity. Hackers develop malware that can guess passwords, send phishing emails to create social engineering attacks, and target companies near-constant. An IT manager needs, at times, to think more like the enemy. What attack vectors are trending in the field? How many employees work remotely, and what risks does that open up? What areas of cybersecurity compliance can be improved? What kinds of data might already be available on the dark web due to previous breaches, and how might they be used for a second attack? IT managers should be able to mobilize data to their advantage to answer all of these questions.
Creating a data-driven approach can strengthen your network security, find areas of cost savings, propel you toward necessary upgrades, and save you time and headaches in the long run. A good IT manager knows that they do not have to have all the answers on their own for the problems their network operations face—when in doubt, turn to the data for solutions.
IT management growth potential
According to the US Department of Labor, demand for IT managers is expected to increase by 15% in coming years, a much faster rate than average for all occupations. Factors contributing to this growth and expansion are the ever-present need for digital integration and data upgrades. Additionally, increases in threat potential and the cost of a successful hack contribute to how valued IT managers are within the corporate ecosystem. Being a great IT manager means not only responding to these challenges but also steering your company away from threats whenever possible. A great IT manager is a leader, both for the business side of your company and their technological needs.
About NetworkTigers
NetworkTigers is the leader in the secondary market for Grade A, seller-refurbished networking equipment. Founded in January 1996 as Andover Consulting Group, which built and re-architected data centers for Fortune 500 firms, NetworkTigers provides consulting and network equipment to global governmental agencies, Fortune 2000, and healthcare companies. www.networktigers.com.
