What is an IT Project Manager?
Information Technology Project Managers are also called computer and information systems managers.They specialize in doing tasks related to information technology at the managerial level. IT Project Managers formulate, coordinate and guide computer related projects in an organization.
They also prepare and plan for the implementation of the IT goals of the organizations they work for. In most cases, their work is to come up with the appropriate systems that will enable their companies meet the set objectives.
Duties and Responsibilities of IT Project Managers
- Analyzing the computer needs of the companies they work for and recommending the possible upgrade solutions to their top executives
- Planning and supervising the installation of computer hardware facilities and software in the organization
- Maintaining or ensuring the organization’s electronic documents and networks are safe
- Planning both long-term and short-term personnel needs in the IT departments of the organization
- Identifying technology vendors for supply of service and computer equipment to the organization
- Keeping the company abreast with new technologies related to computers and computer use in the organization
- Assessing the benefits and the costs of installing and implementing the use of computer systems in meeting the organization’s goals, and recommending to the top executives of the company
- Initiating and supervising troubleshooting of software, hardware, operating system and network problems in an organization
- Identifying potential technological advancements that can benefit an organization and organizing the orientation and training of staff in their use
- Maintaining inventories of software and hardware resources an organization has
- The largest percentage of IT Project Managers is employed by firms dealing in computer systems, design and similar firms.
- A small percentage is employed by the federal, local or state government, manufacturing firms and financial firms.
- Computer systems design – 17%
- Insurance and Finance – 14%
- Manufacturing industries – 9%
- Management enterprises and companies – 8%
- Government – 7%
Academic Qualifications of IT Project Managers
For one to become an IT Project Manager, the following minimum qualifications must be met:- A bachelor’s degree in information sciences or computer related areas – candidates are expected to have completed a four year full time course and covered units in mathematics, computer programming and software development
- A graduate degree such as an MBA, which takes 2 years to complete
- Any relevant certifications in computer and information systems
Other Relevant Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
The following are the skills, knowledge areas and attitudes that are expected of IT Project Managers if they have to perform their duties effectively:- Knowledge on computer programs, software and hardware systems
- Knowledge on computer troubleshooting
- Computer security and viruses
- Web applications such as email
- Computer networks and their administration
- Management skills
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Problem solving and analytical skills
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
- Ability to set up, install and manage computer networks
- Time management skills
- Decision making skills
- General computer use proficiency
IT Project Manager Remuneration Estimates
Most IT Project Managers work like other managers in information systems environments. Their job descriptions are similar to those of full time employees, and therefore their salaries are calculated or based on a full time working basis.The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates that computer and IS managers earns as follows:
- The median pay for IT Project Managers is $115,780 per year, or $55.67 per hour
- The 10 percent lowest earners make $71,420 per year
- The highest 10 percent earners earn $166,400 per year
The median wage, however, varies from industry to industry, with the companies specialized in providing computer systems design leading in the scale of payment:
- Computer systems companies – $123,570 per year
- Insurance and Finance – $118,010 per year
- Manufacturing companies – $117,050 per year
- Government departments – $110,030 per year
- Social assistance and health care – 101,840
These are the four best paying employers for IT Project Managers according to the BLS.