Today’s technology managers face continuous change: emerging technologies, dynamic new business models, and ever-expanding international markets. Many businesses are becoming e-businesses and must tackle both the challenges and the opportunities of the Internet revolution. In order to do this, they need competent managers at all levels who feel at ease bridging the gap between the digital and business worlds.

Technology management positions range from Webmaster to Chief Information Officer. Broadly speaking, managers direct the work of systems analysts, computer programmers, and other computer-related workers. They also analyze the company’s computer, information, and staffing needs.

Employment of information technology managers is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through 2008 as organizations continue to rely more and more on computer and information technologies.

Job opportunities will be best for individuals who follow industry trends, and who continually update their skills as new technologies emerge.

Technology managers must have strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills. In addition, they must be able to work under pressure.

Information Technology managers must possess both strong technical skills as well as basic managerial skills such as organizing, planning, leading, and controlling.

A solid base of technical knowledge includes an understanding of computer hardware, operating systems, local and wide area networks, database management applications, object-oriented programming, and systems design and management. However, the individual must also gain industry specific technical knowledge.

Upper level managers especially must also have excellent communication and relationship skills, business savvy, and the ability to hire, develop, and retain high quality IT professionals.

Except in the case of Webmaster, most employers require technology mangers to have a bachelor’s degree in business administration (with technology focus), computer science, or some other technically-oriented field. Although opinions vary, for those individuals whose career goal is a senior level position, an MBA may be beneficial way to stand out among peers. Furthermore, more and more today, senior executives, and especially CIOs, are expected have some international or global experience.

Technology managers spend most of their working hours in an office environment. Most managers work a minimum of 40 hours per week and may work much longer to meet deadlines. Some of these professionals may feel considerable pressure to provide better service, implement new technologies, and attain company goals within budgetary guidelines.