Technology Management Jobs: Salary and Career Facts

<p>The term 'technology management' refers to the use of computers and their related systems in business and industry. Having an education in this field can prepare you for a variety of careers, including database administration, IT management, and computer systems analysis. Database administrators encrypt a company's online information using specialized software, ensuring that only those authorized to do so can access important documents. IT managers oversee computer-related activities in the workplace and direct IT workers in their tasks. Computer systems analysts observe the existing systems in place by a company, recommending changes to usage and technology to make the organization more efficient and effective at what it does. </p> <p>The table below outlines career options and the general requirements. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th> </th><th>Database Administrator</th><th>IT Management</th><th>Computer Systems Analyst</th></tr> <tr><td><b>Degree Required</b></td><td> Bachelor's</td><td> Bachelor's</td><td> Bachelor's</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Skills Required</b></td><td> Analytical skills, communication skills, detail orientation, problem-solving skills, logical thinking</td><td> Analytical skills, communication skills, leadership skills, organizational skills</td><td> Analytical skills, communication skills, creativity</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Average Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$101,090*</td><td>$161,730 (<i>for all computer and information systems managers</i>)*</td><td>$99,020*</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b></td><td>8%*</td><td>11% (for all computer and information systems managers)*</td><td>7%*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithADegreeInTechnologyManagement">What Can I Do With a Degree in Technology Management?</h3> <p>Technology management degree programs are typically designed to help you prepare for management or executive positions within your current field. Some programs focus on the information technology (IT) industry, while others offer a general education applicable to any field that relies heavily on the use of technology. </p> <p>Programs focusing on technology management usually lead to a bachelor's or master's degree. Most programs focus on current technology and the application of technology in business management. Some programs also offer instruction on business management and include courses in management principles, business law, and marketing. Other examples of courses found in such a program include technology management and economics, IT management and decision-making, computer systems analysis, global information management, database administrator, statistics, and business engineering. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatMightIDoAsAnInformationTechnologyManager">What Might I Do as an Information Technology Manager?</h3> <p>Technology management focuses on the use of computers and computer-based systems in business. If you want to work in technology management, you can choose to enter the field of information technology (IT) management or you can seek advancement within another field that utilizes technological systems. </p> <p>In the field of IT management, you can choose to become a computer and information systems manager. In such a position, your responsibility would be to help implement technology within your company while also managing IT employees. This might involve researching your company's technology needs, designing plans to implement new computer systems, assembling teams to handle the set up of new systems, and monitoring the functions of existing systems. Network security and software development could also fall under your guidance. </p> <h3 id="section---HowMightIAdvanceInTheField">How Might I Advance in the Field?</h3> <p>A background in technology management might help groom you for acquiring top executive positions within your field. If you already possess the required technical skills or industry-specific knowledge needed to advance within your company, training in technology management could allow you to qualify for upper management, such as chief executive officer (CEO), chief technology officer (CTO), and chief information officer (CIO). In these positions, you'll usually become responsible for the overall operations of the company or the technical components of a company. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatOtherTypesOfManagementPositionsCouldIPursue">What Other Types of Management Positions Could I Pursue?</h3> <p>With a professional or educational background in technology, you might be able to advance to a position managing technological systems within your current field. Many industries use technology as a large part of their operations. Telecommunications and chemical manufacturing are two examples of fields in which you could advance with further training in technology management. </p> <p>The telecommunications industry includes Internet, television, telephone, and cell phone services. In this field, technology is highly utilized to help in the delivery and maintenance of products. The introduction of new devices and services within this industry often relies heavily on new technology. In a management role, you might oversee the general operations of a specific division of the company, such as product development or customer service. Most higher level telecommunications workers will have at least an associate's degree, though higher levels of education can only help your chances in this increasingly competitive industry. </p> <p>Chemical manufacturing revolves around the production of various items, such as medications, household products, cosmetics, and paint. To advance into a management position in this field, you often need to have technical experience in a related area, like engineering or chemistry. Technology management knowledge is helpful because the manufacturing of chemicals and chemical products is done using high-tech machines and other computerized systems. The typical education requirements for these managers is a bachelor's degree or higher.</p>