Pros and Cons of an IT Executive Career
IT (information technology) executives manage the information technology needs and systems of their employers, including implementing database and network designs, installing and upgrading software, ensuring systems security and troubleshooting computer issues throughout their organizations. Read on for some of the pros and cons of working as an IT executive to help you determine if it's the right job for you.
| Pros of Working as an IT Executive |
|---|
| Job growth - employment expected to increase 15% between 2012 and 2022* |
| High annual salary (often above $100,000)* |
| Hold an essential leadership position within most companies* |
| Variety of work environments (nonprofit, government, corporation, small business), as position is needed in many industries* |
| May work almost anywhere geographically* |
| Cons of Working as an IT Executive |
|---|
| Must keep up with new and developing technology* |
| Potentially long hours (around 33% of IT executives worked beyond 40 hours per week in 2012)* |
| High-pressure environment - troubleshooting, systems security threats, deadlines and budget issues may all arise and need immediate attention* |
| Graduate-level education quickly becoming desired or expected by some employers* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Profile
Job Description and Duties
The job of an IT executive is to oversee the information technology needs of an organization including supervising subordinates, coordinating software implementation and upgrades, determining IT budget and equipment needs, and ensuring systems security. Depending on the kind and size of the organization, IT executives may be core contributors to the overall business strategy and budgetary outline. Some IT execs don't hold company-specific permanent positions but rather work as contractors - the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in 2012, around 4% of computer and information systems managers worked on a contract basis providing computer systems design and related services.
IT execs sometimes have to work under pressure: deadlines, systems security threats or other unexpected issues may call for immediate attention and require longer work hours (possibly in evenings or on weekends) in order to produce a solution. In addition, professionals in this field must keep up with and continually acquire new programming, technical and software skills on pace with the emergence of new technologies, so you'll want to make sure you feel comfortable in this kind of fast-paced environment with an ongoing focus on learning new information.
Position Titles and Responsibilities
The actual job titles and corresponding duties of IT executives vary: positions can range from Chief Information Officer (CIO) to Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to IT directors to computer and information systems managers. While these are all distinct titles, the duties of each may overlap or look different among different organizations depending on the companies' size, scope and environment.
The CIO and CTO are high-level positions in a company and may be in charge of an organization's entire IT direction, budget and implementation as well as being tasked with keeping an eye on emerging technologies to assess their potential usefulness. IT directors assign and review the work of the IT team and coordinate a company's technological and information systems, while computer and information systems managers oversee programming, network, Internet, hardware and software considerations and supervise subordinate IT employees.
Career Prospects and Salary
Since information technology is an integral part of almost every contemporary organization, job opportunities abound. IT executives may work for the government, in nonprofit organizations or for corporations, and the BLS projects that employment in IT leadership positions will increase 15% between 2012 and 2022.
Although the salary range for IT executives varies widely according to qualifications and responsibilities, it is often six figures; the BLS lists the 2014 median salary for computer and information systems managers as $127,640. At the top levels of the IT executive field (with titles such as CIO or CTO), the 2012 median salary was at or above approximately $200,000, according to Salary.com.
What Is Required?
IT directors rely on a combination of education and experience to perform their jobs effectively. Most management positions in IT require at the minimum a bachelor's degree, usually in computer science, systems management or a related field. These degrees encompass classes in information systems, mathematics, statistics, programming and computer engineering. At the same time, hands-on experience is essential - these executives need technical expertise in an array of areas in order to address the comprehensive IT demands of an organization. Companies may use a range of software or programs, all of which the IT executive must have mastered.
In addition to technical knowledge, you'll want to have skills in business and communication as an IT manager. In a company environment, your work may include communicating with various types of people: higher management to discuss or request budget adjustments, subordinates to assign work or explain strategies and peer-level directors to explain new software or troubleshoot tech issues. Courses in business, management and communications are all advisable for aspiring IT executives.
What Employers Are Seeking
Though a number of employers are beginning to prefer candidates with advanced degrees, technical experience and expertise are still among the most universal requirements for IT executives (employers often seek candidates with 10 years or more of experience). Many jobs also call for proficiencies in business analysis and communications as well as experience in supervising employees. Here are a few examples of actual IT executive job postings in March 2012:
- A nonprofit in Kentucky was looking for an IT director reporting directly to the CEO to be charge of IT planning and implementation and to play an active part in the organization's comprehensive business planning. A master's degree in computer science or an MBA was preferred.
- A Georgia-based healthcare company sought a candidate to oversee the IT department, including supervising employees, with little supervision. Experience and knowledge of healthcare and insurance systems are listed as a plus.
- An information sciences company in Baltimore called for a CTO responsible for conceiving and implementing the company's overall technology operations as well as overseeing IT personnel. Requirements include experience with technology start-up companies and server configuration.
- An industry firm in Kansas City sought an IT manager with upward of 15 years of experience, as well as skills in systems and programming analysis, business planning and subordinate supervision. A bachelor's degree is listed as preferred.
How to Stand Out
Skills in business, management, communications and even finance can be major plusses for IT executives, so taking classes in these subjects as you acquire your bachelor's degree can increase your appeal as a candidate. In addition, a number of options beyond the bachelor's degree level can support your IT career aspirations.
Advanced Education and Certifications
While it is still only a preference for most employers, companies wanting IT executives with graduate degrees are increasing (according to the BLS, an MBA with an emphasis in technology is especially sought due to the increasing intersections between technology and business strategies). A report from Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce in January 2012 indicated that those who held master's degrees in information systems or computer science earned nearly twice as much annually as holders of the respective bachelor's degrees. For a less expensive option, many colleges offer certificates in executive-level business and management practices as well as in IT specialties that can help you stand out in the candidate pool.
It is essential for IT execs to stay up-to-date on both emerging technologies and new or updated versions of familiar technologies. Often, companies that produce a specific technology or software provide specialized training in it, resulting in a correlative certification that can be a significant addition to your resume. Since different workplaces use different technologies, it can be a good idea to develop expertise in a variety of them in order to broaden your employability.
Areas of Specialization
According to the BLS, as more and more business endeavors are moved and operated online, the security of information systems becomes more widely imperative. That makes information security an expanding employment area you may want to consider specializing in. Health services is another industry that is becoming ever more technological and thus offering corresponding job growth. Colleges offer certificate programs in both these areas that can help set you apart as a prospective employee.
Other Career Paths
If being an IT executive doesn't seem like the perfect career fit for you, there are a number of other positions in the IT industry you may prefer.
Computer Systems Analyst
Systems analysts tend to work in a specialized area, such as accounting or scientific systems, and assist organizations in determining, designing and implementing information systems necessary for their operations. A bachelor's degree and field-specific technical knowledge are frequently required qualifications. According to the BLS, the annual salary range for the middle 50% of computer systems analysts in mid-2008 was between $58,000 and $96,000.
IT Project Manager
IT project managers oversee particular projects or areas in the IT department, often serving as the company liaison to corresponding consultants and vendors. Though they may supervise subordinates, they don't shoulder the level of department responsibility IT executives do. According to Salary.com, IT project managers tend to earn a median income of approximately $70,000 to $100,000 depending on their qualification level.
Software Engineer
If you have less of an interest in running a department and more of an interest in computer systems theory and development, this job might be for you. Software engineers conceive and create a variety of software including operating systems, applications for businesses and even computer games. Their work may involve off-site travel to meet with clients or telecommuting as technological advances allow more interaction to be done virtually. A bachelor's degree in a field such as software engineering, computer science or mathematics is often required.
