There are many academic and career paths to becoming an information services project manager. These jobs require professionals who have skills in the areas of technical support, computer systems and customer service. Information services project managers can find work in many industries, including retail, finance, service and health care.
Study Information Services
The first step is to study information services. These undergraduate degrees help students attain the skills required to perform a variety of professional IT tasks for clients. These include repairing networks, installing software, maintaining security systems and assisting customers with online application problems. Most degree programs allow students to specialize in areas like network security, web publishing, computer support, systems analysis and software applications.
A generic degree will explore topics related to information systems, database management, computer programming and web development. They can also take classes in operating systems, system modeling theories, systems development and introduction to C++ and SQL Programming. Graduates of these programs can pursue a graduate degree in information science or technology. These degrees focus on the end-user, customer service and problem solving.
Study Information Systems
As an alternative, those who want to become information services project managers can also study information systems. The title of the degree may be similar to the one above, but technical content is emphasized over people skills. These degrees help students develop the technical and business expertise needed to write technology policies, deploy new information systems and resolve technical related challenges. Studying information systems will provide students with a knowledge foundation for operating and maintaining information systems through re-engineering business processes.
These degree programs usually offer specializations in cyber-security, technology, software engineering, enterprise data and computer forensic management. These programs teach students how to analyze technical problems to identify appropriate solutions and evaluate existing systems, processes and programs. Students also learn about information systems strategy, acquisition and management, so they will understand how to select technologies that will help organizations remain efficient and productive.
Study IT Project Management
Anyone who wants to become an information services project manager must study project management. This will drastically enhance the students’ career prospects, especially if the program is offered through a nationally recognized program, according to the Project Management Institute. Project management coursework emphasizes the practical applications of key concepts like budget analysis, strategic planning and organizational management. Classes focus on how to elicit project-based teamwork and collaboration between different business units.
Project management programs teach students how to effectively manage their project’s human, physical and financial resources. Project management programs always include classes that cover every stage of the project’s life cycle, from planning to execution to evaluation. For example, they may include a class on project estimating and budgeting, so students will know how to determine costs, schedule sequencing and implement quality management controls. Classes on project procurement management will help students with contracting, negotiations and resource procurement.
Related Resource: Software Engineering
The final step is to gain experience as an information services manager in any industry. These jobs will most likely require candidates to manage the day-to-day activities of assigned IT staff in providing efficient customer service and maintain IT assets, systems and programs. Once they have enough experience with departmental policies, operational procedures and developmental methodologies, they can move on to become information services project managers.
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