How to Become an IT Project Manager
IT Project Manager
An IT project manager works in the planning and development of computer systems. They will oversee projects for a particular client, with the client’s needs at the core of everything they do.
IT project managers design and develop various ‘projects’, various computer systems for a client. An example of an IT project may be a website or e-commerce store, or it could be a sophisticated IT security package or a system’s IT infrastructure. Clients could be any companies who use IT.
An IT project manager will plan and develop these computer systems according to the individual client’s needs, and oversee every step of the journey from concept to execution.
An IT project manager’s duties will include:
- Discussing IT needs with clients and confirming that they can meet these needs.
- Planning the project in stages, including timescales, budgets, and quality, and assessing the business implications.
- Coordinating development projects and ensuring that deadlines are met.
- Overseeing the progress of the project, including the termination and changeover of it.
- Updating senior managers and clients with progress.
- Evaluating any completed tasks.
To become an IT project manager, candidates should demonstrate relevant knowledge and vocational experience. Some IT project managers are graduates with a degree in a computing-based sector. Graduates are generally able to enter the field at a more senior level than non-graduates.
However, non-graduates can become an IT project manager through vocational means. They may already work in an IT role and have transferable skills, or work in some sort of project management position – for example, on a project support team.
Candidates who have managing experience and IT proficiency may also be considered for IT project management roles. Some companies offer apprenticeships for similar roles, and candidates on these apprenticeships can climb up the career ladder to IT project manager.
Prospective IT project managers should demonstrate leadership skills, as they will have to manage a team. They should be able to supervise, delegate tasks, and motivate those working underneath them. Communication skills are intrinsic to being an IT project manager, as they need to communicate with their employees and clients.
Time management skills are also essential for IT project managers; they will have to be able to assess what parts of a project should have more time spent on them while still meeting deadlines. Technical understanding, such as being aware of hardware, software, and networks, is essential, as is having analytical skills and being confident with using data.
IT project managers will typically work for IT firms, although some may set up their own firm and work on a freelance basis.
What degree is most commonly held by an IT Project Manager ?
- BA Economics, Marketing and International Relations
- Bachelor of Management
- Bachelor of Information Technology
- Bachelor of Computer Science and Telecommunications
Career Transportability across Countries
Transportability: High
What is the Salary of an IT Project Manager ?
Experience | Average salary | year | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
AU$ | UK£ | US$ | ||
IT Project Manager | 1-3 yrs | $65,000 | £45,000 | $63,440 |
IT Project Manager | 3-5 yrs | $71,000 | £55,000 | $93,781 |
IT Project Manager | 5-10 yrs | $90,000 | £62,500 | $115,000 |
What skills are needed to become an IT Project Manager ?
- Project Management
- Management
- Change Management
- Business Analysis
- Leadership
- Project Planning
- Project Delivery
- Program Management
- Business Process Improvement
- Team Leadership
- Stakeholder Management
- Microsoft Office
- Integration
- ITIL
- Vendor Management
- Requirements Analysis
- Customer Service
- PRINCE2
- Process Improvement
- IT Service Management
- Business Process
- IT Strategy
- Software Project Management
- Information Technology
- Agile Methodologies
IT Project Manager Courses
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Introduction to Strategic Doing: An Agile Approach to Strategy
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Project Management Principles, Practices and Systems
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Successful Agile for Digital Teams
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Business Fundamentals: Project Management
Gain the basic skills to manage all phases of project lifecycles effectively using the most appropriate methods and tools
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Foundations of Project Management
Explore the fundamental aspects of project management and develop your understanding of traditional project lifecycles
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Project Management: Beyond the Basics
Build your existing project management knowledge and develop the skills to manage teams and deliver effective projects
IT Project Manager Microcredentials
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Practical Project Management
Get a professional accredited introduction to project management from a top UK university
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Project Management: Managing Front-End Planning
Build the project planning and management skills to start a career in project management within your chosen professional field
Need even more evidence about why you should learn on FutureLearn?
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Introduction to Strategic Doing: An Agile Approach to Strategy
Learn about 'strategic doing', a new way of creating strategies for open network businesses and organisations.Show course overview -
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Grow your project management skills, and understand project management methodologies and challenges.Show course overview -
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