Job Description of an Information Technology Supervisor
Computers applications are everywhere in our modern society. Business and government operations depend on their network systems to run effectively and be reliable. The job of the Information Technology Supervisor is to oversee the operation, development and maintenance of these computer systems and IT personnel to ensure they perform at peak performance. As computer technology continues to advance, an increased demand for qualified IT staff and supervisors is expected.
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Educational Requirements
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Typically, companies require management personnel to have at least a bachelor's degree in their particular field of expertise. This is especially true in the case of information technology supervisory staff, who must possess a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field. . According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most companies and government agencies prefer information technology supervisors and management personnel to have a graduate degree. The agency reports that the preferred degree is, "an MBA with technology as a core component." MBA programs require completing an undergraduate degree and an additional two-year commitment to complete the MBA requirements.
Additional Qualifications
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A background in computer-related fields and information technology training are desired skills for most employers looking to fill management positions in their IT departments. Supervisors and administrators should possess good people and communications skills, be able to solve problems and have strong analytical skills in order to manage multiple tasks while paying close attention to detail. Successful supervisors can see the big picture as it relates to the overall operation of the employer's business.
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Job Duties
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Information technology supervisors manage the IT and support staff, organize and implement research and development and direct the overall operations of the IT department. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "chief information officers are responsible for the overall technological direction of their organizations." Because of the increasing importance of computers, information technology and online security the position of chief information officer is quickly becoming part of the executive staff at many companies. These managers need an understanding of the entire operational process of their organization in order to determine in which direction they should focus the company's resources of personnel and equipment to remain competitive in the global marketplace.
Advancement
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Information technology supervisors may advance to project director, management information systems (MIS) or information technology (IT) directors. Further advancement may include the senior-most position as chief information officer, which is part of the top executive staff in many companies.
Employment Outlook
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an increase of 17 percent for computer and information supervisors during the decade of 2008 to 2018. Competition for higher-paying positions will be keen and applicants with extensive computer-related work experience or degrees in business administration will have an advantage over lesser-experienced and trained individuals.
Earnings
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, network and computer system administrators earned a median annual wage of $66,310 during the reporting period of May 2008. The Agency reports the median annual wages for computer and information systems managers during the same reporting period was $112,210. Salaries for these managers vary according to level of responsibility and specialty. The Agency reports to two top-paying industries for information technology supervisors to be within the categories of, "computer systems design and related services." and "management, scientific and technical consulting services." The median annual salary for senior information technology supervisors in those fields was $133,140 and $130,390 respectively.
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References
- Photo Credit the computer chip image by Sergey Galushko from Fotolia.com
