How to Become an IT Project Manager

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In today’s global community, companies and organizations of all sizes have goals and objectives for information technology (IT) projects. Experienced professionals to plan, coordinate, and manage resources for these projects toward successful completion are essential. These professionals are IT project managers.

What does an IT project manager do?

IT project managers (also called PMs) are responsible for the successful planning and implementation of IT projects. They create budgets, requirements, and schedules for the IT projects of their companies or organizations. They may plan and define project scope, milestones, resources and timelines. They will organize a project from initial planning and development to implementation and maintenance. They work with internal and external clients, specialists, consultants, and vendors.

The IT project manager also identifies the risks that could directly affect the success of a given project. The risks may be formally or informally assessed throughout the process. The PM is responsible for reducing or negating these risks. They may also assess the overall quality of projects and employ processes to enhance quality assurance. Project management software may be used to organize tasks and can enable PMs to produce charts and reports with a minimum of effort.

Information technology project managers work in a team with other professionals involved with the project. They make sure all participants of the project have an opportunity to voice their questions, concerns and opinions, and handle issues that arise. Click here to find out how to become a IT project manager.

What kind of training does an IT project manager need?

Project managers of this type are most likely to have a combination of sound educational background and related experience in a broad range of IT fields. A bachelor degree in information technology is typically preferred for IT project management positions. Many IT project managers have degrees in information technology, technical project management or related fields.

Some employers prefer graduate degrees with a concentration in IT, or dual degrees in business management and information technology. Some PMs may hold positions with an associate or trade school degree, but they have extensive work experience with updated skills or certifications. Click here to get a list of programs to get your information technology degree online.

What are the prospects for a career in IT project management?

As technology increases in the global workplace, the need for IT project managers is projected to grow 16% through 2016, faster than average for all occupations. (1) The demand for advanced information technology projects will drive the need for IT project manager jobs.

Prospects will be the best for qualified candidates who have a solid educational background and significant work experience. Job seekers with strong communication and leadership skills and specialized technical knowledge will have the greatest prospects. Click here to get a list of programs to get your degree in information technology online.

How much do IT project managers make?

According to Salary.com, as of March 2009, the middle 50 percent of entry-level IT project manager salaries were between $57,403 and $75,705 with the highest 10% earning more than $84,465. (2)

A career in IT project management is a great choice for people with strong communication, leadership, and teamwork skills. IT project managers must have the ability to organize resources, manage time effectively and resolve interpersonal issues. Click here to find your path to a IT career.

Now what? The next step is easy!

Take the first step today and request free information from our selected top online Computer Science and IT schools, or simply use the form below to find the program that is right for you!

ITProject Specific Programs

School Name

Campus/Program Info

Liberty University

Project Management

Online Program

Colorado Technical University

Project Management

Sioux Falls, SD

Colorado Technical University

Project Management

Pueblo, CO

Colorado Technical University

Project Management

Denver, CO

Colorado Technical University

Project Management

Colorado Springs, CO

(1) SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition
(2) SOURCE: Salary.com, Salary Wizard

Recent Customer Comments

IT Project Manager Article Review

On 2012-01-10 Jim wrote:

Quick review of this article:Pros:- Helps those who aren't familiar with the position get a quick basic familiarity- Good stats on growth potential in this field, squares well with what I've read elsewhere- Salary ranges are nice for those thinking of getting into this fieldCons- Would be nice to see some more options of where to get an education or even if you can get training through certification rather than a full blown degreeHope that helpsJim
ProjectManageSoft