Becoming a network IT manager takes 5-8 years of post-secondary education and experience as a systems operator or network technician. The job requires long hours, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under pressure. Continuing education is necessary, and career advancement opportunities include senior management and director of information technology.
The career path to becoming a network IT manager is usually five to eight years after graduation and requires a significant amount of time and effort to develop the skills needed to function at that level. A network information technology (IT) manager is responsible for the hardware and connectivity of the entire system. This is a position with a lot of responsibility and often requires long hours.
To become a network IT manager, candidates must have a post-secondary education in computer systems, information technology or hardware configuration. This type of training is available at a wide variety of community colleges and typically requires two to three years of full-time study to complete. Programs that include an internship or a co-op work placement program offer the most value, as students can gain valuable work experience while still in school.
People who like to work with their hands, are good with technology, and can manage conflicting priorities find this type of work satisfying. This career is very demanding, both in terms of time and energy. It is very common for a network IT manager to be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He or she is expected to be able to solve complex problems quickly and come up with a solution that can be applied immediately. Anyone who doesn’t work well under pressure shouldn’t seek to become a network IT manager.
The experience required for this position is usually gained through a position as a systems operator or network technician. In this job, the candidate is responsible for a specific area or network. He makes necessary changes and works with clients and other team members to resolve issues. The skill set required for this role varies depending on the network configuration, the complexity of the system architecture, and the needs of the organization.
Continuing education is required to stay current on the technology used in network administration. This area of information technology is constantly evolving and must be flexible enough to meet changing business needs, yet stable enough to be operationally sound. There are a variety of different certification programs associated with IT networking systems, and it is important to stay current and invest the time and effort necessary to earn these credentials.
Career advancement opportunities available when you become a network IT manager include senior management, information systems architect, and director of information technology. You need to consider a solid work history and reputation for excellence and high yield for these opportunities. Talk to your human resources department to find out what skills are needed to advance your career and work towards achieving your goals.
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