How To Become A Systems Manager: Degree and Career Guide

Technology plays an integral role in the success of an organization. This technology plays an important functional role in a company's success. Because of the key role that technology plays, there need to be individuals within an organization that can continuously maintain and manage the digital software and systems that exist.

The individuals who manage the digital software and systems within an organization are system managers and they direct and organize all information, data, and processes that are computer-related within the company.

To become a systems manager, you would first need to obtain the appropriate degree, you would need to develop the appropriate skills that will contribute to your overall success in this role, you would need to gain experience, and then you would need to find the ideal role.

Let us take a closer look at the career and degree of a systems manager and how you can guarantee your success in this role if you do decide to pursue this career path.

What Is A Systems Manager?

In every office and every organization, there always seems to be one computer man or woman whom you go to when the copier is giving problems, when your computer software needs to be updated, and when there is no longer ink in the printer. This person is the systems manager, and they deal with meeting all the specific needs an organization may have.

It is up to the systems manager to identify the needs and find the appropriate technological solutions that meet the company's hardware and software demands.

Collaborating closely with all internal divisions within an organization, a systems manager develops and implements long-term IT strategies and plans to meet the company's needs, and they devise processes that will assist the company in heading toward the direction it is hoping to go.

Are There Different Types of Systems Managers Within An Organization?

Depending on the size and the type of organization, they may employ different types of systems managers. In a larger organization, there is more ground to cover, and this means that there will be more people employed in the systems management division. However, there are a few different types of systems management roles to fulfill.

There is a chief information officer which is an upper management role whereby this individual will devise solutions to long-term data and digital issues; there are also chief technology officers, IT directors, and IT Security Managers.

Steps To Become A Systems Manager

Step One: Obtain Your Qualification

The first step you would need to take is enrolling for a bachelor's degree either in computer science information technology, or information systems management. If you are hoping to work your way up the corporate ladder, you may need to consider pursuing a graduate degree in the form of a master's degree, however, this isn't always necessary or required by some employers.

Step Two: Gain The Appropriate Skills

There are some skills that you need to work on and enhance in you are hoping to pursue and be successful in the role of a systems manager. These are analytical skills, communication skills, effective leadership skills, organizational skills, decision-making and business skills, financial management skills, and superior technical proficiency which may seem obvious.

Step Three: Gain Direct Industry Experience

You would need to gain direct industry experience. Whether you opt to do this through an entry-level position after you have obtained your qualification, or whether you have considered pursuing an internship while completing your studies, gaining direct experience will assist you in being successful in your role.

You would need direct experience in Microsoft Office, network management, project management, and IT management.

What Is The Work Environment Of A Systems Manager?

A systems manager would most likely need to work in a traditional office setting whereby they will work with and manage a team of IT specialists. They will work with either internal or external software engineers and developers who will collaborate with them in devising and creating the best IT solutions for the organization.

Because of the collaborative role that systems managers fulfill, working in a remote role may not always be feasible. However, even in fully remote companies, they have one individual dedicated to managing all internal systems and processors.

What Does A Systems Manager Do?

On a daily basis, a systems manager needs to make sure that they keep all the digital aspects of an organization afloat. They do the planned maintenance and update installations of all software and hardware on a company's internal computers, they make sure that the data networks and all other aspects of the digital interface remain safe and secure, and they make sure to stay abreast of all new digital technologies that may be launched which may be directly in line with the organization's needs.

On an individual level, different divisions and individual employees within an organization may have specific digital needs to successfully execute their duties. In such cases, the systems manager will need to make sure that all these needs are met and that all computer-related activities are successfully coordinated.

As previously mentioned, they will need to have an in-depth understanding of any interface and data problems that may arise, and they will need to be able to troubleshoot and solve the problem.

When it is time for the organization to upgrade its entire digital interface, it is up to the systems manager to contribute to the overall decision of the organization's upgrade.

Which Companies Hire System Managers?

While any organization that works on computers or uses any digital interface will need a systems manager, for the most part, financial organizations, government organizations, research and education facilities, and online retailers require systems managers as an important part of the success of their company.

Salary And Job Outlook For Systems Managers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer and information systems managers earn a median annual salary of $159,010. The job outlook for this role expects to see a projected 16% growth over the next ten years with about 48,500 jobs opening each year.

FAQs

What Degree Do I Need To Be A Systems Manager?

At the very least, you would need a bachelor's degree in computer science or IT.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Systems Manager?

When you consider that a bachelor's degree takes about four years to complete and that you would need around two years of direct industry experience, it would take around six years to become a systems manager.

Conclusion

If you have leadership skills and a knack for computers, the role of a systems manager may be best suited for you. However, the responsibility that lies on a system manager's shoulder is great. If you can handle the pressure, this may be the best career path for you.