Technical Professional Career Management CAREER MANAGEMENT FOR…

Technical Professional Career Management


 CAREER MANAGEMENT FOR TECHNICAL PROFESSIONALS:
  THE MASTERS DEGREE: MANAGEMENT OR TECHNICAL

                      Dr. Andres Fortino, P.E., Associate Provost
           Polytechnic University, Westchester, NY USA · www.poly.edu/west


Organizations tend to use college educated professionals in two ways. At the start of
their careers, new employees are put to work in the firm's operations. They are hired and
perform tasks and have responsibilities directly related to their technical abilities and
education. They assist the firm with what Peter Drucker has termed "doing things right."

As time progresses on the continuum of their careers, the professional begins assuming
"doing the right thing" dictum. This requires managerial skills and greater business
acumen. The chart below exemplifies this progression and a symbolic 80/20 sliding split
between technical and managerial responsibilities during the trajectory of a career.



  Management
   Skills and
  Technology
  Awareness                     Focus on Firm Strategy
                                                                             Doing the
                                                                             right thing


    Technical
  Competencies
  and Analytical
      Skills
                       Focus on Firm Operations                                 Doing
                                                                                things
                                                                                 right


                      Professional Career                           Time


In the professional life of a technical person there comes a time when he/she may decide
to move from the technical ladder to the managerial ladder in their pursuit of career
advancement. The baccalaureate and first graduate degree of a technical professional is
often highly technical. This allows the individual to add value to the firm as a technical
professional. This training very seldom builds managerial skills or business acumen. The
technical professional is left to pick up these skills and knowledge through on-the-job
training, or company sponsored short training courses. This education is often undertaken
as part-time graduate management education and yields the added benefit of a master
degree, a widely recognized credential.



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                               Educational Transitions

  Management
   Skills and                                           Executive MBA
  Technology                                               or PhD
  Awareness
                                                                               Doing the
                                         MSTM                                  right thing

    Technical
  Competencies             MBA
  and Analytical
      Skills

                                                                                Doing
                                                                                things
                      UG                                                         right

   Undergraduate            Professional Career
      Degree


Four types of degrees are generally available to give the technical professional formal
management education.

   1. The Technology Management Master degree ­ an emerging form of
      management education for the technical professional. It emphasizes management
      applied to technical subjects. It is shorter than the MBA, typically 30 to 36 credit
      hours, and thus more desirable to the working professional. The pure
      technology/pure management content varies from program to program. It could
      be as little as 50 percent technology/50 percent management to a full 100%
      management focus. In any case this degree is perceived by the professional's
      manager as a technical degree and would more likely fund the employee attending
      this course of study than an MBA. The business acumen and management skills
      learned enhance the technical professional's self-image and self-esteem since it
      deepens the knowledge of the industry and produces added competency
      commensurate with the added managerial responsibilities. This degree is often a
      second professional degree to complement a more technical master degree taken
      earlier in a professional's career.

   2. The MBA degree ­ the traditional path to obtaining management skills after a
      bachelor's degree. It is a broader degree and very much sought after (over
      100,000 people graduate with an MBA every year in the US). It is considered a
      terminal degree. Quality accredited programs require up to three years of part-
      time study to complete because the minimum credit requirements is 48 credit
      hours (50% more than the typical master degrees that have a 30 credit minimum).

       Many technical professionals opt to get this degree mid-career to move into
       management. They find that their companies are reluctant to pay for tuition for an
       MBA because they recognize they will probably lose the employee when they


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Technical Professional Career Management
      graduate. The MBA is also a very general degree that often does not emphasize
      technology and is not directly applicable to a professional wishing to rise as a
      technology executive. The MBA is good for career change into other forms of
      management like finance and marketing. Most schools use the MBA as a platform
      to give deeper training in a business discipline such as finance, marketing or
      accounting. This degree produces technicians of business and are focused on the
      education of professionals five to seven years after their bachelor's degree and
      meant for workers who are still being viewed by industry as technical workers.

       Although some schools waive foundation classes in their MBA programs for
       adequately prepared students, this often requires a business undergraduate degree,
       which most technical professionals with engineering and computer science
       bachelor's do not posses. So although the possibility of a 30 credit hour MBA
       exists, technical professionals, are seldom in a position to qualify and must take
       the full 48 or more credits.

   3. The Executive MBA degree ­ This degree is a modification of the MBA with the
      characteristics that it focuses on firm strategy, governance and executive roles.
      The subject matter is often the same as the MBA but is taught from an executive
      perspective. This degree was created with the needs of professionals with twelve
      to fifteen years experience in mind and who need a management credential to
      advance to executive rank. The programs are designed to be completed in two
      years and are often much more expensive than the MBA degree. Again, the
      technical professionals may not find the degree as valuable if they choose to
      remain in technical positions. For the younger professionals it may be too broad
      or the executive level focus too high to meet their immediate needs.

   4. The Information Systems Masters degree ­ Some schools offer master degrees
      that have managerial content (such as a few or many MBA foundation classes)
      and still teach a great deal of technology. Classes in databases, networks, systems
      design and information security, even programming classes, figure prominently in
      such programs. This program as a first professional degree for those technical
      people who know they will eventually become managers. It suffers from being
      too light in technology to really deepen the technical person's technology skills
      and too light in management to achieve a managerial position after obtaining the
      credential. It does help the "administrator" type of technical person, such as
      database administrators, systems administrators and network administrators, who
      often have to lead technical teams and work within the management structure of a
      firm. It could also be an ideal degree for non-technical professionals who have
      assumed technical managerial roles. The program of study can assist them in
      obtaining additional management skills and some technical know-how they need
      in their current position. The technically trained person who is contemplating a
      switch from the technical ladder to the management ladder has sufficient depth in
      technology and seldom needs such a degree. They often opt for the more
      management and business focused technology management masters degree as
      more appropriate.


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Technical Professional Career Management

        THE IT MANAGEMENT PROFESIONAL:
CHARACTERISTIC OF THE TYPICAL EMPLOYEE, EDUCATION,
      JOB OUTLOOK AND NATURE OF THE WORK

From the US Department of Labor Bureau Of Labor Statistics 2007 Occupational
Outlook Handbook.

Nature of the Work

      "How and when companies and organizations use technology are critical to
      remaining competitive. Computer and information systems managers play a vital
      role in the technological direction of their organizations. They do everything from
      constructing the business plan to overseeing network security to directing Internet
      operations.

      "Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct
      research and facilitate the computer-related activities of firms. They help
      determine both technical and business goals in consultation with top management
      and make detailed plans for the accomplishment of these goals. For example,
      working with their staff, they may develop the overall concepts and requirements
      of a new product or service, or may identify how an organization's computing
      capabilities can effectively aid project management.

      "Computer and information systems managers direct the work of systems
      analysts, computer programmers, support specialists, and other computer-related
      workers. These managers plan and coordinate activities such as installation and
      upgrading of hardware and software, programming and systems design,
      development of computer networks, and implementation of Internet and intranet
      sites. They are increasingly involved with the upkeep, maintenance, and security
      of networks. They analyze the computer and information needs of their
      organizations from an operational and strategic perspective and determine
      immediate and long-range personnel and equipment requirements. They assign
      and review the work of their subordinates and stay abreast of the latest technology
      to ensure the organization does not lag behind competitors.

      "The duties of computer and information systems managers vary with their
      specific titles. Chief technology officers, for example, evaluate the newest and
      most innovative technologies and determine how these can help their
      organizations. The chief technology officer, who often reports to the
      organization's chief information officer, manages and plans technical standards
      and tends to the daily information technology issues of the firm.Because of the
      rapid pace of technological change, chief technology officers must constantly be
      on the lookout for developments that could benefit their organizations. They are
      responsible for demonstrating to a company how information technology can be



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Technical Professional Career Management
      used as a competitive tool that not only cuts costs, but also increases revenue and
      maintains or increases competitive advantage."

       "Management information systems (MIS) directors manage information systems
       and computing resources for their organizations. They also may work under the
       chief information officer and plan and direct the work of subordinate information
       technology employees. These managers oversee a variety of user services such as
       an organization's help desk, which employees can call with questions or
       problems. MIS directors also may make hardware and software upgrade
       recommendations based on their experience with an organization's technology.
       Helping ensure the availability, continuity, and security of data and information
       technology services is the primary responsibility of these workers.

       "Project managers develop requirements, budgets, and schedules for their firms'
       information technology projects. They coordinate such projects from development
       through implementation, working with internal and external clients, vendors,
       consultants, and computer specialists. These managers are increasingly involved
       in projects that upgrade the information security of an organization.
       LAN/WAN (local area network/wide area network) managers provide a variety of
       services, from design to administration of the local area network, which connects
       staff within an organization. These managers direct the network and its computing
       environment, including hardware, systems software, applications software, and all
       other computer-related configurations.

       "Computer and information systems managers need strong communication skills.
       They coordinate the activities of their unit with those of other units or
       organizations. They confer with top executives; financial, production, marketing,
       and other managers; and contractors and equipment and materials suppliers.

Employment

       "Computer and information systems managers held about 280,000 jobs in 2004.
       About 9 in 10 computer managers worked in service-providing industries, mainly
       in computer systems design and related services. This industry provides services
       related to the commercial use of computers on a contract basis, including custom
       computer programming services; computer systems integration design services;
       computer facilities management services, including computer systems or data-
       processing facilities support services; and other computer-related services, such as
       disaster recovery services and software installation. Other large employers include
       insurance and financial firms, government agencies, and manufacturers.

       "Employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to
       grow faster than the average (increase of 27 percent or more from 2007-2014)
       for all occupations through the year 2014. Technological advancements will boost
       the employment of computer-related workers; as a result, the demand for
       managers to direct these workers also will increase. In addition, job openings will


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Technical Professional Career Management
      result from the need to replace managers who retire or move into other
      occupations. Opportunities for obtaining a management position will be best for
      those with computer-related work experience; an MBA with technology as a core
      component, or a management information systems degree; and strong
      communication and administrative skills.
      Despite the downturn in the technology sector in the early part of the decade, the
      outlook for computer and information systems managers remains strong. To
      remain competitive, firms will continue to install sophisticated computer networks
      and set up more complex Internet and intranet sites. Keeping a computer network
      running smoothly is essential to almost every organization. Firms will be more
      willing to hire managers who can accomplish that.

       "Similarly, the security of computer networks will continue to increase in
       importance as more business is conducted over the Internet. The security of the
       Nation's entire electronic infrastructure has come under renewed scrutiny in light
       of recent threats. Organizations need to understand how their systems are
       vulnerable and how to protect their infrastructure and Internet sites from hackers,
       viruses, and other acts of cyberterrorism. The emergence of cybersecurity as a key
       issue facing most organizations should lead to strong growth for computer
       managers. Firms will increasingly hire cybersecurity experts to fill key leadership
       roles in their information technology departments because the integrity of their
       computing environments is of utmost concern. As a result, there will be a high
       demand for managers proficient in computer security issues.

       "With the explosive growth of electronic commerce and the capacity of the
       Internet to create new relationships with customers, the role of computer and
       information systems managers will continue to evolve. Persons in these jobs will
       become increasingly vital to their companies. The expansion of the wireless
       Internet will spur the need for computer and information systems managers with
       both business savvy and technical proficiency."


Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

       "Advanced technical knowledge is essential for computer and information
       systems managers, who must understand and guide the work of their subordinates
       yet also explain the work in nontechnical terms to senior managers and potential
       customers. Therefore, many computer and information systems managers have
       experience in a computer occupation such as systems analyst; other managers
       may have worked as a computer support specialist, programmer, or other
       information technology professional.

       "A bachelor's degree usually is required for management positions, although
       employers often prefer a graduate degree, especially an MBA with technology as
       a core component. This degree differs from a traditional MBA in that there is a
       heavy emphasis on information technology in addition to the standard business


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Technical Professional Career Management
      curriculum. This preparation is becoming important because more computer and
      information systems managers are making important technology decisions as well
      as business decisions for their organizations. Some universities specialize in
      offering degrees in management information systems, which blend technical core
      subjects with business, accounting, and communications courses. A few computer
      and information systems managers attain their positions with only an associate
      degree, but they must have sufficient experience and must have acquired
      additional skills on the job. To aid their professional advancement, though, many
      managers with an associate degree eventually earn a bachelor's or master's degree
      while working.

       "Computer and information systems managers need a broad range of skills.
       Employers want managers who have experience with the specific software or
       technology used on the job, as well as a background in either consulting or
       business management. The expansion of electronic commerce has elevated the
       importance of business insight; many computer and information systems
       managers are called on to make important business decisions. Managers need a
       keen understanding of people, management processes, and customers' needs.
       Computer and information systems managers must possess strong interpersonal,
       communication, and leadership skills because they are required to interact not
       only with their staff, but also with other people inside and outside their
       organizations. They also must possess team skills to work on group projects and
       other collaborative efforts. Computer and information systems managers
       increasingly interact with persons outside their organizations, reflecting their
       emerging role as vital parts of their firms' executive teams.

       "Computer and information systems managers may advance to progressively
       higher leadership positions in their field. Some may become managers in
       nontechnical areas such as marketing, human resources, or sales. In high-
       technology firms, managers in nontechnical areas often must possess the same
       specialized knowledge as do managers in technical areas."

Earnings

       "Earnings for computer and information systems managers vary by specialty and
       level of responsibility. Median annual earnings of these managers in May 2004
       were $92,570. The middle 50 percent earned between $71,650 and $118,330.
       Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of
       computer and information systems managers in May 2004 were as follows:

        Software publishers                                     $107,870
        Computer systems design and related services            103,850
        Management of companies and enterprises                 99,880
        Insurance carriers                                      97,900
        Depository credit intermediation                        86,450


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Technical Professional Career Management
      "According to Robert Half International, a professional staffing and consulting
      services firm, average starting salaries in 2005 for high-level information
      technology managers ranged from $80,250 to $112,250. According to a 2005
      survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, starting salary
      offers for those with an MBA, a technical undergraduate degree, and 1 year or
      less of experience averaged $52,300; for those with a master's degree in
      management information systems/business data processing, the starting salary
      averaged $56,909.

       "In addition, computer and information systems managers, especially those at
       higher levels, often receive more employment-related benefits--such as expense
       accounts, stock option plans, and bonuses--than do non-managerial workers in
       their organizations.




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