Information technology (IT) experience and strong business skills are the keys to advancing to the position of Vice President of Information Technology. Industries from financial services to education, manufacturing to high-tech – and everything in between – need qualified IT professionals with up-to-date skills and advanced knowledge to supervise their information systems. If your goals include reaching the top of the IT world, an MBA program with a specialization in Information Technology Management can help you get there.
Vice President of Information Technology Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), projects that employment of all computer and information systems managers will see a significant increase in coming years. Job growth will occur as businesses’ needs for technology increases and as technology becomes more complex. The competition for jobs at the highest management level, such as vice president of information technology, will be strong, and individuals with experience and advanced degrees should have the best prospects.
Job Duties
The VP of information technology is generally responsible for the design, development and implementation of organizational information systems, software applications, and IT support and infrastructure systems. They typically direct and mange IT plans, schedules, policies and programs for an organization’s data processing, network communications, business operations, computer services and management information systems, according to established goals and objectives.
As a company executive, the vice president of information technology serves in a leadership role. High-level tasks could include identifying emerging information technologies to be analyzed, assimilated and integrated within the organization. Professionals in this role may also oversee the development of mission-critical applications and technology to support the company’s long-term goals and, depending on company size, provide direction and leadership to one or a number of development teams.
Leading technology planning is another important responsibility of a VP of information technology. They may also drive the implementation of development best practices throughout the organization, while governing control and ensuring objectives are achieved. Risk management, resource allocation, project prioritization, and research and recommendation of new systems and software products and services round out the vice president of IT’s typical job duties.
In most organizations, the VP of information technology works out of a comfortable office, often located near the IT department. While a 40-hour week is standard, project deadlines may require additional hours. Travel to conferences or among satellite facilities may be required.
Vice President of Information Technology Salary Potential
According to national salary data on PayScale.com, as of December 2010, vice presidents of information technology had a median total income of about $152,563 per year, with those in the 25th to 75th percentile earning between $121,171 and $195,954 in total pay.
With additional experience, vice presidents of IT can move into roles of increasing responsibility, resulting in much higher potential annual pay. One high-ranking IT position is chief information officer, with an annual salary around $200,365 (for the 75th percentile of earners), according to December 2010 information on PayScale.com.
The data shows that the top salaries generally go to IT directors with solid experience and the advanced education employers need to remain competitive in a shifting global business environment.
Education and Training Requirements
When hiring a vice president of information technology, employers generally require a master’s degree plus a number of years of experience. Candidates typically have a background in computer science, information technology or software engineering. Many employers prefer candidates with business knowledge acquired through an MBA program.
IT professionals who wish to advance their careers to a vice president of information technology position can improve their prospects by earning an MBA with a specialization in Information Technology Management. Coursework typically includes global information technology management, strategic management of technology and innovation, and database management technology.
Employers can be confident that professionals who have earned an MBA with a specialization in Information Technology Management are able to:
- Contribute to profitability with an understanding of the relationship between business and corporate level technology strategy.
- Assess issues regarding information systems and create manageable solutions.
- Apply contemporary business principles integral to a high-tech organization.
- Navigate through data management complexities in a global business environment.
- Leverage advanced knowledge and skills to succeed as a vice president of IT.
Do Your Aspirations Include a Career as Vice President of Information Technology?
The opportunity to compete for a VP of information technology position can be yours if you have a background in information technology, strong business skills and leadership potential. Boost your confidence, advance your career and earn more money by earning an MBA with a specialization in Information Technology Management.