I’m looking to further my career to IT management, and could use a few tips in career progression. I’m currently a Project Manager in a large UK computer company, handling installations of small (5 PCs) to large (200+) NT based networks in schools and colleges. We supply the solutions, and install them. Our team ensures that the install happens on time, to budget, and that the original proposed solution (proposed to our customers by the salespeople, that is) works correctly. Each PM in our teamhandles individual installations, and we typically run 5-10 projects simultaneously.
I’ve been doing this for around a year, and before that I was part of the engineer team, doing the physical installations. (3 years plus).
I’d like to progress to IT management, but I’m unsure that I’m heading in the right direction. My ideal position would be IT manager in a company, leading IT support teams and generally being responsible for the inhouse systems. I’ve got an MCSE (NT4) and am currently studying for win2k, and I plan to fit in a CCNA in the next six months.
My major concern is that at 31, I’m getting too old to start again if I’m heading in the wrong direction. Is Project management the key? or should I go into network administration now, and progress up the ladder that way? I was hoping I could move into IT management higher up, by spending time managing installations, thus gaining experience of the ‘bigger picture’.
Any ideas would be invaluable. I’m committed to the IT management ideal, and am prepared to make adjustments to my career path if necessary.
thanks.
