IT Employment
by vncoder
I had Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) and Master of Computing (Information Tech). Now doing my MBA (Project Management).
I don't know how this will help but better than certs that go out of date......
by identcc
by ghstinshll
Speaking of clear... isn't it clear that you need the degree for higher positions, yet certs remain imporant to those doing the work? I am not in your shoes, but I have spent some time drilling those who are, so aspire to do the same.
It should be time to think about management-level certs... Keep abreast of tech by checking in on OS's and all, but look into the CISSP (acronym?) and PMP Project Management Professional certifications. These seem to be highly touted mid-management-level certsthat will get you going up. Then when you're moving on past that, the MBA, and other business (black belt) accreditations will help you.
by admin
because it's of personal interest to me too. I was in supervision first, then IT. If I go back again it's definately an MBA I want because it has a real market acceptance and can help me build my budget and executive language skills.
I know this doesn't directly answer your question, but maybe another posting will help generate interest. Also, although my intuition and being say MBA, I also want some data to back it up.
by dksmith
All of the data I have gathered centered around the Pre-IT bust. I have found no real solid, reliable data that is "recent". An MBA is good and valuable if you want to take your career in a management direction, but the details of that value vary depending on your focus in the MBA program and the program itself.
The "executive language" skills alone will benefit you. Something to consider, though, is that for an MBA to be of real worth you will most likely have to move departments or joinanother company for the dollar value and title to follow what you think you are worth.
Current bosses and employers tend not to appreciate the value of the MBA and your value as an employee with new knowledge.
by nils
You "aren't moving like you hoped"after some certs... You think a "bigger cert" will MAKE you movable?
I don't think so. What is your plan?
example:
I decided years ago (10)that I wanted to make 6 figures, and work on my own terms.
GOAL
Developed a plan that would allow me to pass through the requsite hoops in a timely fashion (8yr time frame)
I met my goal
I hope to stay satisfied for a while, but the job of practice manager has some appeal.
Plan the work-----> work the plan
by identcc
by mhfl
Hello Jim,
the vision that you have here is the same as mine. Ok, you have a good background of IT (certifications and so),but didn?t reached the "point" that you though you would. It is time for you to do an MBA, or a PMP, PMI, (Project Management Certifications) etc.. This will, for sure, enhance yuo as a person and as a professional, leading you to the point that you want. I don?t have a PM cert or MBA, but I am planning to have it in the future (for the same reason you mentioned).
I also agree about that some managers/companies would not like this situation. Sometimes you can be stucked in a position, with no possibilities to move around. In your case, you are already seeing some signs that they don?t want, or don?t need you with this degree. So, maybe it is really time to move on....
Hope I helped :))
marcoshac
by con_sultan_t
Jim,
You should first ask yourself: "Why didn't I progress as I expected?" It is a wrong assumption that after getting an MBA, you will skyrocket into the management ranks automatically. To be a manager, you need to have an assertive attitude towards life. This attitude comes natural to some and some others need to learn this, but it is difficult.
During an MBA, you will get knowledge, vocabulary and insights in how things should work. However, those are not cookbook recipes! One needs to have a thinking mind, to be able to apply this with benefits to any company.
It is a well-known fact that recent MBA-graduates switch companies after graduation. This fact doesn't make companies eager to pay for it. But the attitude and potential of an employee are also important factors that an employer takes into account, when such a request hits his desk. I do not know you sufficiently, to be able to make a judgement on you.
Furthermore, one should see the MBA as a driver's license:you have shown to be able to handle a car, now you need to learn driving! And nobody can help you with that! The question that you need to ask yourself: "Do I have the qualities to become a good driver?" If you don't, an MBA will be a waste of time and money.
Personal note: As a consultant, I believed it would be easier to get into strategic projects, if I had an MBA-degree. With hindsight, I can share that my attitude is way more important than an MBA-degree. The MBA did make me more self-assured, because I had more knowledge about "The bigger picture", so eventually I did reap the benefits.
Good luck with your self-analysis!
by identcc
Eric,
You are right in stating that I shouldn't assume an MBA will skyrocket me or anyone else into management. It's just not realistic to make that assumption. It has been my intent to use it as a way of obtaing the necessary knowledge so thatI can work my way into it a little easier in the future. In fact, I see the MBA as a supplement to my technical background versus a career change.
I am aware that MBA's tend to move upon obtaining the degree, but I've tried to show my employer that developing my career, first with the technical certs and now with the MBA, will make me more valuable to the company. I'm not sure if they will buy it or not, but if they do, I fully intend to do what I say I want to do and that is to help grow the company.
I am aware that once a person receives his MBA there is still a lot to learn, but it's been my view that in order to eventually take my career to a new level, this may be necessary. I wish it weren't. I don't relish the thought of more college. It's just that after ten years (and what I "thought" was a team-player attitude), I would be more than the Maytag Repair Man. Yes, there could be political and other issues, but my view is that anything I can do to maximize my chances is something I should at least consider.
by timwalsh
Jim, I've got a couple of points (drawing on my experience both in the military and in industry):
Management/Leadership is not a right based on a certain amount of tenure. It is usually something that must be earned. Yes, there are hurdles thatmust be passed to be eligible for a management position, one of which is usually an upper level degree such as an MBA. However, just meeting the requirements does not make a manager/leader.
The answer recommending a self-assessment was a good one. Ask a GOOD friend (a GOOD friend being defined as someone that will tell you the truth, even if it hurts) if he thinks you have what it takes to be a leader. If the answer is not a resounding "definitely", chances are that the powers that be in your company see the same thing.
Unless some sort of management training program exists, most companies are unwilling to place an "unknown" in a leadership position. Usually you are expected to perform from day one, and won't be given 6 months tofigure out what you are supposed to do. You mention 10 years experience, but you don't mention whether you have ANY leadership experience (team lead, project manager, shift supervisor, etc.). Natural-born leaders do exist. Usually their leadership qualities are recognized early on. The primary qualities are a take-charge attitude (in a leadership vacuum), and a willingness to always seek greater responsibility. Recognized natural-born leaders will tend to be put in leadership positions even if they don?t meet all the requirements.
(continued)
by timwalsh
Should you expect your company to pay for an MBA? If your company has some sort of a leadership/management development program, it might possibly include tuition reimbursement for such a degree. If you are one of the afore mentioned natural-born leaders who has already been put in a leadership position without meeting the requirements, or is being groomed for such a position, the company very probably would offer financial assistance. If you just ask out of the blue, who knows what the answer might be (although I wouldn?t hold my breath as MBA programs can get expensive).
Ask your supervisor what you can do to prepare yourself for a management?level position (although if he perceives you are after his job, don?t expect much help).Please don?t perceive my comments as an attempt to put you off your goal. I obviously don?t know you and you don?t give much information about your background. I?m mainly trying to say that you shouldn?t expect an MBA to be a magic bullet to magically transform you into management material. Any number of MBAs will not turn someone without the right qualities into a leader (unless maybe they are a relative of the CEO).
Good luck.
by identcc
Tim,
You make a good point that management is not a right, and also that "natural born leaders" are out there and are getting the management positions with or without the MBA. Having been in the military myself, I, too, have experience a lot of what you are saying.
Do I consider myself one of the natural born leaders you speak of? I suppose if I did, I would neither have to ask, nor would I be pursuing this advanced degree in the first place.
My thought, though, is that one can't always depend on other people to guide your way. Therefore, I'm doing what I can to maximize my exposure.
by identcc
by timwalsh
I subscribe to the school of thought that there is no such thing as too much education. An MBA is definitely a stepping-stone towards management. However, I think the knowledge you would receive would serve you well regardless of whether you ascend to a management position.
Some other thoughts on management/leadership:
If this is something you REALLY want to do, don?t lose sight of your goal. While natural-born leaders obviously have their foot in the door (so to speak), leadership CAN be learned. Those of us who aren?t natural-born leaders (myself included) just have to work harder at it (much harder sometimes), to do it right.
There are leaders, and there are followers. Both have their places in business (as in society). Being a follower is in no way demeaning, nor is a follower less valuable to an organization. Many people are very content being followers. This doesn?t mean they lack ambition.
The road to leadership is:
1. It is something you want to/must do.
2. After taking a realistic look at your qualities, skills, and even personality, it is something you are cut out to do.
3. Other people (especially other managers) recognize your qualities, skills and personality as being ?leadership/managementmaterial.?
Ask your TRUE friends if they think you have the necessary leadership qualities. Ask your supervisors the same question. If they say no, ask what you might be lacking to allow you to ?get your foot in the door.? It may be something that is readily within your grasp (like an MBA). But also be prepared to accept that you may have set an unattainable goal.
by lynns
by identcc
Lynn,
Both you and Tim (and everyone else) have given some very sound advice. IT management IS something I aspire to, and I hope that when I finally reach that goal (which may be quite some time after completing the MBA program), I hope I am good at it. I have heard quite a few comments from the many people (both here and elsewhere) that concur with your statement that the contacts made during this time will be invaluable. I've also heard the self-evaluation comments as well as the askingfriends/colleagues thing. All of that has made me want to do this that much more. Like most, I like being a leader as much as the next person. It's just that I'm not sure I was naturally born to do it. No one has ever told me that, and I supposeI'd know it if I were. Lynn, have you noticed ANY changes in the way people see or treat you as a result of your MBA?
by 1
What is the true reason you want to move into management? To make more money? You can still make very good money and not have to manage people. I have done it for several years and have a lot of freedom compared to my management friends. Be careful what you wish for. My granddad told me when I was young that you can make a living with your hands but you become wealthy with your mind.
I looked at several MBA programs but decided to pursue a Master of Science in IT. After a lot of research and exploring different options I felt it would be better for me personally. It seems that MBA's don't have the weight they did 10 to 15 years ago. I want to become more technical and gain a better understanding of emerging technology while increasing my skill set.
In today worlds all of us have to be live long learners to stay up to date with rapidly changing technology and business practices.
by wuot
people with mba's like myself wish for certifications like yours.
you can develop soft skills in the mba program like communication, writing, personal interaction and team playing. these skills require more of an extraverted personality vs introverted. the introverted personality works for technical skills but the extraverted works better for personal interaction. do you like working with people and can you give empathy and support to individuals and subordinate some of your expertiese to a team approach. these soft skill activities also require time and effort but would help to ascend the organizational ladder.
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