How To Become an IT Project Manager
What Is an IT Project Manager?
Organizations of all types employ project managers to oversee initiatives throughout their life cycle — and the information technology (IT) field is no exception. What is an IT project manager? An IT project manager is a specialized type of project management professional who coordinates the planning, development and implementation of a project within the IT space. These professionals are responsible for ensuring that each IT project is completed on time and within budget. Each project must also be completed to the specifications and quality standards of the client’s (or the organization’s) needs.(See disclaimer 1)
The global IT market has been expanding. According to Statista, the estimated value of the global IT services market will reach $1.42 trillion in 2024. More of that revenue is expected to be generated by various IT services companies in the U.S. than in any other country.(See disclaimer 2)
Projected value of the global IT services market in 2024(See disclaimer 2)
What Does an IT Project Manager Do?
An IT project manager is responsible for carrying out the overall mission and vision of their organization by overseeing initiatives that may allow the organization to meet long-term objectives. What does an IT project manager do on a day-to-day basis?
A day in the life of an IT project manager often depends on which phase of the project is currently in progress. Tasks may also vary based on IT specialization. Some IT project managers specialize in cybersecurity, while others might specialize in software development or infrastructure.(See disclaimer 1)
While every day might look a little different, depending on the needs of the organization and the phase of the project, an IT project manager job description will generally include the following:(See disclaimer 1,3)
Project Planning
Project managers identify the project goals, scope, plans and deliverables.
Resource Allocation
They develop a budget and allocate resources, including technology and human capital.
Change Management
They adjust plans and activities as needed to accommodate changes to scope, cost or schedule.
Communication
They lead meetings, answer questions and communicate with all stakeholders as needed.
Documentation
Project managers maintain project documentation throughout each phase of the project.
Evaluation
They follow completion of deliverables, conduct post-project evaluations.
What Experience and Education Does an IT Project Manager Need?
Now that you’re familiar with a typical IT project manager job description, you may be interested in learning how to become an IT project manager. While there are no universal requirements, following this general career pathway and looking for opportunities to gain hands-on experience may aid you as you pursue a career in IT project management.
High School Diploma
College Degree
Internships
Entry-Level Roles
Professional Certifications
Best Degrees for IT Project Managers
IT project managers are generally expected to have competencies in both technology and business. Because of this, it’s ideal to choose a degree program that teaches skills in both fields.(See disclaimer 3) If this type of degree program is not available, however, it may be wise to choose an information technology-related degree program instead of a degree that only teaches business competencies. This is because many entry-level roles for aspiring IT project managers require IT skills.(See disclaimer 5)
Depending on the degree program you choose, you may have opportunities to develop a professional portfolio of your work. You can also continue to add to your professional portfolio as you gain work experience through internships or entry-level roles.(See disclaimer 5)
Degree programs related to IT project management will vary, but may cover topics such as:
Computer science
Information technology
IT project management
Business finance
Organizational behavior
GCU Recommends These Degree Programs for IT Project Managers
IT project managers need to have a strong grasp on IT-specific skills. However, they also need general business management and project management skills, as well as leadership ability.(See disclaimer 5)
Along your journey toward becoming an IT project manager, you may wish to consider the following degree programs:
What Skills Does an IT Project Manager Need?
An IT manager needs a combination of hard and soft skills. Which IT skills best suit project managers in this specialization?
The following are recommended:(See disclaimer 3,5)
IT domains, including cybersecurity
IT regulations and standards
Communication
Leadership
Attention to detail
Organization
Planning
Time Management
Problem-solving
Where Do IT Project Managers Work?
IT project managers may work in a variety of settings, including:(See disclaimer 1)
Tech Companies
Many IT project managers work for tech companies, where they may oversee projects for internal purposes or for outside clients.
Healthcare Organizations
Healthcare organizations rely on technology infrastructure, and IT project managers can help them achieve their goals.
Financial Institutions
Financial institutions, such as banks, credit unions and credit card companies may hire IT project managers.
Median annual salary for computer and information systems managers as of May 2023(See disclaimer 6)
Estimated job growth rate for computer and information systems managers from 2023 to 2033(See disclaimer 7)
Advancement Opportunities Within IT Project Management
While IT project management is itself not an entry-level career, there are additional opportunities for advancement within this specialization. A professional might first begin a project management career as a junior IT project manager before progressing to become a mid-level IT project manager — where they may have greater autonomy and responsibility. Mid-level IT project managers may then progress to become senior IT project managers.(See disclaimer 1) From there, a project manager may decide to pursue a career in the C-suite, such as by becoming a chief information officer (CIO) or a chief technology officer (CTO).(See disclaimer 8)
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- Teal Labs, Inc. (n.d.). What Is an IT Project Manager? Retrieved Dec. 10, 2024.
- Statista. (2024, April). IT Services – Worldwide. Retrieved Dec. 10, 2024.
- Preston, R. (2024, July 24). How To Become an IT Project Manager (With Steps and Tips). Indeed. Retrieved Dec. 10, 2024.
- O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Information Technology Project Managers. U.S. Department of Labor. Retrieved Oct. 9, 2025.
- Teal Labs, Inc. (n.d.). How To Become a IT Project Manager. Retrieved Dec. 10, 2024.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Computer and Information Systems Managers as of May 2023, retrieved Dec. 10, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Computer and Information Systems Managers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Systems Managers, retrieved Dec. 10, 2024.
- Greenspan, D. (n.d.). IT Project Manager Career Path. IT Career Finder. Retrieved Dec. 10, 2024.