Technology management programs prepare students for research and development
positions, IT jobs and CEO positions.
Students in technology management programs generally receive a master's
degree or doctorate. That means you have to have an undergraduate degree
first.
"Students have a clear concept of technologies as a crucial business resource,"
says Martin Hoegl, assistant professor of management at Washington State University.
"This includes utilizing ever-changing technology in both products and processes
of business organizations."
At Washington State, students study in the areas of "strategy, leadership,
innovation management, management information systems, as well as financial
and marketing management of technology-oriented organizations," says Hoegl.
Students can expect to get hands-on training. Programs require students
to do co-op or internships.
"Since our students are employed, they often use actual work projects in
the classroom -- so the academic application of theory to workplace is very
real," says Jo Ann Fenner, assistant program developer at Boise State University.
You'll need an undergraduate degree, good math and computer skills,
excellent communication skills, business management and leadership qualities.
Professor Stan Szpakowicz recommends that applicants have a "solid background
in high school math, problem-solving aptitude, high computer literacy, open
minds and a bit of intellectual curiosity."
High school students can prepare by taking analytical courses such as physics
and calculus. Communication and writing courses are also good preparation.
"The ability to critically read an article and then put into your words
in writing the essence of that article is a required skill for success in
our program," says Fenner.
"Good language skills are important to help express ideas, communicate
with users and customers of software projects and document work done in such
projects," says Szpakowicz.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Find out more information about this field of study
Information Management Forum
A knowledge sharing organization for IT professionals
Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)
Find information on industry research, best practices and developed
standards in the computing industry
Technology Student Association
Connect with future engineers