There are many careers available with an Information Technology MBA. Some of these are standard management positions, such as Chief Technology Officer, but other jobs are quite unique, such as internal audit supervisor. An Information Technology MBA provides the graduate with the right technology and managerial skills for many types of leadership positions.
Innovation Manager
Innovation managers lead multiple change programs, coordinate with external vendors and communicate with project managers to assure success. They work closely with clients to define new initiatives, develop executable ideas, establish measurable goals and reach executive objectives. Innovation managers are masters of change management tools and techniques. They leverage data reporting and analysis to validate and understand program outcomes and trends. For example, they may explore market solution validation for proposed IT updates. They will understand the innovation proposal, evaluate technology performance and identify potential opportunities. They may participate in third-party vendor selection, screening and solution design.
IT Vendor Manager
IT vendor managers are in charge of partner relationships and recommendations. They develop and enhance business relationships with partners who support services or supply products. They must develop business relationships with alliance, industry, certification and community groups. They strive to enhance knowledge sharing, solution development and interdepartmental collaboration in order to deliver the best solutions. They work with suppliers, vendors and IT management to assure that the company delivers the best customer service and solutions. When using third-party products and technology, they develop the metrics and rationale for qualifying and recommending the best solutions.
IT Executive
IT executives are strategists who outline and execute tactics for corporations. They align internal, market, pricing, production and customer strategies together through integrated goals. They validate the risks and benefits of specific strategies by proposing contingency plans and method enhancements. For example, they may work with internal and external stakeholders to solicit technical input, business experience, service feedback and product reviews. They conduct audits and evaluations of IT system and department performance to assure alignment with overall business objectives and directions. They may issue executive orders that mitigate emergency risks or take advantage of unexpected opportunities, according to the Harvard Business Review.
IT Business Analyst
IT business analysts review, analyze and evaluate business systems and user needs. They are responsible for working directly with end users to translate business needs and requirements into functional specifications. They are experts in the business’s IT processes, systems and standards. They play a significant role in the definition of specifications and requirements for proposed updates and new system functionality. They are independent professionals who use multiple software applications and their solid understanding of various technology platforms to resolve problems. They must have good analytical, troubleshooting and communication skills.
IT Consultant
IT consultants who have an Information Technology MBA may set up their own business that caters to small and medium sized businesses. They may collect background info, document user needs and research business requirements using a variety of methods. This may include client interviews, document analysis, private workshops, digital surveys, workflow analyses and white paper reviews. They will assist their business-client in determining which IT processes can and should be improved, removed, automated or redirected. They may help a small business with system enhancements, technical visions, functional designs, software development and web application recommendations.
Related Resource: What is a Human Resources MBA?
Other careers available with an Information Technology MBA include IT implementation manager, financial IT analyst and customer solutions architects.