Looking for Advice/Next Steps, Path Toward Management Position

Hey everyone,

I am currently in a Help Desk position, but helping with administrative duties as well in a Real Estate Brokerage. I have experience with teaching people about technology, networking 4 computers together, hardware installation, software installation, etc. (I know not much experience). However, all of that experience goes with my management of business experience in managing the IT depts for small businesses. What is the next job after this I should go for to advance?

I am enrolled to start at WGU in the B.S. in IT Management September 1 (my enrollment counselor convinced me to do that, compared to the one from the IT School - apparently the Business one is different - but she said they are the same?). I recently completed Stanford's Certificate in Advanced Computer Security (which taught me some stuff on security and I realized not really what I like soo much - rather be in Management area).

I realize I need to get certs - what do you recommend? A+? CAPM? Project+

So I want to know everyone's opinion...Management is more my field since I've been doing it for a while, and even now I am teaching agents how to use the systems in the Brokerage, teaching classes, etc. So is this the way to go to be Director of Technology, IT Manager, CIO, etc.

Thank you all for reading this, I know it's a bit long...

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Comments

Pmorgan2

I was suggest CAPM to start, then expand into the PMP. Also do ITIL Foundations and look into their intermediate certifications that apply to your business. Lean Sigma Six is also a great course and certification for CIOs.

The rest hinge on a lot of "ifs". If you:
o manage software departments: PRINCE
o manage software developers: CSSLP
o work with federal contracts: FAC-C
o want to understand hardware basics: A+
o want to understand networking basics: Net+ or CCENT
o want to understand server and client technologies better: MCSA
o want to understand security basics: GSEC or Security+
o change your mind about security: CISM and CRISC

I would suggest getting a basic certification in your business' main product. They would also help you in your current role and help flesh out what you want to do next.

dmoore44

Pmorgan2 wrote: »

I was suggest CAPM to start, then expand into the PMP. Also do ITIL Foundations and look into their intermediate certifications that apply to your business. Lean Sigma Six is also a great course and certification for CIOs.

The rest hinge on a lot of "ifs". If you:
o manage software departments: PRINCE
o manage software developers: CSSLP
o work with federal contracts: FAC-C
o want to understand hardware basics: A+
o want to understand networking basics: Net+ or CCENT
o want to understand server and client technologies better: MCSA
o want to understand security basics: GSEC or Security+
o change your mind about security: CISM and CRISC

I would suggest getting a basic certification in your business' main product. They would also help you in your current role and help flesh out what you want to do next.

Going to have to disagree on the FAC-C cert. FAI certs are the non-DoD's Federal equivalent of DAWIA (Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act) certifications for individuals working directly with the acquisitions process. I have the military equivalent APDP (Acquisition Professional Development Program) contracting cert, and it's only useful if you're actually going to be a contracting officer; there's a separate FAC-COR cert for contracting officer's representatives and a FAC-P/PM for prospective program managers. The FAI certifications are limited in scope in that they only have certifications for the 3 aforementioned paths, while DAU offers more than a dozen certification paths.

A more worthwhile certification would be the PMP. It's universally respected and accepted - yes, even in the government.

historian1974

The higher you go, the less certs come into play. At the manager level, I think they are still relevant, but if you aspire to move into a Director and ultimately a CIO role, a degree is more important. I think at this point, whichever BS degree you pursue will be ok, though I'm inclined to suggest the one that leans toward business. It ultimately becomes much less about technology and more about understanding business, leadership, strategy, and finance. An MBA or advanced MIS degree might be prudent.

ChristopherPaul

Thank you all for your help with this. This is why I have chosen to attend WGU and I start Sept 1st, for my B.S. degree in IT Management. I realize it is not so technically focused but I am thinking I can start with a help desk job, and then what do you usually move on to, Project Management? I believe most of the jobs after that would require certs which is my other concern...

anhtran35

ITIL cert.
Scrum cert.
PMP cert.

Most people that are able to jump into management usually do it internally. Then they get the title and jump into another contract or company. They can become Program or Project Manager. Most usually have a technical side equal experience, education and certifications.