Technology

makes the world go 'round -- and the more sophisticated our world becomes, the more we can't live without it. But technology in the wrong hands (Lex Luthor, anyone?) can crash the entire system. That's why there's a need for qualified professionals behind the scenes in technology management. And, to sweeten the deal, with this great responsibility comes great financial rewards.

Opportunities Abound
The expansion of e-commerce and Wi-Fi has created excellent job opportunities for those who can manage business and technology effectively. That's where you'll find technology management -- at the place where business and technology intersect.

As a trained professional in this up-and-coming field, you're responsible for determining technical and business goals and making detailed plans for the accomplishment of these goals within your organization. Your job description might encompass everything from constructing a business plan to overseeing network security to directing Internet operations.

Training Is Available
Clearly, you'll need to be skilled in the latest technology to ensure your organization stays ahead of the competition. That's where a technology management degree comes in. With that kind of technical education, you'll gain core business, technology, and leadership skills that will prepare you to manage and deliver successful information systems and solutions.

A bachelor's degree is a typical prerequisite for a career in technology management, and a technology-specific MBA can give you the edge you'll need to succeed. Unlike a traditional MBA, a technology management degree emphasizes information technology in addition to standard business curriculum.

The Work Is Worth It
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), professionals in technology management held about 280,000 jobs in 2004. And employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014.

If you have a technology management degree, job opportunities are plentiful, and the salary is sweet, too. In May 2004, the BLS reports median annual earnings for these managers were $92,570. And according to Robert Half International, a professional staffing and consulting services firm, average starting salaries for high-level information technology managers in 2005 ranged from $80,250 to $112,250.