by Allen Teal

Created on: April 17, 2007   Last Updated: May 20, 2007

An MBA can open a lot of doors. Information Technology departments used to be all about hardware and floor space. Today, they have evolved into the hub of a network that integrates sales, inventory, customer service, accounting, purchasing, and management into a solid functioning unit.

With so much horsepower under the hood of one department, the level of training for IT departments that was slowly declining as personal computers nudged their way into a mainframe world has reversed course. IT personnel today are expected to multi-disciplinary individuals who can understand the needs of a wide range of users within a corporate structure.

Obviously, interfacing with so many diverse departments and their respective needs means having more training to draw from is a plus. Someone who owns the education and skills to function in the technology side while having a broad-based business knowledge is positioned to move up quickly.

Most younger adults grew up with their fingers on a keyboard and mouse. The technology background is gained almost by osmosis. Business training needs a more formal side. Following an accounting or economics degree into an MBA will give the best platform to prepare for the challenges of a dynamic IT department in a large or growing company.

Among other things, an MBA says that you are ready for management level decision making. There should be no intimidation factor when dealing with other managers who believe their projects and departments always deserve the first consideration of the IT department.

Most IT managers today also serve as a liaison with other departments in setting the standards for computer based equipment throughout the company. Frequently, the purchasing of such equipment is routed through this person also. More education can only be better. We are fast approaching the point at which if you want to grow in an IT department an MBA will not only help it will be requisite.

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