Technical Management Career Guide

Types of Jobs Available For Those Interested in Technical Management

Technical management is a career that requires leadership, attention to detail, and expertise in a field such as science, engineering, or technology. Technical management involves overseeing projects that require significant technical knowledge and precision, whether improving a manufacturing process, developing a new product, creating a new information database, or attaining research goals.

There are a variety of jobs for those who are interested in technical management, including engineering manager, lead scientist, or information systems manager. Technical managers help set goals, stay on budget, and oversee the little details to make sure they are being accomplished in accordance with rules and protocol. Those who are effective at leading and education may even train others through technical training jobs.

A typical day for a technical manager might include:

• Meetings with team members and supervisors
• Developing a budget for a particular project
• Overseeing the purchase of materials and supplies
• Checking on members of a team to make sure they are all fulfilling their duties
• Establishing a safety or environmental standard

Technical management could be a great career if you love your particular branch of science, engineering, or technology, and you have great administrative skills and love leading a team. However, technical managers often work longer than forty hours per week and deal with stress as they strive to meet deadlines and accomplish tasks within a narrow budget.

Formal Training Required to Work in Technical Management

Technical management careers require technical training and work experience, and start with a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree can help you gain an entry-level job in science, engineering, or technology, but many employers prefer that their technical managers have a master's degree. The master's degree plus years of experience in your field form the basis for most technical management jobs. There are a variety of technical management courses you could take during a technical management training program, including these:

• Project management
• Group management
• Contract management
• Communications in technical organizations
• Systems engineering

The Typical Career Path of Someone Interested in Technical Management

To be successful in technical management, you should have excellent leadership and communication skills, precise technical knowledge in their field, ambition, and a love for learning, since advanced education is often required. After earning a bachelor's degree in your specific career field and gaining experience by working for a few years, going back to school to complete your master's degree is the next step.

For example, consider the following paths:

• An engineering manager would typically work for several years as an engineer after earning a bachelor's degree in an engineering specialty, then go on to earn a master's in engineering management.
• Individuals interested in science management might earn a master's degree or PhD in their field of science, such as chemistry, physics, or biology, through a program that incorporates business management classes.
• An information systems manager could enroll in a computer-related bachelor's degree program such as computer science or management information systems, then go on to earn an MBA with an emphasis in technology.
• It is also possible to enroll in technical management degree programs, though these are less common than an advanced degree in a particular field or an MBA.

Job Outlook and Salary Information for Those Interested in Technical Management

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook is fair for technical managers. The field of engineering and science management is growing about as fast as the average, at a predicted eight percent between 2008 and 2018. However, because of the demand for new technology, faster communication and higher technological security, jobs in information systems management are expected to grow faster than the average at seventeen percent between 2008 and 2018. In 2009, the median salary for an engineering manager was $117,000, while that of a science manager was $114,560. If you choose to work as a information systems manager, you could earn a median wage of $113,720.

The high level of responsibility means that technical management is not a career for everybody, but if you're passionate about your field and are confident in your ability to lead a team toward a goal, then technical management could be the perfect career for you.