is an IT change management job the right career choice for me?

<p><a href="/jobs/s-financial-services/ss-change-management/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Change management</a> is an expanding field in IT and an approach that businesses have to take when dealing with change from the perspectives of both the <g class="gr_ gr_47 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="47" data-gr-id="47">organisation</g> and personnel. Simply put, change managers have to deal with the consequences that any systematic change imposes on both the workforce and the <g class="gr_ gr_48 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="48" data-gr-id="48">organisation</g> itself.<br><br>It is a rather ambiguous term in the working world. <a href="/jobs/s-it/ss-management/r-it-change-manager/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jobs in IT Change management</a> have at least three main processes that include adaptation, controlling, and <g class="gr_ gr_42 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="42" data-gr-id="42">effecting</g>. Proactive change deals with all three of these aspects at its very core. From an <g class="gr_ gr_65 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="65" data-gr-id="65">organisational</g> standpoint, it means implementing the procedures that create change in the working world and profiting from these changes. When applied to IT, change managers oversee the changing systems and how these changes are affecting the <g class="gr_ gr_66 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="66" data-gr-id="66">organisation's</g> profit margins. For example, a change manager may <g class="gr_ gr_67 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="67" data-gr-id="67">authorise</g> the upgrading of an operating system and monitor how these changes are affecting productivity and workplace performance.<br><br>Successfully adapting to these changes is critical and might involve establishing a more structured method to handle change requests and bring forth coping mechanisms that respond to these changes, like implementing new policies and technology. Overall, it is an important consideration for project management as the project manager must consider the proposed changes and determine their overall effect before they can be implemented. However, is it the right role for you? Find out below.</p>
<h2>The ideal IT change management job candidate</h2>
<p>As outlined, the purpose of a change manager is to ensure that changes within an <g class="gr_ gr_60 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling multiReplace" id="60" data-gr-id="60">organisation</g> are implemented effectively and that these changes do not hinder productivity on a workforce level. Thus, the job is best suited to those who can work independently and conceive their own logical, methodical conclusions regarding <g class="gr_ gr_58 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar only-ins doubleReplace replaceWithoutSep" id="58" data-gr-id="58">change</g>. The position is in line with other IT management level positions in the sense that they are best for those who have high levels of academic achievement and are geared towards those who prefer working more independently. Self-motivation is the key to success in this <g class="gr_ gr_59 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="59" data-gr-id="59">role,</g> since change managers will only report to project managers, who are not likely to have a firm command on IT.</p>
<p>It is possible for some career progression to be had from this position, but for the most part, becoming an IT change manager represents the pinnacle of professional success for those who seek this type of position. While some may aspire to <g class="gr_ gr_44 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="44" data-gr-id="44">becoming</g> project managers in the long term, becoming a change manager is usually the end result of professional achievement and a working lifetime.</p>
<h3>Skills needed</h3>
<p>Hard skills</p>
<p>Change management is a highly authoritative position that requires a high level of academic achievement. It is similar to IT consultancy in that change managers usually have to acquire a minimum of postgraduate study, such as a Master's degree in computing or ICT, or have had a considerable amount of professional experience in a directly relevant IT role (usually no less than five to seven years with many employers requesting a minimum of 10 years). </p>
<p>Soft skills</p>
<p>IT change managers will need to have well-developed communication skills, as they will often need to communicate advanced technical terms as <g class="gr_ gr_51 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling" id="51" data-gr-id="51">simply</g> as possible to any team members around them. While they will often be working on their own, this does not completely disregard the need for effective communication skills, since they will prove themselves to be of the utmost importance when it comes to integrating with fellow team members in other departments.<br><br>They will also need developed leadership <g class="gr_ gr_52 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="52" data-gr-id="52">skills,</g> since change managers are often responsible for a team of IT personnel beneath them, who will facilitate any changes at their discretion. Change managers will still have a very hands-on approach to their days at work, but can sometimes delegate tasks, like software installation, to lesser members of the team.</p>
<h4>Employment prospects</h4>
<p>IT change managers are currently enjoying excellent employment prospects with opportunities being available nationwide. However, they are especially concentrated in the south-east, west midlands, and Manchester. It is usually a well-paid position with permanent, full-time salaries being in excess of £40,000.</p>