So you want to be an MIS manager. Given the diversity of the position, the route you take and the process required to arrive at your goal can vary dramatically. First, find a mentor you are comfortable with who has moved into management. Pick his brain about what the position is really like. Get an accurate picture of the work. Ask for his advice regarding what steps to take, given your experience, education, and personality. Seek out other managers at user group functions, seminars, and COMMON. Often, senior programmers evolve into MIS managers in small shops, where their primary responsibilities include system support, user support, programming, and supervising a small staff. They may inherit their positions through apprenticeship, growth, or turnover. Their ascent may be accidental and borne of necessity. Typically, small shops don’t have anyone to groom you for a technology management position, but your company will have mentors for management skills in other areas.

Managing a small shop is a great way to keep sharp technically and still feel the satisfaction of a job well done. My advice is to keep improving your technical and analytical skills and know when to delegate tasks to staff or outside help. Small-shop managers often mistakenly try to do everything themselves, which lessens their effectiveness. Your employer will have greater respect for your management skills when you practice effective delegation and task prioritization.

If you aspire to manage a midsized-to-large shop (20 or more people), you’ll need more grooming and experience. You need to make strategic job changes that will accelerate your growth. Here are some tips that will help you reach your goal:

• Be technically competent and lobby to work on key projects that boost your visibility.

• Continue your technical education. Attend technical seminars, COMMON, local user group meetings, and educational programs. Read technical trade publications and technical books.

• Learn about emerging technologies, including non-AS/400 technologies. In today’s world of mixed-platform environments, you need to know what options exist and how to evaluate and deploy them.

• Complete your academic education. A four-year degree is a requirement for many management positions, and an advanced degree is usually required for an executive-level position in a midsized-to-large shop. If your firm is involved in e-commerce, attend educational programs tailored to e-commerce.

• Develop your people skills. Go the extra mile to be the ideal analyst in the eyes of the users and IT department. Strive to improve your speaking and writing skills.

• Dress for success. Update your business wardrobe (including your “business casual” wardrobe), and sharpen your image. Look the part.

• Seek challenging projects where you can learn management skills and responsibilities.

• Work with your mentor throughout the process. Offer to be a mentor to less experienced people. You will learn from each experience.

• Evaluate your skills annually and update your résumé. The update process is an important reality check and gives you the opportunity to determine whether or not you are on course for advancement.

• Study your industry. Attend seminars, tradeshows, meetings, and other industry-specific events so you can better understand the business your firm conducts. Your industry knowledge will distinguish you from the pack.

Keep in mind that the MIS manager title does not always reflect the size or responsibilities of a given environment. Some MIS managers in rural areas make $60,000 to $72,000; in major metropolitan areas, salaries can start between $78,000 and $100,000 plus; for larger shops, salaries rise to $135,000 plus. For more on AS/400 salaries, visit www.midrangecomputing.com/salary or www. excelsearch.com/salary.htm.

The competition for management positions is keen, and you will need to be well prepared. With the proper planning, you will reach your goal.