Lead the technology function — one of the best-paid management tracks, and the natural next step for senior developers and IT pros. Top 10% >$297K.
Gold = credential gate. Each turn: more skill → more pay → the next step.
1
Build an IT or engineering base
A bachelor's + hands-on IT/dev experience is the usual foundation.
◆ GMA Academy
2
Become senior / a team lead
Deepen expertise and start mentoring — the bridge to management.
◆ GMA mentor
3
Step into first-line management
Own a team or function; add people & budget skills. An MBA or PMP helps.
◆ GMA jobs board
4
IT / systems manager · $175K
Lead the tech function — depth + leadership. Top 10% >$297K.
5
Advance to director / CIO
Director of IT → VP → CIO as scope grows.
The flywheel: technical depth earns trust, trust earns bigger teams and budgets, and leadership scope keeps raising your ceiling — experience compounds into director and CIO roles.
