What is this IT field?
What is IT Procurement/Governance?
IT Governance is a framework of policies, processes, and structures that ensures an organization's IT investment aligns with its business goals, creates value, and manages risks effectively.
IT procurement is a process of researching, selecting, purchasing, and implementing technology such as hardware, software, and services according to the IT Governance.
Roles in Organizations
The primary role of IT Procurement and Governance is to link business strategies and technology. It ensures that:
- Money is well spent and is not wasted on unnecessary technology.
- The company is protected from IT-related risks like breaches, data loss, and system failures.
- The organization is complying with laws such as HIPAA and GDPR.
- The operations are working, which means IT services are reliable, consistent, and aligned with the business's needs.
What are some of the daily activities and responsibilities?
Professionals in this field are responsible for:
- Determine objectives and strategy for IT in an organization
- Design, implement, and maintain an IT governance framework
- Ensure compliance, ensuring that IT meets any regulatory, statutory, and legal obligations, supports the organization's objectives while working within the defined ethical and cultural framework, and follows the IT governance framework.
Career Exploration in IT Procurement & Governance
Here are the five job titles I found:
Role Description: Leads the process of finding, evaluating, and selecting new technology vendors and negotiating agreements.
Required Skills:
- Strong understanding of sourcing processes, supplier evaluation, and basic contract terms related to SaaS, software, and cloud services.
- Capable of managing vendor relationships
- Strong negotiation, contract management, and project management skills
- Excellent social and stakeholder management skills across technical and operational teams
- Experience using sourcing and procurement platforms like SAP Ariba, Coupa, or Jaggaer
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Role Description: Focus on the administrative and operational part of existing vendor relationships and contracts.
Required skills:
- Data analysis (Power BI, financial, and operational)
- Track IT expenses, vendor payments, and find cost-saving opportunities
- Manage contracts, renewals, and compliance
- Proficiency in Excel and ERP systems
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Communication and attention to detail
- Able to work on your own and in a team
Role Description: Intersects with IT, finance, and procurement, focusing on the systems that manage financial data and processes
Required skills:
- Able to analyze complex data, identify trends, and develop solutions to support decision-making
- Strong verbal and communication skills with multidisciplinary teams and end users
- Advanced analytical skills with a focus on problem solving, process improvement, and workflow optimization
- Ability to collaborate across departments and communicate technical solutions
- Knowledge of financial regulations, healthcare compliance standards, and data security best practices, ensuring agreement to industry requirements
Role Description: Ensures IT polices and processes align with the organization's goals and compliance requirements.
Required skills:
- Familiar with Capital Planning and Investment Control
- Capable of gathering, organizing, and analyzing information and data from multiple sources
- Able to work under pressure with tight deadlines and multitasking in a challenging environment
- Excellent skills with people and able to work in teams
- Previous experience with implementing Exterprise IT Governance Framework
Role Description: Responsible for setting up strategies for how an organization will acquire and manage all of its technology vendors
Required skills:
- Leadership and team performance management skills
- Strategic planning for procurement, category, and supplier management
- Communication and influencing skills
- Data analysis and reporting expertise
- Problem-solving skills for complicated vendor matters
- Extensive knowledge of vendor contracts, commercial/legal terms
Recommended Certifications
While not all were required to have certifications, the most common certifications include:
- Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
- ITIL 4 Foundation
- Certified Information Systems Auditor
- Vendor Management certifications from Coupa or SAP Ariba
Professional Interviews
While we were unable to secure interviews with professionals specializing in IT Procurement and Governance within our timeframe, we were able to secure interviews related to IT support and administration roles. Their journey and advice are still valuable because they are essential to the IT Procurement and Governance process. They are the ones who request supplies that the organization requires and work with governance policies every day, ensuring that the technology is compliant and secure.
Organization: IT Support LA
Name: Andres Ortega
Job Position: Office Administrator
Career Journey and Daily Work
In my interview with Andres, he told me that his journey into the IT industry was not straightforward. He stated that he got his degree in economics and worked as a financial analyst for 4 years. He noticed he liked solving technical problems and working with data tools at his job, so he decided to apply as an office administrator. In terms of daily work, he stated his duties consist of answering phones and performing administrative tasks while assisting his team with technical support.
Advice
He emphasized that if students do this they will be more ready and prepared which will help them to be a strong candidate when applying for new job positions.
Organization: LAUSD Information Technology Services
Name: Michael Manzo
Job Position: IT Helpdesk
Career Journey and Daily Work
After interviewing Michael, he told me that his journey into IT started when he found a passion for technology after taking a web design course in high school. Because of this, he decided to join a community college and get an associate's degree in business administration. With his degree and CompTIA A+ certificate, he got accepted into his current position, where he assists the Los Angeles school district by helping people with IT support. He stated that his primary job duties include answering calls and chats from employees, students, and families while providing technical training and guidance.
Advice
He gave the example of a time in community college where he attended events, and in one of those events, he took advantage of it and found his current job position. He also recommended certifications since these can help students meet industry standards and apply for the job positions they are interested in.
Interactive Quiz
Test your knowledge about IT Procurement & Governance with this interactive quiz!
1. What is the simplest way to define IT Governance?
2. What is the primary role of IT Procurement & Governance in an organization?
3. Which of these plays the key role of someone in the field?
4. According to the professionals interviewed, what was their best advice for students?
5. What salary range does an IT Governance Analyst typically earn?
Quiz Results
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