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It used to be that the IT department was its own little enclave of specialists. Tech workers would toil away in their own division at the company, rarely interacting with other departments or having to deal with non-IT workers. But that’s all changing as IT becomes a more integrated part of most businesses. And with every change comes an opportunity.

In this case, it’s an opportunity for tech workers skilled at working outside of IT to play a larger role at their companies. IT staffers with business skills are becoming sought-after as managers. Workers with communication skills and business knowledge in addition to specialized IT skills are better-equipped to become managers and move to the upper levels of their organizations.

If management sounds like an attractive career path, see if you can find the time to take classes in business writing or management. Or make a larger commitment and pursue an MBA. An MBA or even a management minor can help open the doors to higher-level positions in the IT industry.

As you consider going back to school, keep these options in mind:

1. Ask About Tuition Reimbursement…
   Many employers offer some form of tuition reimbursement for employees who want to take classes to help advance their careers. Before registering for classes, ask your HR department if they offer such a program. It’s often one of the most underused benefits around.


2. …or Sabbaticals
   While sabbatical periods are less frequently available than tuition reimbursement, they offer an ideal way to boost your education while retaining your current job. It never hurts to ask if your company offers such an option.


3. Consider Some Online Schooling
   It’s never easy to make time to go back to school, and adding in commute time to and from classes doesn’t help the situation. Attending an online school for all or part of your curriculum can make the process much easier.

InsideTech’s [TRACKLINK:School Finder|http://edu.insidetech.com/?referral=IT_org] can help connect you with quality online and on campus schools offering business or IT degrees, and our [TRACKLINK:Scholarship Finder|http://edu.insidetech.com/scholarships?referral=IT_org] can connect you with grants and other offers to help defray the cost of additional schooling.