Technology management faces a looming talent gap as experienced professionals retire, and fewer new entrants see the field as an attractive career. At the same time, the work is growing more complex, with cloud, SaaS, AI, and mobility all converging into an integrated cost and performance discipline. Without a deliberate strategy, organizations risk losing critical expertise and service quality.
Addressing this challenge begins with storytelling. Many early-career professionals have never heard of technology expense management (TEM), IT financial management (ITFM), or technology management as a distinct discipline. They may assume “IT” means only development or cybersecurity, not the business-focused work of managing inventory, spend, and vendor relationships. Leaders need to articulate the impact: how this field keeps businesses running, protects margins, and enables innovation.
Partnerships with educational institutions can expand the pipeline. Introducing technology management concepts into business, finance, and IT curricula helps students understand the career paths available to them. Programs that blend technical literacy with business acumen, such as budgeting, contracts, and vendor management, prepare graduates for real-world roles managing technology as a strategic asset. Internships and rotational programs can then provide hands-on exposure.
Non-traditional candidates are another underutilized source. Individuals with strong customer service, operations, or financial backgrounds can excel in TEM and mobility roles after receiving domain training. Upskilling and cross-training programs that emphasize soft skills, attention to detail, and compliance can convert these candidates into high-value contributors. This approach also supports diversity and inclusion goals.
AI adds a new dimension. As organizations encode expert knowledge into agents and workflows, they can mitigate some brain drain risk while also making roles more attractive to AI-native talent entering the workforce. Pairing new hires who are comfortable with AI and data tools with seasoned industry veterans creates powerful learning loops in both directions. By investing in storytelling, education, and structured career paths, technology leaders can turn a looming talent crisis into an opportunity to modernize and elevate the profession.
Ready to turn talent management best practices into measurable results? Explore how the AOTMP® TEM Performance & Value Alignment Program helps organizations benchmark, optimize, and elevate their technology management outcomes. Learn more or enquire now →
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