The skills shortage in IT Asset Management (ITAM) and software licensing is a well-known challenge. Many organizations are stepping up, addressing the gap through apprenticeships and graduate schemes. Kudos to them! We need fresh talent to drive the future of ITAM, bringing new perspectives and energy to take our industry to the next level.
Having been in the space for more than 15+ years, I have been fortunate to share discussions with highly knowledgeable experts. When you consider the global organizations with 2,000+ employees, each with their own IT assets, and compare that to the number that actually have ITAM tools/technologies, managed services, or even a dedicated ITAM professional, you quickly realize there’s still a long journey ahead before ITAM becomes universally adopted.
The Growing Demand for ITAM Professionals
We simply can’t keep up with the demand. Technology vendors, managed service providers, and consultancy firms are always on the lookout for more staff to meet their clients’ needs. But is the skills shortage within ITAM due to something more than just a lack of new talent? Is there an issue with those already in ITAM and Licensing roles?
Falling Into ITAM: “I Got This Role Because No One Else Wanted It”
This isn’t about pointing fingers but highlighting the risks of having underqualified individuals in ITAM or Licensing positions, where they might not have the necessary skills or experience to achieve the goals set by their organizations.
After years of meeting fellow professionals around the world, I’ve found that when asked how they got into ITAM, the most common answers are “by accident” or “no one else wanted the role, and I fancied a change.”
Some of the best ITAM professionals I know fall into this category. They took the opportunity, dove deep into learning about ITAM, licensing, compliance, audits, and all the complexities of the field. Some even grew to love their jobs, advancing to bigger roles or running their own consultancies.
That kind of initiative is crucial. However, not everyone in the ITAM field approaches their role with the same mindset.
The “9-5” Mentality: Is It a Risk?
There are many who see their ITAM role as a typical 9-5 job, providing financial stability but nothing more. There’s nothing wrong with that. As motivational speaker Simon Sinek once said, the “9-5’ers” are the backbone of every organization.
But in ITAM, could that mentality be harmful?
In this industry, knowledge is power. I constantly hear stories from vendors, MSPs, and consultants about having to clean up after the previous ITAM or Licensing professional. It’s not just about different working styles—it’s about a lack of knowledge or experience.
For example, some ITAM professionals may ignore compliance issues or implement processes without understanding the business’s requirements. Others might not grasp complex licensing models and make costly mistakes. Worse still, some may knowingly break the rules, believing their company is “too big” to face consequences from software vendors.
On the hardware side, I’ve seen organizations improperly dispose of equipment, potentially breaching WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Recycling) regulations, or mishandle sensitive data, risking GDPR violations.
How Do We Fix This?
Just like in sports, ITAM has different skill levels. Some professionals work for top-tier organizations, while others are part-timers who may not have the skills or drive to reach the highest levels of performance. But that doesn’t mean we can’t support those who want to grow and improve.
The ITAM community can play a key role here – where professionals can ask questions anonymously and receive support directly. We need to promote the idea that there are no “wrong questions,” only opportunities to learn.
Career path mapping can also help, along with more apprenticeship schemes to guide newcomers into ITAM. Personally, I’m excited to one day bring someone into the ITAM world and help kick-start their career.
Fostering Growth and Mentorship in ITAM
Hard work, extra reading, and research can go a long way in this field. Let’s continue to encourage that kind of growth and behaviour. Let’s show the next generation of ITAM professionals that this is a fantastic industry full of career opportunities, continuous learning, and a real chance to make a difference.
ITAM is an exciting field to build a career in—let’s promote that message and shape the future of our industry.
