When I first decided to pursue two degrees in Information Technology and Business Administration, I knew I was taking on a challenge that would push me in different directions. At times, it felt like I was juggling two completely separate worlds one full of coding, databases, and cybersecurity, and the other focused on finance, management, and strategy. But as I’ve progressed in my studies and work experiences, I’ve realized that these two fields aren’t separate at all. In fact, the intersection of IT and business is where innovation happens.
Today, businesses are driven by technology, and technology is shaped by business needs. Having a solid foundation in both areas has allowed me to not only solve technical problems but also understand their business implications. Whether it’s developing an e-commerce platform, cybersecurity investigations, or optimizing inventory, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is to combine technical expertise with business acumen. In this article, I want to share why I think mastering both skills can make you an invaluable asset in today’s digital economy.
Why Understanding IT Alone Isn’t Enough
As someone who has spent countless hours trying to learn Python, how to manage databases, and navigating cybersecurity, I can confidently say that technical skills are crucial but they are only part of the equation.
In my current role as a Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst, I spend a lot of time identifying cybersecurity threats. It’s a technical job that requires advanced OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) techniques and sometimes I feel like the learning never ends. However, I’ve learned that knowing how to detect and stop a threat isn’t enough. It’s equally important to understand the business impact of that threat.
For example, a data breach isn’t just an IT issue; it’s a business crisis. A cyberattack can lead to financial losses, damage to the company’s reputation, and legal consequences all of which affect the business’s bottom line. Understanding these implications has helped me understand that cybersecurity investments are not just a technical necessity but a business priority.
Technical Skills Highlight:
This experience taught me that being proficient in IT is essential, but if you can’t connect it to business objectives, you’re missing a key part of the picture. In a world where technology is the backbone of most industries, IT professionals who understand business priorities can drive impactful change and position themselves as strategic partners within their organizations.
Why Business Professionals Need IT Knowledge
While understanding IT isn’t enough on its own, the reverse is also true business professionals today need to have at least a foundational knowledge of IT to thrive. Technology is no longer an isolated department that business leaders delegate to it’s within every aspect of a company’s operations, from marketing to supply chain management.
As a Co-Owner of Hispanic Anima, I experienced this firsthand. I was responsible for developing our e-commerce platform, which required both technical and business skills. The success of our business depended on creating a seamless, engaging user experience for customers. That meant not only knowing how to set up and manage an e-commerce website using tools like WordPress and WooCommerce but also understanding how the design, navigation, and functionality would impact sales, customer retention, and marketing strategies. If you are curious about how we did it I made a short article explaining it in my newsletter, click here and check it out!
For example, when we noticed high bounce rates on certain product pages, my technical knowledge allowed me to identify and fix issues like slow load times and mobile responsiveness. However, it was my business understanding that drove the decisions around user interface improvements, knowing that an optimized customer experience would directly affect our bottom line. Without a grasp of IT and business, I would have been able to fix the technical issues but wouldn’t have been able to align them with broader business goals.
Business Strategy and Tech Integration: Business professionals who understand technology can lead digital transformation efforts, drive data-driven decisions, and leverage IT to innovate faster. In today’s e-commerce and digital economy, those who can speak the language of both tech and business have the power to create systems or businesses that not only work but succeed.
Real-World Examples of IT and Business Convergence in My Experience
The intersection of IT and business isn’t just a theoretical concept it plays out in real-world projects and work experiences. One of the best examples from my career so far is my work with BoxTech, where I was involved in providing IT consulting services for companies like Rocosa and others.
In these projects, I was responsible for implementing technical solutions such as the installation of a Starlink satellite system for reliable internet access at one construction site. On the surface, this might seem like a purely technical task: choose the right technology, install it, and ensure that it works. But the reality was much more complex. My team and I had to consider the business objectives of the construction company, including their budget constraints, project timelines, and the need for robust connectivity to support their operations.
Similarly, when managing inventory at Lumer in Mexico City, I designed a streamlined inventory system using Excel, SQL, and Oracle. These technical tools helped reduce inefficiencies, but the success of the system depended on how well it aligned with the company’s business processes keeping track of 13,000+ products while ensuring accuracy in order fulfillment and customer satisfaction.
These experiences taught me that the real value comes from understanding both the technical implementation and the business impact. Whether it’s installing new technology, optimizing inventory, or providing consulting services, the ability to integrate IT solutions with business strategy is key to delivering meaningful results.
The Growing Importance of Data-Driven Decision Making
One of the most exciting areas where IT and business converge is in data-driven decision making. Today, businesses have access to more data than ever before, but the real challenge is turning that data into actionable insights. This is where IT skills like data analysis, programming, and database management come in and where business professionals must understand the value of data to make informed decisions.
I’ve had the chance to experience this intersection in my Supply Chain Management studies, particularly during a forecasting project for Dairy Queen. Using tools like Excel, I analyzed historical sales data to predict future demand for ice cream, allowing us to optimize stock levels and reduce waste. This was a technical task, but the real impact came from understanding the business implications of how accurate forecasts could save the company money, improve customer satisfaction, and minimize losses.
It was this combination of IT skills (data analysis, forecasting tools) and business understanding (knowing the cost of stockouts or overstocking) that made the project successful. And it’s a lesson I continue to carry with me: data isn’t just about numbers; it’s about decisions. Businesses that can effectively gather, analyze, and act on data will always have a competitive edge.
Personal Projects and Studies: The forecasting project not only improved my technical abilities but also deepened my understanding of the broader business landscape. It reinforced the idea that IT professionals must be able to communicate the value of their work in business terms, while business leaders need to embrace the potential of technology to make smarter, more efficient decisions.
Future Vision: Looking ahead, I see endless opportunities to apply both degrees. Whether I’m helping businesses optimize their supply chains with data analytics, ensuring cybersecurity resilience, or developing e-commerce solutions, my goal is to continue blending IT and business to create meaningful, lasting impact. As technology continues to evolve, professionals who can bridge the gap between these fields will be crucial in shaping the future.
How IT and Business Skills Have Enhanced My Career
Through my experiences as a Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst, a Co-Owner at Hispanic Anima, and my work with BoxTech and Lumer, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful the combination of these skills can be. Whether it’s managing cybersecurity threats, optimizing inventory systems, or forecasting sales, the ability to merge technical expertise with business insights has enabled me to deliver real value in each role.
Professionals who are equipped with both IT and business skills are not just problem solvers, they are strategic thinkers who can drive innovation and lead in their industries. I encourage anyone looking to stay relevant and impactful in today’s digital world to improve at both capabilities. After all, I think the future belongs to those who can take advantage of the power in both worlds.
Stay tuned for articles on various IT and Business Administration topics, including web design, cybersecurity, and supply chain management, where I’ll go into the details of my projects and the tools I’ve used.
Subscribe to my newsletter to follow my journey on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7200682566587195392
