Are you passionate about technology? Are you a good communicator? Does being an integral part of a company's technological developments excite you? If so, then you may be well suited for a career in information systems management.
Information systems (IS) are the technologies and processes that a company or organization uses in order to organize and store valuable information. These systems may range from small computer databases to large computer networks spread across the globe. IS professionals design, implement and maintain these information systems as they are needed. IS managers also keep other IS professionals on schedule and oversee their work, ensuring that the systems are being installed and utilized correctly. They must have technical knowledge in computer science, in addition to excellent communications and business management skills.
Information systems management is a rapidly expanding field, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ('www.bls.gov') reports there should be excellent job prospects for qualified professionals entering the job market in the 2008-2018 decade. About 289,000 people were employed as computer information systems managers in 2010, and the average yearly salary for workers in this field was $123,280. As technology continues to advance, more workers will be needed to implement these new technology applications in the workplace. According to the BLS, design firms, technological consulting companies and software publishing firms will be among the establishments offering the most work.
An undergraduate degree in computer information systems can be a starting point for a career in information systems management and other computer technology professions such as a computer support specialist, database administrator or computer systems analyst. You can also choose to go on to graduate school and consider a career in academia.
As a computer information systems student, you may take courses in programming, operating systems, systems analysis and design, data structures, computer networks and security. Some programs also give students the opportunity to take elective courses on subjects such as forensic computing, computer graphics, bioinformatics and artificial intelligence.