Information Systems Manager
Information Systems Manager - Michael Thompson
Career Overview
Computer and information systems managers determine their company's computer and information needs. Managers talk to technology vendors to get the right equipment.
Managers make sure computers are working and up to date. They plan for hardware and software updates. They direct network security and make sure electronic documents are secure.
Computer and information systems managers oversee workers in their department. They direct projects, assign workers to them, and evaluate the progress of projects.
Managers evaluate the performance of workers. They document and record information on employee performance.
Computer and information systems managers estimate the costs and budget for projects. They determine the workers they need for projects. They analyze the costs of new technologies.
Computer and information systems managers may specialize as:
Chief information officers
Chief information officers manage technology strategies. They plan information goals and determine the technology required to meet those goals. They focus on long-term issues.
Chief technology officers
Chief technology officers evaluate new technology. They design and recommend technology solutions to support goals. They may oversee the development of new technologies.
IT directors
IT directors are in charge of information technology (IT) departments. They supervise other employees. They help determine and implement computer systems. They manage data and network services. IT directors oversee the finances of their department, such as budgeting.
IT security managers
IT security managers oversee network and data security systems. They keep up to date on IT security measures. They supervise investigations if there is a security violation.
Computer and information systems managers are also called information technology managers.
Career Skills and Intersests
Skills
Computer and information systems managers need to:
Communicate
- Read and understand work-related materials.
- Understand spoken information.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Reason and Problem Solve
- Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
- Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
- Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
- Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Use Math and Science
- Use math skills to solve problems.
Manage Oneself, People, Time, and Things
- Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.
- Check how well one is learning or doing something.
- Manage the time of self and others.
- Decide how to spend money to get the work done and keep track of how the money was used.
Work with People
- Be aware of others’ reactions and understand the possible causes.
- Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
- Look for ways to help people.
- Persuade others to approach things differently.
Work with Things
- Write computer programs.
Perceive and Visualize
- Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
- Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
- Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
Interests
Computer and information systems managers typically have the following interests:
- Have enterprising interests. They like work activities that involve starting up and carrying out projects, especially in business. They like to lead and persuade others, make decisions, and take risks for profit.
- Have conventional interests. They like work activities that follow set procedures, routines, and standards. They like to work with data and detail. They prefer working where there is a clear line of authority to follow.
- Have investigative interests. They like work activities that have to do with ideas and thinking. They like to search for facts and figure out solutions to problems mentally.
Career Working Conditions
In a typical work setting, computer and information systems managers:
Interpersonal Relationships
- Have a high level of social interaction. They work with technicians, programmers, and other office workers.
- Are responsible for training workers and overseeing the performance of those workers.
- Are somewhat responsible for the safety of the workers they supervise and the public who uses the information provided on networked computers.
- Write letters and memos often.
Physical Work Conditions
- Always work indoors.
Work Performance
- Are accurate in performing their job. This is very important. Errors could cost the organization money or could cause the organization to lose valuable data.
- Must repeat the same physical and mental tasks. This is somewhat important when working at the computer.
- Make decisions often that affect the people they supervise and impact the outcome of projects.
- Rarely consult a supervisor before making a decision or setting priorities.
Hours/Travel
- Work more than 40 hours per week.
- Work a regular business week.
Career Wages and Outlook
Demand for this occupation will be very strong due to the increase in mobile and wireless technology. Cyber security issues create demand as more companies do business online. In the health care field, increased use of electronic medical records will create jobs. Cloud technology will also help to create many jobs for computer and information systems managers.
Job prospects are best for people with lots of experience who know the newest technologies.
Career Related Occupations
- Computer Systems Administrators
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Information Security Analysts
Programs of Study- Computer Systems Networking and Administration
Program Overview
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
For this program, schools recommend that you know how to use a computer and the Internet.
For admission to specialized certification courses and programs, you usually are required to have taken several courses in computer programming and general computer science. Depending on the certification you are seeking, you may need a degree in the field or networking experience.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Advanced Algebra courses
- Calculus
- Computer Science and Programming
- Computing Systems
- Network Technology
Typical Course Work
This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Computer and Network Security
- Computer Architecture
- Computer User Support
- Data and Computer Communications
- Database Administration
- Internet and World Wide Web
- Introduction to Computer and Network Administration
- Local Area Networks (LAN)
- Network and Systems Repair
- Operating Systems
- Peripheral Installation
- Programming Languages
- System Analysis and Design
- Unix Programming
- Wide Area Networks (WAN)
Related Programs
- Computer Programming
- Information Technology
- Computer Systems Analysis
- Computer Science
- Project Management
Schools That Offer My Program of Study
- Minnesota State University, Mankato
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
- University of Wisconsin, Madison
College Choice
University of Wisconsin, Madison
College Information
Admission Requirements- You must apply by February first. The average ACT score is between a 24 and 29 with an average GPA of 3.81
College Expenses- The application fee is $44 and the total cost of tuition, room and board and other expenses is $27, 598
Financial Aid- You can apply for financial aid anytime after January first. You have to fill out the FAFSA forms. Some scholarships that are available include the Archie Kimball Endowment and the Albert Family Scholarship.
Housing- There is University and Private Housing as well as off campus housing.
Activities- Marching Band, Drama, intramural basketball.
Informational Interview
- Date of Interview/Job Shadow Experience. March 14th
- Interview/Job Shadow Contact. Keith Steinke
- Name of Company. The occasioons group
- Type of Company. Printing Press
- Position. IT Technician
- Phone Number. Did not get
Answer the following questions about your experience.
Briefly record your thoughts and feelings about the workplace and the person you just visited. I have been there before and have done job shadowing. I liked it just as much the second time. Keith was really nice and very willing to help me out and give me real world tips on how to get my feet in the door.
What did you learn in the interview? I didn't really learn much because most of what he told me I was able to learn in my PSEO class previously.
What did you like? What didn't you like? The only thing that I didn't like was printer maintenance, but I liked the rest of it.
Did you uncover concerns or advantages to this occupation? The only concern that I found was the repetitive motion injuries, but if I am careful, I shouldn't have anything major to worry about.
What advice did you receive? The advice that I received was to stay up to date on the current technologies.
Did you discover another occupation to explore? None that I hadn't already thought of.
How was the work environment? The work environment was nice because I never really had to stay in one place for a long amount of time, I could move around as needed.
Do you think you would be happy in this occupation? Yes