Job Description of Computer and Information Systems Manager: Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct research and design the computer-related activities of firms.
Employment Facts for Computer and Information Systems Managers: Computer and information systems managers held about 280,000 jobs in 2004.
Educational Requirements for Computer and Information Systems Managers: Some employers require a bachelor’s degree for management positions, although many others prefer a graduate degree, specifically a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) with technology as a core component.
Other Requirements for Computer and Information Systems Managers: Computer and information systems managers must possess strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
Advancement Opportunities for Computer and Information Systems Managers: Some computer and information systems managers may advance to progressively higher leadership positions in their field.
Job Outlook for Computer and Information Systems Managers: Employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014.
Earnings of Computer and Information Systems Managers:
Median Annual Earnings in the Industries Employing the Largest Numbers of Computer and Information Systems Managers (U.S., 2004*)
- Software Publishers $107,870
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services $103,850
- Management of Companies and Enterprises $99,880
- Insurance Carriers $97,900
- Depository Credit Intermediation $86,450
A Day in a Computer and Information Systems Manager's Life:
On a typical day a computer and information systems manager will:
- consult with top management in order to help determine both technical and business goals;
- make detailed plans for the accomplishment of these goals;
- direct the work of systems analysts, computer programmers, support specialists, and other computer-related workers;
- provide the upkeep, maintenance and security of networks;
- assign and review the work of their subordinates;
- Chief technology officers evaluate the newest and most innovative technologies and determine how these can help their organization;
- Management information systems directors manage information systems and computing resources for their entire organization;
- Project managers develop requirements, budgets, and schedules for their firm’s information technology projects;
- LAN/WAN (Local Area Network/Wide Area Network) managers design and administer an organization’s local area network; they direct the network, and its related computing environment, including hardware, systems software, applications software, and all other computer-related configurations.;
*This is the most recent year for which this information is available.
Information courtesy of Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Computer and Information Systems Managers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos258.htm (visited March 8, 2006).
