The job may pay well, but if you want to be a computer and information systems (CIS) manager, you need a significant amount of formal education.
You can pursue computer information systems management if you are involved in making both hardware and software-related decisions on behalf of an organization. You should also be qualified for a career at the upper management level.
These qualifications include a bachelor’s degree or higher in computer science, and exceptional abilities in communication, leadership, and decision-making. To learn more about this career, read on.
Computer and Information Systems Manager Duties
A company that needs computer technology to keep things running depends on a computer and information systems manager. All computer-related issues like software updates are the responsibility of this CIS manager.
An entire organization’s computer efforts may be overseen by the manager. For example, they may supervise the installation of new computer hardware and the maintenance of security networks.
A computer information systems manager can supervise all computer software engineers, computer systems analysts, computer support specialists, and computer programmers.
In office environments, computer and information system managers may be expected to work beyond the usual 40-hour workweek. They may also be required on weekends or through the night if an issue requires it.
Education Requirements for CIS Manager
Computer information systems managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in computer-related disciplines such as information systems administration, information science, or computer science.
But, some employers may favor managers with an educational experience at the graduate level. It takes four years to complete a bachelor’s degree program, with an additional two years expected if a master’s degree is sought.
For these two programs, the coursework focuses on topics such as computer engineering, statistics, system design, database management, mathematics, systems security, and networking.
Skills and Training
A computer and information systems manager should have great communication skills.
CIS managers are frequently approached by customers, managers, and co-workers who do not have the technical skills to deal with computer problems.
They should be able to clarify concerns and provide ideas in a manner that could be understood by anyone without training. The main skills for computer and information systems manager are shown below.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong technical skills
- The ability to work well under pressure
- Organization and time management
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Management and leadership skills
- Attention to detail
- Teamworking skills
Candidates typically have to work their way up from an entry-level job. They may start out as an information systems officer and then gain experience before being promoted to a managerial position.
Often these positions are demanding. Appropriate industry experience is therefore advantageous (especially experience gained in the areas of project management, technical support, system programming, or computer operations).
You can get that experience through industry placements, summer internships, and insight fellowship programs. Any job related to tech is a hot commodity, so you’ll have a lot of competition trying to get these placements.
Outlook and Salary
From 2018 to 2028, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated that work opportunities in this field are expected to increase by 11 percent, which is much faster than normal.
For computer and information systems managers, the BLS reported an average annual salary of $152,860 in 2018.
The highest-paying industries for these experts at the time included securities and commodity exchanges, intermediation, and securities and commodity contracts intermediation and brokerage.
Conclusion
To recap, computer and information systems managers can have a lot of responsibility inside an organization. That’s because their role includes supervising all facets of the computer systems of the company.
This requires technical know-how, organizational skills, and strong communication skills. These can be obtained through a combination of post-secondary education and specialized experience in the industry.