Information Systems Manager

Job opportunities:

Information system manger jobs are expected to be among the fastest growing jobs, increasing by 27 percent or more through 2014, according to the U.S. Department of Labor:

• technological advancements will boost the employment of computer-related workers; so, the demand for managers to direct these workers also will increase.
• opportunities will be best for those with computer-related work experience; an MBA with technology as a core component, or a management information systems degree; and strong communication and administrative skills.
• The emergence of cyber-security as a key issue facing most companies should lead to strong growth for computer managers.
• the explosive growth of e-commerce and the expansion of the wireless internet will spur the need for an information systems manager with both business savvy and technical proficiency.

Basic job responsibilities

An information systems manager needs a broad range of skills:

• experience with the specific software or technology used on the job, as well as a background in either consulting or business management.
• a good business background to make important business decisions.
• a keen understanding of people, management processes, and customers' needs.
• strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills to interact with their staff, and with other people inside and outside their companies.
• team skills to work on group projects.

Work Environment:

An information system manger:

• spends most of the time in an office.
• works at least 40 hours a week.
• may work evenings or weekends to meet deadlines or solve specific problems.
• may experience considerable pressure in meeting technical goals within short timeframes or tight budgets.
• has to oversee offsite employees using modems, laptops, e-mail, and the internet.

Information Systems Manager

How companies use technology is critical to remaining competitive. That's why a computer and information systems manager plays a vital role in the technological direction of their companies.

Information Systems Manager

• constructs the business plan, oversee network security and direct internet operations.
• plans, coordinates, and directs research and facilitates the computer-related activities of firms.
• determines both technical and business goals in consultation with top management and make detailed plans for the accomplishment of these goals.
• develops the overall concepts and requirements of a new product or service, or may identify how an organization's computing capabilities can effectively aid project management.
• directs the work of systems analysts, computer programmers, support specialists, and other computer-related workers.
• analyzes the computer and information needs of their organizations from an operational and strategic perspective and determine immediate and long-range personnel and equipment requirements.
• assigns and reviews the work of their subordinates and stays abreast of the latest technology to ensure the organization does not lag behind competitors.

The jobs of a computer and information systems manager varies with their specific titles:

• Chief technology officers evaluate the newest and most innovative technologies for their companies. They are responsible for demonstrating to a company how information technology can be used as a competitive tool that not only cuts costs, but also increases revenue and maintains or increases competitive advantage.
• Management information systems (MIS) directors manage information systems and computing resources for their companies. They oversee a variety of user services such as an organization's help desk, which employees can call with questions or problems.
• Project managers develop requirements, budgets, and schedules for their firms' information technology projects. They coordinate such projects from development through implementation, working with internal and external clients, vendors, consultants, and computer specialists.
• LAN/WAN (local area network/wide area network) managers provide a variety of services, from design to administration of the local area network, which connects staff within an organization. These managers direct the network and its computing environment, including hardware, systems software and applications software.

Requirements

• Advanced technical knowledge is essential for a computer and information systems manager.
• Many computer and information systems manager jobs require prior work experience as a computer systems analyst; other managers may have worked as a computer support specialist or computer programmer.
• A bachelor's degree usually is required for management positions.
• Employers often prefer a graduate degree, especially an MBA with technology as a core component.
• More computer and information systems manager jobs require making both technology and business decisions. So, a management information systems (MIS) degree is very desirable.