Most companies, from large retailers to educational institutions, rely on large, complicated Information Technology (IT) systems to do their work. Many hire information systems managers to run their IT department and make sure that they can rely on their computer systems.
Information systems managers are in charge of IT personnel and equipment. They supervise the work of IT analysts and other workers and assess their performance. They also assess the performance of IT equipment, run diagnostic tests to ensure that everything is working as it should, and procure new equipment. Information systems managers need to have extensive technical knowledge to handle tasks such as installing servers and configuring VPNs. They also need excellent communication skills to lead their department.
Most information systems managers start their careers by earning a bachelor's degree in business or computer science. They also need several years of professional experience working in IT, for example as IT analysts. There are several levels of information systems managers and compensation varies depending on one's position in the corporate ladder. The average salary is $131,092 a year.
Computer and information systems managers, often called information technology (IT) managers or IT project managers, plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the information technology goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing computer systems to meet those goals.
Typically, a bachelor’s degree in computer or information science, plus related work experience, is required. Many computer and information systems managers also have a graduate degree.
EducationComputer and information systems managers normally must have a bachelor’s degree in a computer- or information science–related field. Such a degree usually takes 4 years to complete and includes courses in computer programming, software development, and mathematics. Management information systems (MIS) programs usually include business classes as well as computer-related ones.
Many organizations require their computer and information systems managers to have a graduate degree as well. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is common and takes 2 years beyond the undergraduate level to complete. Many people pursuing an MBA take classes while working, an option that can increase the time required to complete that degree.
Work Experience in a Related OccupationMost jobs for computer and information systems managers require several years of experience in a related information technology (IT) job. Lower level management positions may require only a few years of experience. Directors are more likely to need 5 to 10 years of related work experience. A chief technology officer (CTO), who oversees the technology plan for a large organization, may need more than 15 years of experience in the IT field before being considered for a job.
The number of years of experience required varies with the organization. Generally, smaller or newer companies do not require as much experience as larger or more established ones.
Computer systems are used throughout the economy, and IT employees may gain experience in a variety of industries. However, an applicant’s work experience should be in the same industry they are applying to work in. For example, an IT security manager should have previously worked in information security. A hospital IT director should have experience in the healthcare field.
AdvancementMost computer and information systems managers start out as lower level managers and advance to higher positions within the IT department. IT directors or project managers can advance to become CTOs. A CTO or other manager who is especially business minded can advance to become a chief information officer (CIO), the person in charge of all IT-related decisions in an organization. CIOs can advance to become top executives in an organization.
Important QualitiesAnalytical skills. IT managers must be able to analyze problems and consider and select the best ways to solve them.
Business skills. IT managers must develop and implement strategic plans to reach the goals of their organizations.
Communication skills. IT managers must be able to explain their work to top executives and give clear instructions to their subordinates.
Decisionmaking skills. Some IT managers must make important decisions about how to allocate resources in order to reach their organizations’ goals.
Leadership skills. IT managers must be able to lead and motivate IT teams or departments so that workers are efficient and effective.
Organizational skills. Some IT managers must coordinate the work of several different IT departments to make the organization run efficiently.
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As you move along in your career, you may start taking on more responsibilities or notice that you've taken on a leadership role. Using our career map, an Information Systems Manager can determine their career goals through the career progression. For example, they could start out with a role such as Information Technology Manager, progress to a title such as Senior Project Manager and then eventually end up with the title Senior Infrastructure Project Manager.
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The skills section on your resume can be almost as important as the experience section, so you want it to be an accurate portrayal of what you can do. Luckily, we've found all of the skills you'll need so even if you don't have these skills yet, you know what you need to work on. Out of all the resumes we looked through, 18.2% of Information Systems Managers listed Information Technology on their resume, but soft skills such as Business skills and Leadership skills are important as well.
Some places are better than others when it comes to starting a career as an Information Systems Manager. The best states for people in this position are California, New York, New Hampshire, and New Jersey. Information Systems Managers make the most in California with an average salary of $147,928. Whereas in New York and New Hampshire, they would average $140,995 and $140,545, respectively. While Information Systems Managers would only make an average of $136,940 in New Jersey, you would still make more there than in the rest of the country. We determined these as the best states based on job availability and pay. By finding the median salary, cost of living, and using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Location Quotient, we narrowed down our list of states to these four.
1. Rhode Island
$133,022
Avg. Salary
2. New Hampshire
$140,545
Avg. Salary
3. New York
$140,995
Avg. Salary