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What is an information systems project manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Matthew Liotine Ph.D.

An information systems project manager is in charge of the company's undertaking of projects related to information systems. These information systems will help the company organize its data for easier retrieval and better presentation of information.

Information systems project managers are adept at designing, creating, and managing information systems. They are also able to work with different members of an organization to fulfill project needs and requirements. Given the project management aspect of their role, they should know how to successfully initiate, implement, and adjourn project teams. They should also be able to create progress reports and present these to the top management team.

To become an information systems project manager, one should at least have a bachelor's degree in courses related to information technology, information science, computer science, or information systems. In addition to this, they should also have years of working on information systems initiatives to be experienced enough to be in a managerial role. Furthermore, some companies would require a graduate degree in a related field.

What general advice would you give to an information systems project manager?

Matthew Liotine Ph.D.Matthew Liotine Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Clinical Professor and Director of Master of Science in Supply Chain and Operations Management, University of Illinois at Chicago

Most employers tell me that soft skills are equally, if not more important, than technical skills or domain knowledge. This translates into external/internal customer-facing skills, such as communication, team collaboration, writing, presentation, problem-solving, and being resourceful. (Many graduates overlook writing as a vital skill, but they fail to realize that in the course of their jobs, they will likely be required to write lots of memos and tons of emails.) The need to perfect these skills within the confines of a virtual world has become even more challenging and amplified with COVID. I teach in the information systems discipline, and when you view student resumes, many people look the same on paper. The soft skills will make a candidate stand out head and shoulders above the rest. That's why the candidate should pay attention to the screening interviews that they will undergo during the hiring process since employers will use these interviews to vet these skills.
ScoreInformation Systems Project ManagerUS Average
Salary
8.3

Avg. Salary $128,320

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.6

Growth rate 16%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
1.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.21%

Asian 12.71%

Black or African American 6.58%

Hispanic or Latino 9.88%

Unknown 5.19%

White 65.44%

Gender

female 32.62%

male 67.38%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress level
8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.7

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Information systems project manager career paths

Key steps to become an information systems project manager

  1. Explore information systems project manager education requirements

    Most common information systems project manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    65.7 %

    Master's

    20.7 %

    Associate

    11.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific information systems project manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Project Management25.10%
    Project Scope19.16%
    Software Development12.87%
    Systems Project11.17%
    HIPAA4.81%
  3. Complete relevant information systems project manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New information systems project managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an information systems project manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real information systems project manager resumes.
  4. Research information systems project manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage EDI system for receiving and sending orders which decrease staffing needs.
    • Manage all aspects of major software and hardware implementations for enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
    • Develop a Microsoft SharePoint website to manage EW data issue collaboration.
    • Plan and execute innovative strategies to achieve objectives for infrastructure improvement; redefine scope of project and coordinate resources as needed.
  5. Prepare your information systems project manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your information systems project manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an information systems project manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable information systems project manager resume templates

    Build a professional information systems project manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your information systems project manager resume.
    Information Systems Project Manager Resume
    Information Systems Project Manager Resume
    Information Systems Project Manager Resume
    Information Systems Project Manager Resume
    Information Systems Project Manager Resume
    Information Systems Project Manager Resume
    Information Systems Project Manager Resume
    Information Systems Project Manager Resume
    Information Systems Project Manager Resume
  6. Apply for information systems project manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an information systems project manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first information systems project manager job

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Average information systems project manager salary

The average information systems project manager salary in the United States is $128,320 per year or $62 per hour. Information systems project manager salaries range between $90,000 and $182,000 per year.

Average information systems project manager salary
$128,320 Yearly
$61.69 hourly

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How do information systems project managers rate their job?

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Information systems project manager reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2023
Pros

I like to work with a team. Satisfaction of seeing the successful completion of a project

Cons

Strict deadlines, and stakeholders. Feeling undervalued or underappreciated.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2020
Pros

not applicable because I dont work as a technical project manager

Cons

not applicable because I dont work as a technical project manager


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

I enjoy problem-solving and identifying a path to completing a complex project. I like to ensure that moving parts come together smoothly and communicating successes and celebrating with the team.

Cons

Without the right support from project sponsors, a project manager is doomed to failure. There is an enormous amount of responsibility on a project manager to deliver a product on time and on budget, though without proper authority or backing, it's basically wheel spinning.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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