Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
What is an information systems specialist and how to become one
Information system specialists are responsible for managing a company's information database and developing information security to protect the information database. Identifying data sources, collecting data through research and surveys, implementing data storage methods, ensuring information systems are streamlined and working properly are your responsibilities as an information system specialist. Also, you are in charge of helping clients retrieve necessary information from the company's database and presenting data reports to the management either annually, monthly, or when the management requests.
You should have knowledge of information systems, data processes, Microsoft suite, and office tools for this role. You should also have research skills, analytical skills, customer service skills, listening skills, communication skills, interpretation skills, interpersonal skills, and you should know Java, Python, or Perl. You need a bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field and will earn an average of $61,328 per year.
What general advice would you give to an information systems specialist?
Ranganathan Chandrasekaran
Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, University of Illinois
Several businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, and they have rolled back their offers made to students for internships and jobs. Businesses have also resorted to downsizing and layoffs, and we are likely to see that continue, at least in the near term. However, two sectors that are showing promises of a quick turnaround are technology and healthcare.
It might take many months for the economy to get back on track, but the demand for information systems graduates is likely to grow, as a large number of businesses have turned to increased use of technology in this pandemic period. As more companies go digital, we need more professionals to manage the remote-work, technological infrastructure and meet the other demands of the business. Students pursuing education in information systems, computer science, and healthcare are going to be in greater demand.
On the positive side, the uncertainties induced by the pandemic have also helped students to prepare themselves better for a tougher job market. I found many students rise up and use the lockdown period to have a serious introspection and invest their time and effort in upgrading their knowledge and skills. The internship drought and rescinding of job/internship offers brought their dreams crashing down, but I found several students to quickly get over their disappointments, and engage in improving their skillsets utilizing the pandemic lockdown as an opportunity. I am aware of many students, especially in the information systems disciple, who spent time doing online courses, completing certification programs, and take up DIY projects on data analysis, developing analytical and forecasting models, and visualization of various aspects of the pandemic. The pandemic has resulted in massive amounts of data, released by several organizations worldwide, that have provided a stimulant for students to indulge in DIY-projects. I had several students approach me over summer to do some projects, and we have done some interesting projects using public datasets related to COVID-19.
Avg. Salary $73,495
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 10%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.41%
Asian 10.68%
Black or African American 11.69%
Hispanic or Latino 15.83%
Unknown 5.35%
White 56.04%
Genderfemale 31.11%
male 68.89%
Age - 41American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 41Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Information systems specialist career paths
Key steps to become an information systems specialist
Explore information systems specialist education requirements
Start to develop specific information systems specialist skills
Skills Percentages Customer Service 23.03% Data Analysis 6.42% Data Entry 5.08% Strong Analytical 4.88% Troubleshoot 4.26% Complete relevant information systems specialist training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New information systems specialists 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 specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real information systems specialist resumes.Gain additional information systems specialist certifications
More About CertificationsInformation systems specialist certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific information systems specialist certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for information systems specialists include Network 5 Certification and Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP).
Research information systems specialist duties and responsibilities
- Implement internal SOX controls and achieve compliance for internal and external audits.
- Manage user security access to SharePoint and Intranet.
- Implement and manage all organizational security measures, cryptographic equipment and DoD communications security (COMSEC) keying material.
- Gain knowledge of Linux and Macintosh server and desktop systems.
Prepare your information systems specialist resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your information systems specialist 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 specialist 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 specialist resume templates
Build a professional information systems specialist 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 specialist resume.
Apply for information systems specialist jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an information systems specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first information systems specialist job
Are you an information systems specialist?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average information systems specialist salary
The average information systems specialist salary in the United States is $73,495 per year or $35 per hour. Information systems specialist salaries range between $51,000 and $104,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do information systems specialists rate their job?
Information systems specialist reviews
I have aids now due to the painfulness of sitting down all day
You get to help a lot of people in many different ways as well as learning new things about technology
There was nothing to like. Everyone was polite an hard workers
Working with The people
I decided to go to technical support because I've been fascinated by technology all my life and I love working with the people as well. I want to use my technical know-how to solve directly the problems that customers have. I want to be the person who makes life easier and more enjoyable for people who have had a problem. This is what I like most as a technical Support.
I don't like sitting around being inactive. So I'll keep my self always busy
Updated January 8, 2025
