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What does an Information Systems Specialist do?

Updated January 8, 2025
9 min read
Quoted Expert
Babak Beheshti Ph.D.
What does an Information Systems Specialist do

An Information Systems Specialist is responsible for supporting and developing the database system of an organization. They are responsible for designing and implementing information systems, developing prototypes, and maintaining hardware and software operations. They build information security to protect the computer system against a threat. Information System Specialists must have good communication and analytical skills to adapt to different organizational needs.

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Information systems specialist responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real information systems specialist resumes:

  • 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.
  • Configure and maintain all routers, switches and firewalls using TCP/IP.
  • Configure client PCs and laptops for network connectivity (Ethernet and TCP/IP).
  • Obtain, monitor and distribute information to units and DOD using SIDPERS operation system.
  • Provide weekend testing of SDC changes to network, DNS, mainframe and Linux changes.
  • Design role requires use of CMS with CRM integration, HTML email communications and web design best practices.
  • Provide input / QA / QC regarding enhancement of regulatory reporting as well as other complex business and programmatic processes.
  • Review community college GIS curriculum as requested.
  • Standardize PC models and coordinate scheduled hardware purchases.
  • Prepare HRIS reports for senior management and information reporting.
  • Develop company Intranet website utilizing Microsoft SharePoint server and services.
  • Maintain Cisco routers and switches configuration for security detection systems.

Information systems specialist skills and personality traits

We calculated that 23% of Information Systems Specialists are proficient in Customer Service, Data Analysis, and Data Entry. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Listening skills, and Speaking skills.

We break down the percentage of Information Systems Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Customer Service, 23%

    Provided customer service support by initiating, researching and resolving computer problems using an automation tracking software called TrackIt and/or Remedy.

  • Data Analysis, 6%

    Provide weekly reporting for data analysis and decision making to upper management.

  • Data Entry, 5%

    Performed data entry and error resolution for installation personnel information system.

  • Strong Analytical, 5%

    Self-motivated, independent thinker with strong analytical skills.

  • Troubleshoot, 4%

    Leveraged operational understanding of the system to responsively and creatively troubleshoot and resolve issues threatening optimum performance.

  • Technical Support, 4%

    Coordinate the acquisition, service and property accountability of all automation equipment and manages all warranty and non-warranty technical support issues.

Common skills that an information systems specialist uses to do their job include "customer service," "data analysis," and "data entry." You can find details on the most important information systems specialist responsibilities below.

Customer-service skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an information systems specialist to have is customer-service skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "computer support specialists must be patient and sympathetic." Information systems specialists often use customer-service skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "created and administered a yearly end-user survey to monitor our customer support satisfaction. "

Listening skills. Another essential skill to perform information systems specialist duties is listening skills. Information systems specialists responsibilities require that "support workers must be able to understand the problems that their customers are describing and know when to ask questions to clarify the situation." Information systems specialists also use listening skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "communicated with customers regarding programming and technical support, and billed and updated accounts. "

Speaking skills. This is an important skill for information systems specialists to perform their duties. For an example of how information systems specialist responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "support workers must describe the solutions to computer problems in a way that a nontechnical person can understand." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of an information systems specialist: "addressed connectivity and standalone pc issues. ".

Problem-solving skills. information systems specialist responsibilities often require "problem-solving skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "support workers must identify both simple and complex computer problems, analyze them, and solve them." This resume example shows what information systems specialists do with problem-solving skills on a typical day: "arise virtual solutions provide technical and customer support experience to apple/mac, turbotax, and interval international customers. "

Writing skills. Another crucial skill for an information systems specialist to carry out their responsibilities is "writing skills." A big part of what information systems specialists relies on this skill, since "strong writing skills are useful for preparing instructions and email responses for employees and customers, as well as for real-time web chat interactions." How this skill relates to information systems specialist duties can be seen in an example from an information systems specialist resume snippet: "provide technical assistance in writing grants. "

See the full list of information systems specialist skills

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Compare different information systems specialists

Information systems specialist vs. Systems support

A systems support agent is responsible for resolving system applications and network issues, performing technical configuration, and upgrading systems infrastructure. A systems support representative conducts regular maintenance and diagnostic tests on the computer applications to ensure its optimal performance and efficiency to support business operations and avoid delays in deliverables. They also assist the technology team in designing backup systems and improve existing networks according to business requirements and specifications. They write resolution reports for reference to prevent the reoccurrence of system malfunction and inconsistencies.

The annual salary of systems supports is $9,464 lower than the average salary of information systems specialists.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both information systems specialist and systems support positions are skilled in customer service, troubleshoot, and technical support.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an information systems specialist are more likely to require skills like "data analysis," "data entry," "strong analytical," and "dod." On the other hand, a job as a systems support requires skills like "provides technical support," "desktop support," "end user support," and "system support." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Systems supports tend to make the most money working in the professional industry, where they earn an average salary of $72,760. In contrast, information systems specialists make the biggest average salary, $75,326, in the manufacturing industry.On average, systems supports reach similar levels of education than information systems specialists. Systems supports are 1.6% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Information systems specialist vs. Information technology analyst

An information technology analyst is responsible for identifying business opportunities by creating and designing technology systems that would help business operations perform efficiently and accurately. Information technology analysts manage systems maintenance, upgrade and install updates for better optimization, and perform feature revisions and adjustments based on the end-user experience. They analyze client and business specifications and research a multiple system approach to generate technology solutions. An information technology analyst must have excellent analytical skills, as well as broad knowledge of the technology industry.

A career as a information technology analyst brings a higher average salary when compared to the average annual salary of an information systems specialist. In fact, information technology analysts salary is $9,583 higher than the salary of information systems specialists per year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Information systems specialists and information technology analysts both require similar skills like "customer service," "data analysis," and "strong analytical" to carry out their responsibilities.

Each career also uses different skills, according to real information systems specialist resumes. While information systems specialist responsibilities can utilize skills like "data entry," "troubleshoot," "customer support," and "dod," information technology analysts use skills like "infrastructure," "security policies," "switches," and "encryption."

Information technology analysts may earn a higher salary than information systems specialists, but information technology analysts earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $94,506. On the other hand, information systems specialists receive higher pay in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $75,326.In general, information technology analysts achieve similar levels of education than information systems specialists. They're 3.3% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Information Systems Specialists in the next 3-5 years?

Babak Beheshti Ph.D.Babak Beheshti Ph.D. LinkedIn Profile

Dean, Professor, New York Institute of Technology

-The enormous growth of IoT and wearables. The number of connected devices is expected to be more than 26 billion in 2020. That includes things like household appliances, controllable lighting, and much more. This trend is likely to continue as it is expected to see the industry grow to 661 billion dollars by 2021.

-We will be witnessing a more widespread commercial deployment of 5G in 2020. With the implementation of the Standalone 5G devices based on the 3gpp release 16, we should be seeing the more robust mobile broadband deployment of 5G, wider availability of 5G smartphones, and a push towards an all 5G Network in select urban areas around the world.

-Significant growth in AI-based technologies, from face recognition and voice recognition to business intelligence and market predictions. As machines and deep learning algorithms get integrated into many applications, many industries will undergo substantial changes. AI systems will continue to interact with our phones; cars will interpret and analyze their surroundings and intelligently drive themselves. Online vendors will monitor our browsing habits, and Google decides what kind of search results to give us, based on who it thinks we are.

Information systems specialist vs. Technical specialist

The role of technical specialists is to provide technical support for applications and programs to staff members and customers within an organization. They train staff and customers on products and apps and offer advice on the best practices for utilizing technical programs and applications. They also design training materials to teach other staff members the most effective methods of using its technology. It is also their job to reduce company costs by looking for ways to improve productivity and lessen expenses.

An average technical specialist eans a higher salary compared to the average salary of information systems specialists. The difference in salaries amounts to technical specialists earning a $15,278 higher average salary than information systems specialists.information systems specialists and technical specialists both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "customer service," "data analysis," and "technical support," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an information systems specialist is likely to be skilled in "data entry," "strong analytical," "troubleshoot," and "pc," while a typical technical specialist is skilled in "patients," "project management," "customer satisfaction," and "c++."

Technical specialists earn the best pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $92,419. Information systems specialists earn the highest pay from the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $75,326.technical specialists typically earn similar educational levels compared to information systems specialists. Specifically, they're 0.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.8% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Information systems specialist vs. Systems analyst

A systems analyst is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of technology systems and analyzing its efficiency for business operations and clients' needs. Systems analysts create specific modifications to operating systems and help design solutions and processes. Other tasks include managing the system's workflow, diagnosing and detecting malfunctions, performing troubleshooting, and assisting clients' with their concerns. A systems analyst must have excellent command with programming languages and the knowledge with the technology industry to understand systems' complexities and processes.

Systems analysts tend to earn a higher pay than information systems specialists by an average of $1,888 per year.According to resumes from information systems specialists and systems analysts, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "customer service," "data analysis," and "strong analytical. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "data entry," "software issues," "customer support," and "dod" are skills that commonly show up on information systems specialist resumes. On the other hand, systems analysts use skills like project management, java, c++, and c # on their resumes.In general, systems analysts earn the most working in the finance industry, with an average salary of $86,904. The highest-paying industry for an information systems specialist is the manufacturing industry.In general, systems analysts hold similar degree levels compared to information systems specialists. Systems analysts are 4.4% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of information systems specialist

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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