As technology continues to advance and diversify, the need for effective information systems management is all the more pressing. The field demands someone who is detail oriented, highly skilled with computer related activities, and who has business skills. That's because this position asks not only that you understand the whole information technology landscape, but also requires that you be able to communicate and even negotiate with non-IT professionals.
This page was created to help inform current IT workers and those for whom an IT career is a goal. Here we discuss the profession including detailed steps for achieving your career goals. Continue reading to learn how to become an information systems manager.
Steps to Become:
Step 1
The road to become an information systems manager involves several steps. However, the first step is often the most important. For this career path you need to first establish a real love and passion for computing technology. If you are a gadget guru and your hobbies include electronics, computer programming, and logic puzzles then you might be on target for a career in information technology (IT).
If you have not yet ventured into a bachelor’s degree program you might get started by investigating computer programming languages. You can also start reading up on computer hardware. If you are a gamer, you might be familiar with evaluating the specifications of your hardware to ensure that you get the best gaming experience. You can also find affordable or even free computing courses online that will provide an introduction to subjects like cyber security, networking, coding, and database technology.
Step 2
Your second step should be to find a degree program. You could start with an associate degree in information technology, computer science, or management information systems. Make sure that your program has regional accreditation at the least. You should also seek out associate degree programs that have received national certification from agencies such as ABET. MIS programs might be accredited by AACSB or ACBSP.
While you may be able to launch a career with a two-year degree from a community college, your best bet is to make your first academic milestone a bachelor’s degree. A four-year degree in information systems is a standard for most employers and will enable you to take classes such as project management, systems management, and soft skills such as business writing and interpersonal communication. You will also be able to apply directly to a graduate program when the time comes. However, you might instead find a program that provides a 5-year plan that culminates in a master’s degree. That option is optimal from both the short-term cost and the long-term career outlook perspective.
Step 3
While you pursue your degree, you should consider accruing practical experience in an information technology department or some other computing environment. Thus, if you need to work while you seek a degree you should try to land a part-time job in your field. Another option would be to find a program with a co-op program where you may spend a few months working for a firm and then cycle back into full-time studies.
Many full-time students seek out an internship with a local or national firm. Sometimes internships are part of a larger fellowship program that may involve a scholarship or other financial incentives. Regardless, internships are a terrific way to gain experience in the IT field while still in school. Alternatively, you might seek out internship opportunities that let you develop your business skills. Internships also help you network in your industry and may even lead to a job opportunity later on.
Step 4
If you want to ensure a position as an information systems manager, you should strongly consider a master’s degree. If management and the C-suites are in your sights, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) may be the best choice. Most MBA programs allow you to concentrate in a specialty field, such as management information systems, information technology, or computer science. Another option is a Dual-MBA program where you combine two graduate degrees into around 3-4 years, depending on your program. This way you can complete a full technology degree alongside your business training.
After you complete this step towards becoming an information systems management professional, you will have a far better chance of landing a managerial position after graduation. Even if you don't start off in systems management, your salary is sure to be healthy and you will likely move up quickly. Once you land in an information systems manager position, you may soon start receiving calls from executive recruiters.
Information Systems Manager Career & Salary
Where Might You Work?
Given that every sort of organization relies on its IT solutions, there are positions for IS managers throughout the economy. You could specialize in special industries, however. For instance, healthcare IS managers need to have special knowledge related to the various medical devices on the network, as well as the business side of a health system. In fact, you can earn a health information technology degree that will position you perfectly for success in healthcare.
Your managerial skills can also come in handy working for a consulting firm. You could work as a project manager and oversee a team of consultants as they seek to solve problems for your client. You'll need to coordinate with the staff at the client firm as well as the various professionals you work with. In fact, you could start your own consulting firm with yourself as the principal administrator and thus be the director of a team of top tech specialists working on your contracts.
You can also find work with a government agency or a non-profit. However, many of these firms rely on contractors. Nevertheless, large non-profit and agencies will surely need a manager on staff to oversee the consultants when necessary. Otherwise, a government IS manager is also needed to oversee the day-to-day needs of the software and hardware they manage.