Computer and Information Systems Managers

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct research and design the computer-related activities of companies. The career education information presented here will help you learn more about careers in computer management, the job outlook, the career training required, and the career opportunities.

Learn more in the career education information listed below:

Overview

• Projected job growth stems primarily from rapid growth among computer-related occupations.
• Employers prefer managers with advanced technical knowledge acquired through computer-related work experience and formal education.
• Job opportunities should be best for applicants with a master's degree in business administration with technology as a core component.

Job Description

The need for organizations to incorporate existing and future technologies in order to remain competitive has become a more pressing issue over the last several years. As electronic commerce becomes more common, how and when companies use technology are critical issues. Computer and information systems managers play a vital role in the technological direction of their organizations. They do everything from constructing the business plan to overseeing network and Internet operations.

Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct research and design the computer-related activities of firms. They determine technical goals in consultation with top management, and make detailed plans for the accomplishment of these goals. For example, working with their staff, they may develop the overall concepts of a new product or identify computer-related problems standing in the way of project completion.

Computer and information systems managers direct the work of systems analysts, computer programmers, support specialists, and other computer-related workers. These managers plan and coordinate activities such as the installation and upgrading of hardware and software, programming and systems design, the development of computer networks, and the implementation of Internet and intranet sites. They are increasingly involved with the upkeep and maintenance of networks. They analyze the computer and information needs of their organization and determine personnel and equipment requirements. They assign and review the work of their subordinates, and stay abreast of the latest technology in order to purchase necessary equipment.

The duties of computer and information systems managers vary with their specific titles. Chief technology officers, for example, evaluate the newest and most innovative technologies and determine how these can help their organization. The chief technology officer, who often reports to the organization's chief information officer, manages and plans technical standards and tends to the daily information technology issues of their firm. Because of the rapid pace of technological change, chief technology officers must constantly be on the lookout for developments that could benefit their organization. They are responsible for demonstrating to a company how information technology can be used as a competitive weapon that not only cuts costs, but also increases revenue.

Management of information systems (MIS) directors manage information systems and computing resources for entire organizations. They also work under the chief information officer and deal directly with lower-level information technology employees. These managers oversee a variety of user services such as an organization's help desk, which employees can call with questions or problems. MIS directors may also make hardware and software upgrade recommendations based on their experience with an organization's technology.

Computer and information system managers need strong communication skills. They coordinate the activities of their unit with those of other units or organizations. They confer with top executives; financial, production, marketing, and other managers; and contractors and equipment and materials suppliers.

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Working Conditions

Computer and information systems managers spend most of their time in an office. Most work at least 40 hours a week and may have to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines or solve unexpected problems. Some computer and information systems managers may experience considerable pressure in meeting technical goals within short timeframes or tight budgets. As networks continue to expand and more work is done remotely, computer and information system managers have to communicate with and oversee offsite employees using modems, laptops, e-mail, and the Internet.

Like other workers who sit continuously in front of a keyboard, computer and information system managers are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort, and hand and wrist problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

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Employment

Computer and information systems managers held about 313,000 jobs in 2000. About 2 in 5 works in services industries, primarily for firms providing computer and data processing services. Other large employers include insurance and financial services firms, government agencies, and manufacturers.

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Education, Training & Qualifications

Strong technical knowledge is essential for computer and information systems managers, who must understand and guide the work of their subordinates, yet also explain the work in nontechnical terms to senior management and potential customers. Therefore, these management positions usually require work experience and formal education similar to that of other computer occupations.

Many computer and information systems managers have experience as systems analysts; others may have experience as computer support specialists, programmers, or other information technology professionals. A bachelor's degree is usually required for management positions, although employers often prefer a graduate degree, especially a master's degree in business administration (MBA) with technology as a core component. This degree differs from a traditional MBA in that there is a heavy emphasis on information technology in addition to the standard business curriculum. This becomes important because more computer and information systems managers make not only important technology decisions but also important business decisions for their organizations. A few computer and information systems managers may have only an associate degree, provided they have sufficient experience and were able to learn additional skills on the job.

Computer and information systems managers need a broad range of skills. In addition to technical skills, employers also seek managers with strong business skills. Employers want managers who have experience with the specific software or technology to be used on the job, as well as a background in either consulting or business management. The expansion of electronic commerce has elevated the importance of business insight, because many managers are called upon to make important business decisions. Managers need a keen understanding of people, processes, and customer's needs.

Computer and information systems managers must possess strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills because they are required to interact not only with their employees, but also with people inside and outside their organization. They must also possess great team skills to work on group projects and other collaborative efforts. Computer and information systems managers increasingly interact with persons outside their organization, reflecting their emerging role as vital parts of their firm's executive team.

Computer and information systems managers may advance to progressively higher leadership positions in their field. Some may become managers in nontechnical areas such as marketing, human resources, or sales. In high technology firms, managers in nontechnical areas often must possess the same specialized knowledge as do managers in technical areas.

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Job Outlook

Employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2010. Technological advancements will increase the employment of computer-related workers; as a result, the demand for managers to direct these workers also will increase. In addition, job openings will result from the need to replace managers who retire or move into other occupations. Opportunities for obtaining a management position will be best for workers possessing an MBA with technology as a core component, advanced technical knowledge, and strong communication and administrative skills.

Rapid growth in employment can be attributed to the explosion in information technology and the fast-paced expansion of the computer and data processing services industry. In order to remain competitive, firms will continue to install sophisticated computer networks and set up more complex Internet and intranet sites. Keeping a computer network running smoothly is essential to almost every organization. Firms will be more willing to hire managers who can accomplish that.

The security of computer networks will continue to increase in importance as more business is conducted over the Internet. Organizations need to understand how their systems are vulnerable and how to protect their infrastructure and Internet sites from hackers, viruses, and other acts of cyber-terrorism. As a result, there will be a high demand for managers proficient in computer security issues.

Due to the explosive growth of electronic commerce and the ability of the Internet to create new relationships with customers, the role of computer and information systems managers will continue to evolve in the future. They will continue to become more vital to their companies and the environments in which they work. The expansion of e-commerce will spur the need for computer and information systems managers with both business savvy and technical proficiency.

Opportunities for those who wish to become computer and information systems managers should be closely related to the growth of the occupations they supervise and the industries in which they are found.

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Salary Expectations

Earnings for computer and information systems managers vary by specialty and level of responsibility. Median annual earnings of these managers in 2000 were $78,830. The middle 50 percent earned between $59,640 and $100,820. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $44,090, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $127,460. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of computer and information systems managers in 2000 were:

• Professional and commercial equipment $92,270
• Computer and data processing services $88,410
• Commercial banks $82,490
• Management and public relations $73,930
• Colleges and universities $64,460

According to Robert Half International Consulting, average starting salaries in 2001 for high-level information technology managers ranged from $92,250 to $152,500. According to a 2001 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, starting salary offers for those with an MBA, a technical undergraduate degree, and 1 year or less of experience averaged $61,196; for those with a master's degree in management information systems/business data processing, $57,225.

In addition, computer and information systems managers, especially those at higher levels, often receive more benefits - such as expense accounts, stock option plans, and bonuses-than do nonmanagerial workers in their organizations.

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Related Occupations

The work of computer and information systems managers is closely related to that of computer programmers, computer software engineers; systems analysts, computer scientists, and database administrators; and computer support specialists and systems administrators. Computer and information systems managers also have some high-level responsibilities similar to those of top executives.

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Associations, Resources & Accreditation

Further information about computer careers is available from:

• Association for Computing Machinery
• IEEE Computer Society, Headquarters Office
• National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies

Additional information on a career in computer software engineering is available from:

• Association for Computing Machinery
• IEEE Computer Society
• National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies

Further information about the Certified Computing Professional designation is available from:

• Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals

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Source:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2002-03 Edition, Computer and Information Systems Managers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/

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