From small businesses using technology to help survive the COVID-19 pandemic to corporations relying on technology to keep customer data safe, the role of computers in running a successful company has grown immensely. A company’s effective use of technology depends on critical roles like computer and information systems managers who help to plan and coordinate the computer-related activities of an organization.
For those who are fascinated by the power of technology, a career in information systems can be alluring. The right preparation and guidance can prepare prospective candidates to pursue information systems management jobs that could lead to a lucrative and satisfying career.
What Is a Computer and Information Systems Manager?
A computer and information systems manager — sometimes referred to as an IT manager or IT project manager — is a professional who is responsible for overseeing a company’s computer use. This includes determining the organization’s IT goals and developing the computer systems necessary for meeting those goals.
As such, these professionals have a range of important responsibilities that can be crucial to a business’s smooth operations. Some of these responsibilities include planning hardware installation and maintenance, ensuring network security, managing IT staff and negotiating deals with technology vendors.
Computer and Information Systems Manager Job Description
Because of the wide use of computers in many industries and fields, computer and information systems managers have varied roles. Generally, their duties involve supporting initiatives that help ensure that a company’s computer and network systems are effective, reliable and safe. To achieve this goal, the manager might create, carry out and oversee technology plans.
Computer and information systems managers also assist in identifying an organization’s technology goals and developing, coordinating and implementing the systems needed to reach them. They also identify software needs and work to fill any gaps. This includes choosing new software solutions, as well as implementing patches and upgrades to existing software as necessary.
Furthermore, information systems managers oversee general issues, troubleshoot problems as they arise and offer technical support to a company’s various departments and teams.
Necessary Skills for Computer and Information Systems Managers
Due to their wide assortment of responsibilities in a technical field, information systems managers need a diverse set of skills that combine technical mastery with management duties. Some of the most important skills include:
- Technical skills: These professionals must have an understanding of computer hardware, software and networking. This includes understanding software development workflows, database management and network security.
- Analytical skills: Computer and information systems managers need to be able to evaluate the technological needs of an organization and plan a strategy that can meet those needs.
- Problem-solving skills: Computer systems can be complex and temperamental, so identifying problems and implementing solutions is an important part of this role. This can include things like troubleshooting network problems to creating disaster recovery plans.
- Communication skills: IT managers need to be able to explain complex technical concepts to staff with less technical knowledge. They also need to be able to effectively communicate directives and timelines to their own team.
- Leadership skills: IT project managers should have the ability to motivate and guide staff since they are often in charge of a team.
- Flexibility: Technology is constantly evolving and changing, so IT managers need to be able to adapt to new software, hardware and processes as they emerge.
- Project management skills: Many computer and information systems managers will be in charge of overseeing projects, so they need to be able to effectively see projects through, planning, coordinating and executing each phase.
The specific skills required of a computer and information systems manager can vary by industry. For example, industries like manufacturing may have proprietary software designed to meet a company’s specific needs. These managers need to be able to work within the confines of these needs while exhibiting these fundamental skills.
Education and Experience Requirements for Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and information systems managers should have sound analytical abilities and a willingness to think on their feet and solve problems. They also should have a strong understanding of network systems and technology best practices.
Most computer and information systems manager positions require at least a bachelor’s degree, but the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) noted that many professionals in these types of roles also have graduate degrees. For this reason, professionals who are aiming for this career path may benefit from a degree like a Master of Science in Management Information Systems.
Since these are management positions, many companies look for previous experience in a related IT role. The exact requirement can vary by business, but BLS suggests several years of experience for lower-level management positions, five to 10 for directors, and more than 15 for a C-suite position, like chief technology officer.
IT Manager Salary and Job Outlook
Experts in computer and information systems management are highly important to nearly every type of business, as the ability to manage technology and information is critical to many industries. According to the BLS, the 10-year job outlook for computer and information systems managers is expected to increase by 16% between 2021 and 2031. This is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations of 5%.
These full-time positions can offer attractive wages to accompany their important responsibilities. The BLS reported that the median salary for computer and information systems managers in 2021 was $159,010. The highest 10% of earners made more than $208,000, while the lowest 10% made less than $95,220.
Computer and information systems managers perform a crucial role for companies, protecting their data and managing their use of technology. It can be a rewarding career for individuals with strong leadership skills to match their technical expertise. Like other jobs in technology, the field is constantly evolving, so those with a desire to grow and learn should thrive in this career.
Sources:
American Innovators, “Empowering Small Business: The Impact of Technology on U.S. Small Business”
Harvard Business Review, “Companies Need to Prove They Can Be Trusted with Technology”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Computer and Information Systems Managers: Job Outlook”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Computer and Information Systems Managers: Pay”