Careers in Management Information Systems

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Diane Bryant
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1 Careers in Management Information Systems In today s high-tech and globally competitive world, effective information systems management plays an important role in business success. However, a critical shortage of professionally trained information systems managers exists in the workforce. At the same time, the demand for information systems managers is skyrocketing with projected 10- year growth rates of 38%, the fastest of any business discipline (Bureau of Labor Statistics). The Management Information Systems (MIS) program prepares students to enter this exciting and dynamic career field. The MIS program provides students with a solid technical information systems foundation and appropriate business skills, enabling graduates to immediately contribute to solving business problems and to the firm s success. Texas A&M University graduates are highly valued and respected in the workforce. Typical Career Paths Application Development Application Developers work closely with system analysts. Together, they meet with clients or end-users to determine the business needs of the client. Then, the application developer translates the required business functions into a computer program or programs. Application developers are also responsible for unit and system testing. These individuals publish a user s manual, including detailed documentation about the programs. There are a variety of skills needed to conduct these activities. Written and oral communication skills, as well as listening skills, are vital. Developers are also good problem-solvers and should be familiar with a variety of programming languages. Programming is typically an entry-level opportunity, leading to project leadership, system management and upper management positions in almost all organizations. Network Administrator Technology advances in MIS have provided expanded means of communication and processing. This technology allows for communication within an organization or for global communication. Networking technology plays a critical role in systems that require distributed platforms. Systems no longer have to run in the same location.

At the same time, the demand for information systems managers is skyrocketing with projected 10- year growth rates of 38%, the fastest of any business discipline (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

2 A networking specialist develops the systems necessary to create and maintain this communication and environment. These individuals are responsible for network design, management and security of Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), Internet, and Intranets. Database Administrator With the incredible increase in computer technology, businesses are in need of experts to manage the storage and retrieval of data. This is the goal of database administrators. They determine the most efficient manner to store, organize, maintain and retrieve records of information. They also analyze how to maintain security of the database. Data is a strategic tool for businesses, and database administrators develop ways to utilize this resource to its fullest advantage. Career opportunities are available in a diverse group of industries, but these positions are not typically entry-level and will require experience. Systems Analysis and Business Analysis Systems and business analysts act as liaisons between the user and the programmer. They assess the users' needs and develop a detailed design that represents the best solution for the existing problems. Systems analysts are more involved in technical projects, while business analysts focus on analyzing a business process. The analysts may also conduct a cost-benefit comparison that will assist in the decision-making process regarding a proposal for the new or enhanced system. The analyst will communicate the design to a programmer, who will build the program. The analyst will assist in testing and implementation of the system, as well as user training and documentation of the program. Systems analysts may be involved in both hardware and software design. Consulting Consulting firms typically provide systems or information technology services to their clients. Consultants will advise clients on the design of new systems and will assist in the installation of such programs. Web Development Organizations are increasingly using the World Wide Web for a diverse set of business purposes. Web sites are used for marketing, sales, communications, public relations and training, just to name a few. Careers in web development involve the design and maintenance of such sites. Web developers typically work with a client to determine the needs of the organization. The developer will then design a prototype, usually using multiple applications and interfaces. The design will be tested and technical documentation is written for the program. Positions in web development require

Database Administrator With the incredible increase in computer technology, businesses are in need of experts to manage the storage and retrieval of data. This is the goal of database administrators.

3 creativity. The majority of positions are found at companies who specialize in web development and multimedia creations, but some large corporations hire web developers for in-house design as well. The array of organizations seeking web developers is extremely diverse. These organizations may include publishing firms, electronic game companies, educational institutions, marketing firms, government agencies and many more. Job Outlook The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics reports in the Occupational Outlook Handbook: Computer scientists and database administrators should continue to enjoy excellent job prospects. As technology becomes more sophisticated and complex, however, these positions will demand a higher level of skill and expertise from their employees. Individuals with an advanced degree in computer science or computer engineering or with an MBA with a concentration in information systems should enjoy favorable employment prospects. College graduates with a bachelor s degree in computer science, computer engineering, information science, or MIS also should enjoy favorable prospects, particularly if they have supplemented their formal education with practical experience. Because employers continue to seek computer specialists who can combine strong technical skills with good business skills, individuals with a combination of experience inside and outside the IT arena will have the best job prospects. Average Salary Average salary for the school year Texas A&M University Information & Operations Management undergraduates: Bachelors Degree: $54,286 Skills Needed for a Career in MIS Ability to work as part of a team Analytical skills Communication skills (oral & written) Creativity Problem solving skills Ability to work in a changing environment Ability to work under pressure Flexibility Strategic planning Industry Knowledge

These organizations may include publishing firms, electronic game companies, educational institutions, marketing firms, government agencies and many more. Job Outlook The U.S.

4 Typical MIS Job Titles Software Analyst Business Analyst Consultant Software Developer Database Administrator Support Technician Systems Analyst Information Manager Systems Analyst Systems Designer Network Analyst Web Developer Programmer Procurement Analyst Supply Chain Analyst/Manager Sample of Employers Recruiting Information & Operations Management Majors at Texas A&M Dell Deloitte Consulting Hewlett Packard Wal-Mart ExxonMobil Ernst & Young Texas Instruments Chevron Texaco PricewaterhouseCoopers Southwest Airlines Lockheed Martin ConocoPhillips Student Organizations at Texas A&M University Include: Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP): Offers opportunities for Information Technology (IT) leadership and education through partnerships with industry, government and academia. There are numerous student organizations in Mays Business School. To learn more information about any and all of these organizations, visit the Student Activities web page -- For More Research on Careers in MIS Professional Associations: American Society for Information Science and Technology Association for Information Technology Professionals Association for Computer Machinery Information Systems Audit and Control Association

Consulting Hewlett Packard Wal-Mart ExxonMobil Ernst & Young Texas Instruments Chevron Texaco PricewaterhouseCoopers Southwest Airlines Lockheed Martin ConocoPhillips Student Organizations at Texas

5 Occupational Outlook Handbook: -- Search by job title Other Relevant Sites: Texas A&M Career Center:

Computer Support Specialists and Systems Administrators

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos268.htm Computer Support Specialists and Systems Administrators * Nature of the Work * Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement * Employment * Job Outlook * Projections