Computer and Information Systems Managers

Computer and information systems managers direct the work of computer-related workers.

Computer and information systems managers figure out their company's computer and information needs. They talk to company employees to find out more about their computer needs.

Computer and Information Systems Managers are in the Information Technology career cluster and the Programming and Software Development pathway.

Quick Facts

Source: Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and CareerOneStop.

Wages & Outlook

Wages

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The manager's level of education and experience also affect wages.

Computer and information systems managers can expect benefits such as paid vacation and holidays, health insurance, and a retirement plan. In addition, people in this occupation, especially those at higher levels, receive other benefits. These include expense accounts, stock option plans, and bonuses.

View the Regional Wage Comparison Chart for:

• Computer and Information Systems Managers

 

Employment

In Minnesota, about 8,311 computer and information system managers work in this medium-sized occupation.

Major employers:

• Computer systems design companies
• Financial firms
• Manufacturing firms
• Federal, state, and local government agencies

Outlook

As computer technology improves, so does the outlook for computer and information systems managers. Many companies need computer systems but don't know how to set them up. Some of these companies will hire consulting companies to design the system for them. They may also hire a manager to oversee their system. With the growth of computer systems, there has also been growth in crimes committed using computers. Additional managers will be needed to make sure that computer systems are secure from those who try to break into them. Computer and information systems managers will also be needed to upgrade systems to newer, faster, and more mobile networks.

Employment Outlook for Computer and Information Systems Managers

	Employment		Employment Change
	2010	2020	Number	Percent
U S	307,900	363,700	55,800	18.1%
Minnesota	9,589	10,924	1,335	13.9%
	2010	2020	Number	Percent
Central Minnesota	254	301	47	18.5%
Northeast Minnesota	224	266	42	18.8%
Northwest Minnesota	141	156	15	10.6%
Southeast Minnesota	523	578	55	10.5%
Southwest Minnesota	136	146	10	7.4%
Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN	8,327	9,469	1,142	13.7%

Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Education.

On the Job

Overview

Computer and information systems managers direct the work of computer-related workers.


One computer does not fit all. For example, graphic designers need computers with wide, high-resolution screens and a lot of memory. Writers might do better with a laptop, when writer's block demands a change of scenery. Large companies need a variety of computers that can be networked. They also need servers to store all their data.Computer and information systems managers figure out their company's computer and information needs. They talk to company employees to find out more about their computer needs. Then they determine the workers and equipment that will meet those needs. Managers talk to computer dealers about finding the right equipment for their needs. Once they have determined what the system will be, managers plan activities, such as installing and upgrading hardware and software. They develop computer networks. They set up Internet and intranet sites. They also work with other departments on projects that require technical support.

Computer and information systems managers oversee workers within their department. They evaluate projects, assign workers to them, and direct the progress. They also estimate the costs and budget for projects. Computer and information systems managers evaluate the performance of workers. They document and record information on work progress and employee performance.

Work Activities

The following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career.

• Review project plans to plan and coordinate project activity.
• Manage computer backup, security, and user help systems.
• Talk with company management, users, and vendors to figure out computing needs and system requirements.
• Direct daily operations of the department and work on projects with other departments.
• Make staffing decisions and train new workers.
• Evaluate the organization's technology needs. Recommend changes when needed.
• Provide users with technical support for computer problems.
• Prepare, monitor, and adjust operational budgets and costs.
• Communicate with vendors and technicians to provide the company with the right kind of computer systems.
• Prepare and review project progress reports.
• Develop departmental goals, policies, and procedures.
• Evaluate project proposals and decide whether or not the department can complete those projects.
• Read and take training to keeps skills up to date.
• Purchase new materials when needed.

People in this career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to many occupations.

• Use computers.
• Get information needed to do the job.
• Establish and maintain relationships.
• Think creatively.
• Update and use job-related knowledge.
• Develop and build teams.
• Identify objects, actions, and events.
• Evaluate information against standards.
• Guide, direct, and motivate subordinates.
• Make decisions and solve problems.
• Explain the meaning of information to others.
• Develop goals and strategies.
• Document and record information.
• Coach others.
• Analyze data or information.
• Coordinate the work and activities of others.
• Communicate with people from outside the organization.
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others.
• Provide advice and consultation to others.
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings.

Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, people in this career:

Interpersonal Relationships

• Have a high level of social interaction. They work with technicians, programmers, and other office workers.
• Are responsible for training workers and overseeing the performance of those workers.
• Are somewhat responsible for the safety of the workers they supervise and the public who uses the information provided on networked computers.
• Write letters and memos often.
• Communicate with coworkers daily by telephone, e-mail, and in person.
• Work as part of a group. This is very important because they supervise people.
• Are sometimes placed in conflict situations.

Physical Work Conditions

• Always work indoors.

Work Performance

• Are accurate in performing their job. This is very important. Errors could cost the organization money or could cause the organization to lose valuable data.
• Must repeat the same physical and mental tasks. This is somewhat important when working at the computer.
• Make decisions often that affect the people they supervise and impact the outcome of projects.
• Rarely consult a supervisor before making a decision or setting priorities.
• Must meet daily and weekly deadlines. This may make the work environment somewhat competitive.

Hours/Travel

• Work more than 40 hours per week.
• Work a regular business week.

Physical Demands

In a typical work setting, people in this career:

People in this career frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

It is important for people in this career to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.

Source: Minnesota Department of Education.

Education & Training

Preparation

To work as a computer or information systems manager, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or GED;
• have at least a bachelor's degree; and
• have more than five years of work experience in information technology (IT).

Education after high school

You need a bachelor's degree for most management positions. Common majors are computer science, information science, and management information systems (MIS). However, majors in math or other specialties, coupled with computer courses, are also acceptable.

In many cases, a master's degree is preferred. A master's degree in business administration (MBA) or management information systems (MIS) is good preparation.

Work experience

Before you can be considered for this occupation, you must first prove yourself in a related occupation. Many computer and information systems managers work for several years as systems analysts or computer programmers before becoming managers.

You should consider participating in an internship while in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

On-the-job training

Many managers receive up to six months of on-the-job training when they switch jobs.

Because of the fast changing demands of technology, employers often provide training or pay for college course work. This is so you can update your technical skills or expand your administrative skills.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to become computer systems officers. Training lasts from five to 18 weeks, depending on your specialty. You need at least a bachelor's degree to enter this military occupation.

Related Programs (Current training programs available)

• Computer and Information Sciences, General
• Information Technology
• Information Science/Studies
• Computer Science
• System Administration/Administrator
• Computer and Information Systems Security
• Operations Management and Supervision
• Management Information Systems, General
• Information Resources Management/CIO Training
• Knowledge Management

Fields of Study (What to study to prepare for this career)

Click on any of the Fields of Study listed below to find out more about preparing for this career.

• Bioinformatics
• Business Management and Administration
• Computer Programming
• Computer Science
• Computer Systems Analysis
• Computer Systems Networking and Administration
• Database Administration
• Digital Communication and Media
• Electronic Commerce
• Information Science
• Information Technology
• Management Information Systems
• Medical Informatics
• Operations Management
• Web Page and Multimedia Design
• Webmaster and Web Management

Level of Education

The table below lists the level of education attained by a subset of workers in this occupation. The workers surveyed were between age 25 and 44.

Education level attained	Percentage of workers in this occupation*
Less than high school diploma	0
High school diploma or equivalent	5
Some college, no degree	16
Associate degree	9
Bachelor's degree	46
Master's degree	22
Doctoral (Ph.D.) or professional degree	2

* National data for computer and information systems managers (SOC 11-3021).

Helpful High School Courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this occupation include:

• Computer Applications
• Computer Programming
• Computer Science
• Electronics
• Keyboarding
• Network Technology

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career.

Source: Minnesota Department of Education.

Skills

People in this career need to:

Communicate

• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Listen to others, understand, and ask questions.
• Express ideas clearly when speaking or writing.

Reason and Problem Solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Determine how a system should work. Identify ways to measure and improve performance.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Develop rules or follow guidelines when arranging items.
• Identify problems and review information. Develop, review, and apply solutions.
• Identify ways to measure and improve system performance.
• Think of new ideas or original and creative ways to solve problems.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

Use Math and Science

• Use math skills to solve problems.

Manage Oneself, People, Time and Things

• Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.
• Decide how to spend money to get the work done and keep track of how the money was used.
• Obtain needed equipment, facilities, and materials and oversee their use.

Work with People

• Be aware of others' reactions and change behavior in relation to them.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.

Work with Things

• Test equipment, software, or procedures to make sure they operate correctly.
• Write computer programs.

Perceive and Visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Knowledge

People in this career need knowledge in the following areas:

• Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of computer hardware and software.
• Administration and Management: Knowledge of managing the operations of a business, company, or group.
• Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of providing special services to customers based on their needs.
• Production and Processing: Knowledge of how products are made and supplied.
• English Language: Knowledge of the meaning, spelling, and use of the English language.
• Personnel and Human Resources: Knowledge of the department that is in charge of the relationship between a company and its employees. In particular, includes knowledge of the activities performed by the department.
• Telecommunications: Knowledge of the equipment that is used to send messages as electronic impulses. Examples include radio, television, telegraph, and cable.
• Economics and Accounting: Knowledge of producing, supplying, and using goods and services. Also includes knowledge of the methods for keeping business records.

Interests

People in this career are people who tend to:

• Consider good working conditions important. They like jobs offering steady employment and good pay. They want employment that fits their individual work style. They may prefer doing a variety of tasks, working alone, or being busy all the time.
• Consider support from their employer important. They like to be treated fairly and have supervisors who will back them up. They prefer jobs where they are trained well.
• Consider achievement important. They like to see the results of their work and to use their strongest abilities. They like to get a feeling of accomplishment from their work.
• Consider recognition important. They like to work in jobs which have opportunities for them to advance, be recognized for their work, and direct and instruct others. They usually prefer jobs in which they are looked up to by others.
• Consider independence important. They like to make decisions and try out ideas on their own. They prefer jobs where they can plan their work with little supervision.
• Have enterprising interests. They like work activities that involve starting up and carrying out projects, especially in business. They like to lead and persuade others, make decisions, and take risks for profit.
• Have conventional interests. They like work activities that follow set procedures, routines, and standards. They like to work with data and detail. They prefer working where there is a clear line of authority to follow.
• Have investigative interests. They like work activities that have to do with ideas and thinking. They like to search for facts and figure out solutions to problems mentally.

Source: Minnesota Department of Education.

Tools & Technology for Computer and Information Systems Managers

Tools

Access servers Computer servers File servers Internet Information Services IIS Servers Mid-range computers Minicomputers Netware servers Storage servers Web servers Computer tool kits Facsimile machines Fax Machines Floppy drives Hard disk drives High end computer servers Workstations Inkjet printers Integrated services digital network ISDN access devices Robot automation tool Laser printers

Mainframe computers Network analyzers Network interface cards Network interface cards NIC Network routers Network switches Peripheral controller cards Industry standard architecture/peripheral component interconnect ISA/PCI cards Personal computers Photocopiers Print servers Punches or nail sets or drifts Punchdown tools Screwdrivers Teleconference equipment Teleconferencing equipment

Technology

Access software Citrix software Mac HelpMate Accounting software Billing software Administration software SolarWinds software Application server software BEA WebLogic Server Microsoft Windows Server Progress OpenEdge Application Server Backup or archival software Backup and archival software Calendar and scheduling software Microsoft Entourage Charting software Microsoft Office Visio Compliance software SOX COBIT Customer relationship management CRM software ACT! software Microsoft Business Contact Manager Microsoft Dynamics CRM Oracle Siebel Server Sync Performance Solutions Technology ManagePro Provisioning software Data base management system software AlphaFour software Database management system software Microsoft SQL Server Oracle software Progress OpenEdge Fathom Replication software Data base reporting software SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports Data base user interface and query software Microsoft Access Oracle DBMS Structured query language SQL Desktop publishing software Adobe Systems Adobe Distiller Development environment software Assembler C Common business oriented language COBOL K2 Business Process Automation Microsoft .NET Framework Microsoft Visual Basic Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript Microsoft Visual Studio Progress OpenEdge ABL Sun Microsystems Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition J2EE Electronic mail software Linux-based email software Microsoft Outlook Pegasus software QUALCOMM Eudora Enterprise application integration software Extensible markup language XML Progress Sonic ESB Enterprise resource planning ERP software Infor ERP Baan Microsoft Dynamics AX Microsoft Dynamics NAV Oracle E-Business Suite Oracle JD Edwards OneWorld Filesystem software Ftp program software Samba Symantec Veritas File System Symantec Veritas Volume Manager Financial analysis software Financial planning software Graphical user interface development software Tk software Graphics or photo imaging software Graphics editor software Graphics software

Helpdesk or call center software Help desk software Internet browser software Microsoft Internet Explorer Netscape Navigator Web browser software LAN software Music or sound editing software Apple GarageBand Network conferencing software Microsoft Office SharePoint Server MOSS Network connectivity terminal emulation software Telnet programs software Zephyr EXTRA! Terminal Emulation Network monitoring software Dartware InterMapper Performance monitoring tools Network operation system software Microsoft Windows NT Novell network software Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software Firewall software Object or component oriented development software Borland Paradox C++ Embarcadero Delphi Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS Practical extraction and reporting language Perl Sun Microsystems Java Object oriented data base management software Microsoft Visual FoxPro Office suite software Corel Office Suite Microsoft Office software Sun Microsystems StarOffice Operating system software Apple Macintosh OS/X Linux Microsoft Windows Shell script UNIX Platform interconnectivity software IBM iSeries Access Portal server software Plumtree software iPlanet Web Server software Presentation software Apple iWork Keynote Microsoft PowerPoint Project management software Microsoft Project Primavera Systems software Spreadsheet software Apple iWork Numbers Microsoft Excel Video creation and editing software Apple iMovie WAN switching software and firmware Cisco Systems WAN Manager Web page creation and editing software Microsoft Front Page Web authoring software Web platform development software Adobe Systems Adobe Flex Dynamic hypertext markup language DHTML Hypertext markup language HTML JavaScript Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor Progress WebSpeed Workshop Ruby on Rails Scripting languages Wireless software Mobile wireless network infrastructure software Word processing software Apple iWork Pages Microsoft Word

Licensing / Certification

Certification Details

Certifications are examinations that test or enhance your knowledge, experience or skills in an occupation or profession.

There are 114 certifications related to this career.

Licensing Details

No State of Minnesota license requirements are found for this career.

Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and CareerOneStop.

Jobs

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Hiring Practices

Employers look for computer and information systems managers who have experience with certain types of software or technology used on the job. They also prefer employees with at least a bachelor's degree. Employers look for managers with strong technical skills and experience in the computer field. Finally, they prefer computer and information systems managers with strong business and interpersonal skills.

Advancement Opportunities

Computer and information systems managers may advance to increasingly higher leadership positions in a company. They may move into non-technical areas, such as marketing, human resources, or sales. A master's degree in business administration may help you advance more quickly.

Job Title Examples

Computing Services Director,  Director of Application Development,  Information Systems Manager (IS Manager),  Information Systems Supervisor (IS Supervisor),  MIS Director (Management Information Systems Director),  Technical Services Manager,  Information Technology Manager (IT Manager),  Data Processing Manager,  Information Systems Director (IS Director),  Information Technology Director (IT Director) 

Similar Careers

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Computer Programmers
Computer Support Specialists
Computer Systems Administrators
Database Administrators
Librarians
Operations Research Analysts

Similar Military Careers

Below are similar military careers you may be interested in reading about. Click on the names to link to their career description.

Computer Systems Officers

Related Industries

Below are industries related to Computer and Information Systems Managers you may be interested in reading about. Employers in these industries typically hire Computer and Information Systems Managers. Click on the names to link to their industry profile.

Banking And Finance
Business Management And Support Services
Education
Engineering, Accounting, And Architecture
Hospitals
Information And Internet Services
Professional And Consulting Services
Research And Development
Software And Computer Services
Telecommunications

Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Education.