Information Systems Career Overview
Careers in Information Systems focus on organizing how data is stored, processed and retrieved in companies that use computerized networks. This may involve such tasks as designing and maintaining information systems or computer networks, coordinating the use of information systems within a company, managing a team of technical staff, or developing and testing computer software.
Information Systems careers require highly specific technical knowledge, but there are many other skills that are important too. Anyone in Information Systems will benefit from having excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to explain complicated concepts in a way that end users can understand without having a high degree of technical knowledge.
Information Systems Career & Salary Outlook
The career outlook for all Information Systems jobs is excellent, with the US Department of Labor forecasting growth in all areas through to the year 2014. A Systems Architect will typically achieve a salary of $60,000 to $100,000. A senior level Software Quality Analyst can expect a similar salary level, with entry-level employees typically earning a salary of $35,000 to $40,000.
An Information Systems Manager can expect to earn anywhere from $80,000 to $135,000, as this is a management level position that requires considerable knowledge and experience. For the Network Manager this figure is slightly lower, with a salary of $60,000 to $100,000 depending on their level of experience.
Career Fields/Specializations
Information Systems Manager Career
An Information Systems Manager is responsible for planning and coordinating the different ways in which companies organize information. As companies rely increasingly on computerized systems to store and organize information, the career of Information Systems Manager most commonly requires specialized technical knowledge of computerized information systems.
Information Systems Managers have a variety of duties relating to the management of systems in the company for which they work. They may be responsible for installing and maintaining computer systems, for buying computer hardware and software, budget planning, creating of systems policies, ensuring that information systems the company uses remain secure, training employees in the use of computers, and supervising a team of technical support staff.
This career path requires not only technical knowledge of computerized information systems, but also experience in management, good communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to supervise and motivate their team. An Information Systems Manager should also be able to explain and demonstrate complicated technical concepts and tasks to people who do not have their level of technical knowledge.
Systems Architect Career
A Systems Architect may be responsible for designing, implementing and maintaining computerized information networks, operating systems, and even non-computerized systems. They are often involved in working with large or complicated systems, and may work alone or as part of a team.
One of the most important roles of the Systems Architect is to design systems that meet the needs of end users, as well as of the company the system is designed for. This means, for example, that if the Systems Architect is designing a computerized system for end users who do not have highly specialized technical knowledge, the system they design must be simple and easy to use.
A Systems Architect requires focused technical knowledge in many different areas, including computerized networks, firewalls and other security measures, server platforms and software, middleware, and client platforms. They should also have good problem-solving and analytical skills, and should be able to both focus on small details and see the “bigger picture” of the project they are working on. They should be able to work both alone and in a team, work well under pressure, and be able to meet deadlines while maintaining a high degree of accuracy in their work.
Software Quality Analyst Career
A Software Quality Analyst may work within a company that develops and releases new software products to the public, or may work for a company that designs its own software for internal use. They will typically work with a team of people that develops software applications, and will commonly be responsible for testing software in all stages of development to ensure that it works as intended. They will be required to prepare reports on their findings, and even make recommendations on solving problems that they find in the software.
The Software Quality Analyst should be familiar with a wide variety of software applications and computer languages, as well as the most common software analysis tools that are currently used. Strong written and verbal communication skills are also important, as are analytical and problem-solving skills. They should be able to work well in a team, but should also have a well-developed sense of initiative and be able to put forth their own ideas and recommendations with confidence.
LAN/WAN Manager Career
A Local Area Network or Wide Area Network Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining computerized networks that store and organize information for a single company or multiple companies. They may work as a consultant for multiple clients, or for a single company to manage the network as a full-time job. Their key role is in maintaining a secure network that meets the requirements of the company they work for. A Network Manager is also often responsible for supervising a team of technical staff, and for training company employees to use the network.
Becoming a Network Manager requires both education and on-the-job training, with proven work experience as a network engineer, support technician or IT Manager. Network Managers should have excellent IT knowledge and skills, and also have good problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills. They must be able to think quickly and act decisively under pressure, as they will be responsible for solving network problems as quickly as possible to prevent such problems disrupting the company. A good Network Manager must also be committed to increasing and expanding their technical knowledge to better serve the clients and companies they work for.
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