How to Become a Computer and Information Systems Manager in 2024
A bachelor’s degree in computer or information science and relevant work experience are typically required. Many computer and information systems managers also hold graduate degrees.
Educate
Computer and information systems managers typically require a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field, such as engineering technology.
These degrees include courses in computer programming, software development, and mathematics. A management information system (MIS) program typically includes business and computer-related classes.
Many organizations require their computer and information systems managers also to graduate. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is joint and takes 2 years beyond the undergraduate level to complete.
Many MBA students take classes while working, which can increase the time it takes to complete the degree.
How to Become a Computer Systems Analyst
How to Become a Material Recording Clerk
Work experience in a relevant occupation
Most jobs for computer and information systems managers require several years of experience in related information technology (IT) jobs. Lower-level management positions may only need a few years of experience.
Directors are more likely to require 5 to 10 years of relevant work experience. A chief technology officer (CTO) who oversees a large organization’s technology program may need more than 15 years of experience in IT to be considered for the job.
The number of years of experience required varies by organization. Generally, smaller or newer companies do not need as much experience as larger or more established ones.
Computer systems are used throughout the economy, and IT staff may gain experience in various industries. However, applicants should have work experience in the same industry they are applying for.
For example, an IT security manager should have worked in information security before. A hospital IT director should have experience in the healthcare field.
Progress
Most computer and information systems managers start as lower-level managers and work to higher positions in the IT department.
IT executives or project managers can be promoted to CTO. A business-minded CTO or another manager can be upgraded to Chief Information Officer (CIO), the person responsible for all IT-related decisions in the organization. CIOs can be promoted to senior management in an organization.
How to Become a Passenger Vehicle Driver
Important qualities
Skills of analysis. IT managers must analyze the problem and consider and choose the best way to solve it.
Business skills. IT managers must develop and implement strategic plans to achieve their organization’s goals.
Communication skills. IT managers must explain their work to top management and give clear instructions to subordinates.
Decision-making capacity. Some IT managers must make important decisions about how to allocate resources to achieve their organization’s goals.
Leadership. IT managers must lead and motivate an IT team or department to make employees efficient and productive.
Organizational skills. Some IT managers have to coordinate the efforts of several different IT departments for the organization to run efficiently.
Job prospect
Employment of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
Over the past decade, about 42,400 computer and information systems manager vacancies have been projected each year.
Many of these vacancies are expected to be due to the need to replace workers who move to a different occupation or exit the workforce (e.g., retire).
Employment
As companies increasingly expand their operations to digital platforms, the demand for computer and information systems managers will grow. A computer and information systems manager will be responsible for achieving these goals.
Job growth will stem from the need to strengthen the cybersecurity of computer and information systems businesses use. As cyber threats increase, industries such as retail trade need to implement more robust security policies.
The popularity of cloud computing may lead companies to outsource services from in-house IT departments to cloud computing companies.
This will shift IT services from IT departments in non-computer industries, such as financial companies or schools, to companies engaged in computer system design and related services, as well as data processing, hosting, and associated services.
Pay
In May 2021, the median annual salary for computer and information systems managers was $159,010.
The median wage is when half of the workers in an occupation are paid more than that amount, and the other half are paid less. The bottom 10% earn less than $95,220, and the top 10% earn more than $208,000.
The median annual salaries for computer and information systems managers in the top industries where they worked in May 2021 are as follows:
- Information $165,940
- Financial insurance 162,240
- Computer system design and related services 162,150
- Corporate and business management 161,630
- Manufacturing 160,010
Most computer and information systems managers work full-time. Managers may need to work more than 40 hours a week to devise a solution if a problem arises.
