Information Systems: Do You Speak Geek?
Geeks run the world. Okay, maybe that isn't completely true, but those who understand technology and its systems certainly make up the roots of a vital part of the economy, politics, and any organization.
Astronomer and scientist Dr. Carl Sagan said, “We've arranged a civilization in which most crucial elements profoundly depend on science and technology.” It is hard to think of a single time in our lives where technology isn’t used, whether it be phone service, checking emails, text messaging, or doing business.
In the working world, technology is used every day to manage and interpret information. This requires many people to oversee these systems and processes, and to communicate results in a meaningful way to leaders of organizations. The builders of this bridge between science, computer technology, and business are largely those with degrees in information systems.
Building a New System
Technology is always improving, which requires change among organizations. It is a constant struggle to keep up with modern technology. Those with degrees in information systems will be on the front lines of new technology integration into the real world. Your weapons: a computer, some advanced programs, and a laser gun. Actually there probably is no laser gun.
New technology means new jobs and new opportunities. Businesses and organizations cannot afford to fall behind with outdated technology and information processing. Here is where you become an electronic superhero, updating, interpreting, and controlling systems to keep the organization advanced.
Making Smart Moves
Executives rely heavily on information systems and the information technology used in those systems to make important decisions. In fact, many companies have what is called a Chief Information Officer (CIO), who sits on the board that directs the organization.
Other jobs performed by those with degrees in information systems are computer security, network management, information systems strategy, and information systems development.
The field of information systems overlaps with other fields like computer science and information technology, as well as business. Research is a big part of the field, and findings are constantly being published to aid those in the information systems field.
Can You Talk the Talk?
Don’t think that this type of job will separate you entirely from human interaction. Information systems specialists will need great communication skills to relay and interpret information to those making decisions for the organization. Training and managing other information systems specialists may be a large part of your job as well. This is because new technologies need to be explained and understood by more than just one person. Someone going into this field should be a confident communicator, patient, good under pressure, and comfortable making decisions. You should also be able to understand system technicalities like a sibling. People that are successful in this field are passionate about information systems and can speak the technical language as well as interpret it for others who don't understand it.
Advantages to the Career
- Indulge Your Geek Side: You get the opportunity to work with high end systems and new technology.
- Be a Necessity: This career is in high demand. Many organizations depend heavily on well-functioning information systems.
- High on the Totem Pole: You will probably be working closely with executives who take your advice to heart. Most executives don't have the full technical education you have, so you would be helping them make important decisions for the company
- Rake in Some Dough: Specialized jobs so vital to an organization often pay very well.
Things to Consider Before Going into the Field
- Lock Down: You may be sitting at a desk and stuck in an office the majority of your career.
- Under Pressure: There is a of pressure to perform well, because efficient and effective information systems are vital to many organizations.
- Communication: People in an orginization may not understand the technicalities and work that go into working with information systems. You may have a hard time translating problems into a language that is understood by your co-workers. They may also lack the ability to build realistic expectations for the systems functionality.
- Overtime: If a system goes down, you may have to work late hours to get it up and running. Since most employees will revolve around the systems, no one can do their work until you have worked your magic.
Conclusion
This field is for those who can combine a love of technology with a desire to improve whatever they are handed. Employers will not like complacency, because a lack in well-interpreted information halts progress and decision making. Information systems specialists can literally keep the world running.
Information Systems Career Outlook
What is your grandmother’s phone without a grandchild there to show her how to use it? A complicated brick of metal. Information systems tie technology and data together with the application of that technology and data. It is a vital bridge to cross for any organization, so if you enter this field, be ready for some important tasks that will keep the organization running efficiently. A central purpose of information systems is to help an organization run more proficiently, by showing where changes need to be made, and how things can be done better. A good information systems specialist will be able to communicate needed changes effectively, and will constantly be looking for ways to improve the organization for which the work. They are needed. Employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to grow 17 percent by 2018.
Understanding what changes should be made requires more than a deep understanding of technology and data. It requires an understanding of business in general. An Alfred P. Sloan Foundation publication on information systems said,
'Workers with specialized technical knowledge and strong communications skills will have the best prospects. Workers with management skills and an understanding of business practices and principles will have excellent opportunities, as companies are increasingly looking to technology to drive their revenue.'
Information systems is a broad field of study with roots in mathematics, science, technology, engineering, and statistics. It addresses the strategy, management, and operations of an organization’s gathering and using of information. So be ready to use a wide variety if skills, not just technical ones.
Information Systems Salary Information
As in any field, salary is no fixed thing as an information systems specialist. Salary largely depends on your specific responsibilities within the organization, but for the most part, salaries are very high, because it requires specialization and training to be able to smoothly run an information system. You could have a duty working specifically with the technology end of an information system, or with the security end, or as a general director of the information system. These are the average salaries for a quality position in each of these jobs:
| Position | Median Salary (Salary.com) |
| Chief Information Technology Officer |
$225,000 |
| Chief Information Systems Director |
$121,000 |
| Chief Information Security Office |
$160,000 |
Organizations want someone to be able to run and interpret information systems, but they don’t want a Gollum running the computers in the basement. Be aware that having more skills than just computer skills will make getting a job easier, and getting a higher paying job more probable.
Information Systems Required Job Skills and Knowledge
Remember that companies will most likely hire someone who doesn’t have to learn a system from scratch. Would you feel safe in an airliner piloted by someone who has only flown model airplanes? As you prepare for this field, make sure you get real, hands on experience with computer programs dealing with information systems.
Also, don’t think that this type of job will separate you entirely from human interaction. Information systems specialists will need great communication skills to relay and interpret information to those making decisions for the organization. Training and managing other information systems specialists may be a large part of your job, because new technologies need to be explained and understood by more than just one person.
Here are some classes that will provide important preparation:
- computer science
- accounting
- management
- systems design
- networking
- database management
- computer programming
- computer engineering
- mathematics
- statistics
- English and
- communications
- finance
- marketing
- systems security
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Online Schools with Information Systems programs
Strayer University
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Bachelor of Science in Information Systems: Homeland Security and Information Systems Concentration
The principal objective of the Bachelor of Science in Information Systems program is to teach students state-of-the-art computer concepts. This will prepare them for programmer/analyst, database management, Web development, networking, internetworking and security positions.
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Associate in Arts in Information Systems
The Associate in Arts in Information Systems program seeks to prepare the individual for programmer/analyst, database management, Web development, networking, internetworking and security positions. This program allows students to explore state of the art information systems concepts. Graduates of this program may apply all the credits earned toward a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems.
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Undergraduate Certificate in Information Systems: Web Development Emphasis
As information systems evolve, continuing education remains a critical part of technology. It is essential for information technology professionals to enhance their efficiency and capability by gaining skills in areas such as programming, database technology, database administration, Web development, networking, security administration, and computer security. Strayer University's Undergraduate Certificate prepares today's information technology professionals for these challenges by imparting these and other relevant skills. Students enrolled in the certificate program are required to take six information systems courses.
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Master of Business Administration: Information Systems Management Concentration
The MBA program offers a broad set of business management tools while also allowing students a choice of concentration in order to tailor their degrees to fit their careers and learning goals. The program curriculum prepares working professionals to become effective decision makers and managers in a world increasingly affected by globalization, technology, and ethical challenges. It is designed for working professionals from a wide range of backgrounds who wish to advance or enhance their business careers.
Northcentral University
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DBA/Management Information Systems
This Doctor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems degree program is designed to train managers how to use computer information systems to enhance the management process and business outcomes. The MIS specialization combines and applies knowledge and skills of the best from both disciplines: computer systems and management. Prospective students must meet certain prerequisite requirements such as a bachelor's or master's degree or relevant work experience prior to enrolling. These requirements can be discussed with the career counselor when they call.
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MBA/Management Information Systems
The Master of Business Administration in Management Information Systems degree is designed to train managers how to use computer information systems to enhance the management process and business outcomes. The Management of Information Systems specialization combines and applies knowledge and skills in the best from both disciplines: computer systems and management. Prospective students should currently hold a bachelor's degree and can complete the master's program in approximately 2 years.
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Ph.D.BA/Computer and Information Security
Our Ph.D. in Business Administration/Computer and Information Security degree program is designed to meet the demand in business and industry for computer security professionals who are trained in cyber-terrorism, computer forensics, and computer security. Students will study current techniques in data preservation, identification, and extraction, and will perform forensic analysis of systems using popular examination toolkits. Prospective students must meet certain prerequisite requirements such as a bachelor's or master's degree or relevant work experience prior to enrolling. These requirements can be discussed with the career counselor when they call.
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Ph.D.BA/Management Information Systems
Our Ph.D. in Business Administration/Management Information Systems degree program is designed to train managers how to use computer information systems to enhance the management process and business outcomes. The MIS specialization combines and applies knowledge and skills of the best from both disciplines: computer systems and management. Prospective students must meet certain prerequisite requirements such as a bachelor's or master's degree or relevant work experience prior to enrolling. These requirements can be discussed with the career counselor when they call.
Colorado Technical University
American InterContinental University Online
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