Computer and information systems managers

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Computer and information systems managers play a vital role in the technological direction of their organizations. They plan, coordinate, direct research and design the computer-related activities of firms. They determine technical goals in consultation with management and make detailed plans for the accomplishment of these goals.

Computer and information systems managers direct the work of systems analysts, computer programmers, support specialists and other computer-related workers. These managers plan and coordinate activities such as the installation and upgrading of hardware and software, programming and systems design, the development of computer networks and the implementation of Internet and intranet sites. They are involved with network maintenance, and they analyze the computer and information needs of their organization and determine personnel and equipment requirements. They assign and review the work of their subordinates and stay abreast of the latest technology in order to purchase necessary equipment.

The duties of computer and information systems managers vary with their specific titles. Chief technology officers, for example, evaluate the newest and most innovative technologies and determine how these can help their organization. The chief technology officer, who usually reports to the chief information officer, manages and plans technical standards and tends to the daily information technology issues of their firm.

Management of information systems (MIS) directors manage information systems and computing resources for entire organizations. They work under the chief information officer and deal directly with lower-level information technology employees. These managers oversee a variety of user services, such as an organization's technical help desk. MIS directors also make hardware and software upgrade recommendations based on their experience with an organization's technology.

Computer and information system managers need strong communication skills. They coordinate the activities of their unit with those of other units or organizations. They confer with top executives; financial, production, marketing and other managers; and contractors and equipment and materials suppliers.

Most work at least 40 hours a week and may have to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines or solve unexpected problems. Some computer and information systems managers experience considerable pressure in meeting technical goals within short timeframes or tight budgets..

Training and qualifications

Strong technical knowledge is essential for computer and information systems managers who must understand and guide the work of their subordinates, while also explaining the work in nontechnical terms to senior management and potential customers.

Many computer and information systems managers have experience as systems analysts; others as computer support specialists, programmers or information technology professionals. A bachelor's degree is usually required for management positions, although employers often prefer a graduate degree, especially a master's degree in business administration with technology as a core component.

Computer and information systems managers need a broad range of skills. In addition to technical skills, employers seek managers with strong business skills. The expansion of electronic commerce has elevated the importance of business insight, as many managers make important business decisions. Managers need a keen understanding of people, processes and customer needs.

Computer and information systems managers must possess strong interpersonal, communication and leadership skills because they interact with their employees and with people inside and outside their organization. They must also have excellent team skills for work on group projects and collaborative efforts. Computer and information systems managers increasingly interact with persons outside their organization, reflecting their emerging role as vital parts of their firm's executive team.

Job outlook

Employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2010. Technological advancements will increase the employment of computer-related workers, as will demand for managers to oversee these workers. Opportunities for obtaining a management position will be best for workers possessing an MBA with technology as a core component, advanced technical knowledge, and strong communication and administrative skills. There also will be a high demand for managers proficient in computer security issues.

Earnings

Computer and information systems managers held about 313,000 jobs in 2000. About 2 in 5 works in services industries, primarily for firms providing computer and data processing services. Other large employers include insurance and financial services firms, government agencies and manufacturers.

Earnings for computer and information systems managers vary by specialty and level of responsibility. Median annual earnings of these managers in 2000 were $78,830.

Adapted from the Labor Department's Occupational Outlook Handbook.