Computer and Information Systems Managers

Career summary

Computer and information systems managers may also be known as chief information officers, chief technology officers, director of information services, data processing managers, MIS directors, computer services directors, and information technology directors or managers.

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Computer and information systems managers determine their company's computer and information needs. Managers talk to technology vendors to get the right equipment.

Managers make sure computers are working and up to date. They plan for hardware and software updates. They direct network security and make sure electronic documents are secure.

Computer and information systems managers oversee workers in their department. They direct projects, assign workers to them, and evaluate the progress of projects. Managers evaluate the performance of workers. They document and record information on employee performance.

Computer and information systems managers estimate the costs and budget for projects. They determine the workers they need for projects. They analyze the costs of new technologies.

Computer and information systems managers may specialize as:

Chief information officers

Chief information officers manage technology strategies. They plan information goals and determine the technology required to meet those goals. They focus on long-term issues.

Chief technology officers

Chief technology officers evaluate new technology. They design and recommend technology solutions to support goals. They may oversee the development of new technologies.

It directors

IT directors are in charge of information technology (IT) departments. They supervise other employees. They help determine and implement computer systems. They manage data and network services. IT directors oversee the finances of their department, such as budgeting.

It security managers

IT security managers oversee network and data security systems. They keep up to date on IT security measures. They supervise investigations if there is a security violation.

Computer and information systems managers are also called information technology managers.

Related careers

This career is part of the Business Management and Administration cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Architectural and Engineering Managers
• Buyers and Purchasing Agents
• Computer Engineers
• Computer Network Architects
• Computer Network Support Specialists
• Computer Systems Administrators
• Computer Systems Analysts
• Information Security Analysts
• Project Managers

Military careers

• Computer Systems Officers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to computer and information systems managers.

• 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 keep skills up to date.
• Purchase new materials when needed.

Common work activities

Computer and information systems managers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Use computers
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Get information needed to do the job
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Analyze data or information
• Develop and build teams
• Develop goals and strategies
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Process information
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Coach others
• Schedule work and activities
• Evaluate information against standards
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Recruit, interview, or hire others
• Monitor and control resources
• Think creatively
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Document and record information
• Teach others
• Perform administrative tasks
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, computer and information systems managers:

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 in which others may be unpleasant to interact with.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• May occasionally share work space with others.

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

Computer and information systems managers frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for computer and information systems managers to be able to:

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

It is not as important, but still necessary, for computer and information systems managers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.

Skills and abilities

Computer and information systems managers need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.

Use math and science

• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.
• 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.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.

Work with things

• Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Computer Science
• Computer Systems Networking and Administration
• Information Science
• Information Technology
• Management Information Systems
• Operations Management
• Project Management

Training

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

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• 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.

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 career include:

• Computer Applications
• Computer Programming
• Computer Science
• Electronics
• 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. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

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.

Costs to workers

Some workers join professional associations, which may have annual dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Computer and Information Systems Managers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

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.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

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

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will be very strong due to the increase in mobile and wireless technology. Cyber security issues create demand as more companies do business online. In the health care field, increased use of electronic medical records will create jobs. Cloud technology will also help to create many jobs for computer and information systems managers.

Job prospects are best for people with lots of experience who know the newest technologies.

Other resources

Association for Computing Machinery 
1601 Broadway, 10th Floor1
New York, NY 10019-7434
800.342.6626
212.626.0500

Association for Women in Computing - Puget Sound Chapter 
3743 S. 170th Street
Sea-Tac, WA 98188

IEEE Computer Society 
2001 L Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
202.371.0101

Information Systems Audit and Control Association 
847.253.1545

Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP) 
244 S Randall Road #116
Elgin, IL 60123
847.299.4227

Institute of Financial Operations 
149 Terra Mango Loop, Suite B
Orlando, FL 32835
877.885.4277
407.351.3322

International Association for Computer Information Systems 
405.744.8632

NaSPA: the Network and System Professionals Association 

TechServe Alliance 
1420 King Street, Suite 610
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.838.2050

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

Women in Technology International 

References

Career cluster

• Business Management and Administration

Career path

• Enterprising (Business Communications)

O*Net  occupation

• Computer and Information Systems Managers (11-3021.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Manager, Computer Operations (169.167-082) 
• Manager, Data Processing (169.167-030) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Computer & IS Manager

Holland occupational cluster

• Enterprising/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Business Professional