The job outlook for this career is very positive. Computer and information systems managers in industries such as information, computer systems design and finance and insurance have the highest earning potential. With a median annual salary of $131,600, computer and information systems manager is among the highest-paying business careers, the BLS reported.
While a few years of relevant work experience may be enough for lower-level management roles, directors typically have five to 10 years of experience and CTOs have 15 or more, the BLS reported. You need a good deal of experience working in information technology before you’re ready for the responsibilities. While not always required, having a graduate degree like a Master of Business Administration in computer information systems can help IT professionals advance into a management role.Īs a leadership role, computer and information systems manager isn’t a position you can get when you’re fresh out of college. A management information systems (MIS) program may be particularly helpful for future IT managers, because these programs tend to include studies in business as well as computers, the BLS reported.
Students in these programs commonly take coursework in subjects like computer programming, software development and math. EducationĪspiring IT managers should begin preparing for their career by earning a bachelor’s degree in a subject like computer science or information science. Security managers work primarily on maintaining the security of the organization’s data, while IT directors more commonly act as direct supervisors of an information technology department. CIOs tend to be more concerned with information strategy, while CTOs focus more on evolving technologies, the BLS reported. The work an individual computer and information systems manager does depends on his or her job title. They also oversee all of the IT personnel working in capacities such as computer support specialist, computer systems analyst, information security analyst and software developer.Ĭomputer and information systems managers may hold a number of different job titles, including chief information officer (CIO), chief technology officer (CTO), IT director and IT security manager. IT managers don’t just manage the company’s computer needs. Because technology is constantly changing, IT managers must always be aware of new technologies that could benefit their businesses by streamlining processes and operations.
It is an IT manager’s job to coordinate and install the hardware and software and to maintain the computer systems the company uses as well as the security those systems. IT managers need to know what computer hardware and software a company will need to achieve its business goals effectively and communicate those needs to management. Managing the computer activities of an entire company includes a wide range of tasks. These professionals are known as computer and information systems managers but are sometimes called simply IT project managers, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
While lower-level IT professionals may handle tasks like basic tech support, high-level supervisory roles call for leadership skills.
With businesses of all kinds increasingly relying on computers for their daily operations, companies need experienced computer and information technology (IT) professionals to oversee their use of computer technology.