Computer Information Systems managers have a key role in all forms of technology that is used in any organization. These individuals are skilled in hardware and software, but their primary focus lies within their management skills. Their skills in technology help them assemble the best and brightest teams needed to implement the technology change in the forms of upgrades, updates, installations, and everyday network maintenance.
Most computer information systems job require a degree in information systems or a related field. Check out the programs below which offer free information:
Associate in Arts in Information Systems by Strayer University
Bachelor in Computer Information Systems by DeVry University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Information Systems by Post University
The is a demanding position that requires planning and development in several areas of technology that include networking, budgeting, security, and data back-up and recovery.
Job Responsibilities
The responsibilities of computer information systems managers are centered around networking and connectivity. This is the most important part of their management duties. The managers must assure that all end users must be able to connect to the network. Managers are therefore responsible for developing plans to resolve any points of failure on the network.
Managers in computer information systems also play the lead role in developing budgets and plans for future upgrades and the types of software that is used within the organization. All of the software that is used is a direct result of the decisions by management. This includes virus software, operating systems, word processing suites, and the email system that is used.
This allows the computer information systems manager to direct the future of technology within an organization. Lots of changes are made through an organization and the manager has to review costs and budgets to ensure that funds are used appropriately for any upgrades and changes made in the technology infrastructure.
Not only is this important in operating systems and applications, but it is also relevant to the equipment used to connect to the network. Switches, routers, and network cabling are all elements that the computer information systems manager must handle.
Network security and data backup completes the cycle of management activity in computer information systems. The management of this is one of the most important parts in the management cycle. An organization cannot risk the possibility of losing data through virus infections or device failures. For this reason, computer information system managers must work diligently to implement security and data recovery options in the development of their technology plans.
Training and Education Requirements
A college degree is preferred in this field for managers because the position requires a proven level of ability that excels beyond the basics. Computer information systems manager typically hold degrees in Computer or Management Information Systems. This consists of class courses structured around data communications, programming, and management information systems. The courses also include marketing, accounting, and finance. These are all valuable classes for managers that need a well rounded background with additional knowledge of budgeting and accounting.
A master’s degree in computer information systems is not required, but it is helpful in concerns to salary.
Salaries and Wages
According to Salary.com computer information system managers can earn salaries that range from $65,000 to $95,000 annually. The amount of income primarily depends on the amount of experience that a potential manager has. A master’s degree may help a potential manager earn an extra $5,000 in addition to the salary that could be earned without the master’s degree.
The wages earned represent the scope of the organization that must be managed. Managers that provide their services to Local Area Networks (LANs) may make considerably less than those that are responsible for the management of Wide Area Networks (WANs).
A salary increase is also possible with certifications in a particular area.
Certifications
Managers in the area of technology have the ability to choose from many types of technology certifications, but this totally depends on the type of expertise that is required for the position. Some organizations require managers to have a strong foundation in Microsoft productions and software. Managers with Cisco experience are also heavily needed in the area of networking.
The managers with certifications in Microsoft server administration can help resolve problems client / server issues, but the managers with Cisco certifications can log onto switches and routers and resolve communication issues that can occur between servers and networking devices.
There are also certifications available through CompTIA that address hardware and network security issues. A well-rounded foundation with multiple certifications is essential in providing an extensive knowledge base and leadership.
Professional Associations
Computer information system managers can join organizations such as the Association of Information Technology Professionals, the Information Technology Association of America, and the Computer Technology Industry Association. These organizations provide leaders in technology with a knowledge base on the industry standards and the innovations in technology and how they affect an organization.
The associations are important because they provide an opportunity to gain knowledge and expertise on the trials and errors of other leaders in the industry. It gives managers the chance connect with other managers and get insight on policies and practices that are working as well as ones that are not.
This can be tremendously helpful in an area such as computer information systems were there are not abundant opportunities to change entire network systems based on speculation on theories that have not been tested.
