About:
Computer Science
Significant Points
Projected job growth
stems primarily from rapid growth among computer-related
occupations.
Employers prefer managers with advanced technical knowledge
acquired through computer-related work experience and
formal education.
Job opportunities should be best for applicants with
a master's degree in business administration with technology
as a core component.
Nature of the Work
The need for organizations to incorporate
existing and future technologies in order to remain
competitive has become a more pressing issue over the
last several years. As electronic commerce becomes more
common, how and when companies use technology are critical
issues. Computer and information systems managers play
a vital role in the technological direction of their
organizations. They do everything from constructing
the business plan to overseeing network and Internet
operations.
Computer and information systems managers
plan, coordinate, and direct research and design the
computer-related activities of firms. They determine
technical goals in consultation with top management,
and make detailed plans for the accomplishment of these
goals. For example, working with their staff, they may
develop the overall concepts of a new product or identify
computer-related problems standing in the way of project
completion.
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 increasingly involved with the upkeep
and maintenance of networks. 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 often reports to the organization's chief information
officer, manages and plans technical standards and tends
to the daily information technology issues of their
firm. (Chief information officers are covered in a separate
Handbook statement on top executives.) Because of the
rapid pace of technological change, chief technology
officers must constantly be on the lookout for developments
that could benefit their organization. They are responsible
for demonstrating to a company how information technology
can be used as a competitive weapon that not only cuts
costs, but also increases revenue.
Management of information systems (MIS)
directors manage information systems and computing resources
for entire organizations. They also 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
help desk, which employees can call with questions or
problems. MIS directors may 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.
Working Conditions
Computer and information systems managers spend most
of their time in an office. 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 may experience considerable
pressure in meeting technical goals within short timeframes
or tight budgets. As networks continue to expand and
more work is done remotely, computer and information
system managers have to communicate with and oversee
offsite employees using modems, laptops, e-mail, and
the Internet.
Like other workers who sit continuously
in front of a keyboard, computer and information system
managers are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort,
and hand and wrist problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Employment
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.
Training, Other Qualifications,
and Advancement
Strong technical knowledge is essential
for computer and information systems managers, who must
understand and guide the work of their subordinates,
yet also explain the work in nontechnical terms to senior
management and potential customers. Therefore, these
management positions usually require work experience
and formal education similar to that of other computer
occupations.
Many computer and information systems
managers have experience as systems analysts; others
may have experience as computer support specialists,
programmers, or other 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
(MBA) with technology as a core component. This degree
differs from a traditional MBA in that there is a heavy
emphasis on information technology in addition to the
standard business curriculum. This becomes important
because more computer and information systems managers
make not only important technology decisions but also
important business decisions for their organizations.
A few computer and information systems managers may
have only an associate degree, provided they have sufficient
experience and were able to learn additional skills
on the job.
Computer and information systems managers
need a broad range of skills. In addition to technical
skills, employers also seek managers with strong business
skills. Employers want managers who have experience
with the specific software or technology to be used
on the job, as well as a background in either consulting
or business management. The expansion of electronic
commerce has elevated the importance of business insight,
because many managers are called upon to make important
business decisions. Managers need a keen understanding
of people, processes, and customer's needs.
Computer and information systems managers
must possess strong interpersonal, communication, and
leadership skills because they are required to interact
not only with their employees, but also with people
inside and outside their organization. They must also
possess great team skills to work on group projects
and other 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.
Computer and information systems managers
may advance to progressively higher leadership positions
in their field. Some may become managers in nontechnical
areas such as marketing, human resources, or sales.
In high technology firms, managers in nontechnical areas
often must possess the same specialized knowledge as
do managers in technical areas.
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 a result, the demand for managers to direct
these workers also will increase. In addition, job openings
will result from the need to replace managers who retire
or move into other occupations. 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.
Rapid growth in employment can be attributed
to the explosion in information technology and the fast-paced
expansion of the computer and data processing services
industry. In order to remain competitive, firms will
continue to install sophisticated computer networks
and set up more complex Internet and intranet sites.
Keeping a computer network running smoothly is essential
to almost every organization. Firms will be more willing
to hire managers who can accomplish that.
The security of computer networks will
continue to increase in importance as more business
is conducted over the Internet. Organizations need to
understand how their systems are vulnerable and how
to protect their infrastructure and Internet sites from
hackers, viruses, and other acts of cyber-terrorism.
As a result, there will be a high demand for managers
proficient in computer security issues.
Due to the explosive growth of electronic
commerce and the ability of the Internet to create new
relationships with customers, the role of computer and
information systems managers will continue to evolve
in the future. They will continue to become more vital
to their companies and the environments in which they
work. The expansion of e-commerce will spur the need
for computer and information systems managers with both
business savvy and technical proficiency.
Opportunities for those who wish to
become computer and information systems managers should
be closely related to the growth of the occupations
they supervise and the industries in which they are
found. (See the statements on computer programmers;
computer software engineers; computer support specialists
and systems administrators; and systems analysts, computer
scientists, and database administrators elsewhere in
the Handbook.)
Earnings:
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. The middle 50 percent earned between $59,640
and $100,820. The lowest 10 percent earned less than
$44,090, and the highest 10 percent earned more than
$127,460. Median annual earnings in the industries employing
the largest numbers of computer and information systems
managers in 2000 were:
Professional and commercial equipment
$92,270
Computer and data processing services 88,410
Commercial banks 82,490
Management and public relations 73,930
Colleges and universities 64,460
According to Robert Half International
Consulting, average starting salaries in 2001 for high-level
information technology managers ranged from $92,250
to $152,500. According to a 2001 survey by the National
Association of Colleges and Employers, starting salary
offers for those with an MBA, a technical undergraduate
degree, and 1 year or less of experience averaged $61,196;
for those with a master's degree in management information
systems/business data processing, $57,225.
In addition, computer and information
systems managers, especially those at higher levels,
often receive more benefits-such as expense accounts,
stock option plans, and bonuses-than do nonmanagerial
workers in their organizations.
Related Occupations
The work of computer and information
systems managers is closely related to that of computer
programmers, computer software engineers; systems analysts,
computer scientists, and database administrators; and
computer support specialists and systems administrators.
Computer and information systems managers also have
some high-level responsibilities similar to those of
top executives.
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer:Links to non-BLS Internet
sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute
an endorsement.
For information about a career as a computer and information
systems manager, contact the sources of additional information
for the various computer occupations discussed elsewhere
in the Handbook.
Selected industries employing computer
and information systems managers that appear in the
2002-03 Career Guide to Industries:
Computer and data processing services
Insurance
Wholesale trade
Suggested citation:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2002-03 Edition, Computer
and Information Systems Managers, on the Internet at
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos258.htm (visited September
14, 2003).
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