Computer Information Systems Careers

Businesses demand competent information technology personnel in order to maintain a solid technology infrastructure. Computer information systems mangers are essential in planning and managing a company's most important technological assets such as Internet support, security, networking operations and even Web programming. The vital role that specialists play in the day-to-day operations of a business can range from support technician to CEO, depending on education, specialties and experience.

Education

The basic education required for a computer information system manager is an undergraduate degree from a four-year university with major in computer science or electrical engineering. This lays the foundation for higher levels of continuing education geared to specialties in this career field.

Continuing Education

Continuing education for computer information systems specialists will consist of master's degree programs in business or technology. The most common technology certifications in the IT industry are from Microsoft.

Salaries

The approximate annual salaries for computer and information systems specialists range from $47,000 to $140,000, commensurate with experience and education.

Company Role

Computer information systems specialists' roles are ever changing and cannot be easily defined. With the strides in e-commerce and wireless technology, information systems specialists have had to evolve and acquire new skill sets and levels of knowledge almost on a daily basis.

Outlook

Companies are increasingly dependent on a backbone of networked computer systems, and the need for computer information systems specialists to manage and service the technology is expected to continue to grow in the coming decades.