Computer Systems Manager Job Description

Series Summary

In the modern workplace, it is critical that technology works both effectively and reliably. Computer systems managers play a crucial role in the implementation of technology within their organizations. They do everything from helping to construct a business plan, to overseeing network security, to directing Internet operations. Computer systems managers plan, coordinate, direct research and facilitate the computer-related activities of firms. They help determine both technical and business goals in consultation with management and make detailed plans for the accomplishment of these goals. In this free video series on careers, an experienced information technology professional explains how to become a computer systems manager. Weigh the pros and cons of computer system management, and get tips on salary and qualifications. Discover the benefits of a career as a computer system manager, and learn the tools a computer system manager can expect to use. Also, hear about a computer systems manager's hardest day and funniest moment. The prospects for this career path are promising, so get informed and consider a career as a computer system manager.

Video Transcript

"Now here are the servers. And we're actually, see the spaces in here because we're consolidating a bunch of stuff and divirtual servers. So what we where able to take out- this was full, and we're able to take out and consolidate a lot of servers. What is a Manager? Well, it kind of depends on how big of a shop you're running. I mean a smaller shop, the assistant manger may be more involved in the trenches of a bigger shop, more of the real management role. But typically he's the one that make the ultimate decisions on what kind of technology you're using, what kind of- leads the team on the design and implementation, and planning of all of the technology you're going to implement. Also takes a lot of the heat, if things go wrong, of course. It's real similar to project management a lot of times. The difference is you take care of the day to day stuff, and implementing policies, and who have access to what, the ultimate decision maker on that. And just making sure the key players in place to implement the projects successfully. And actually getting in the trenches and doing it too, just depending on what your background is. If you've been in management a long time then typically those types of managers aren't- they've kind of move away from the detail- actually doing, implementing the technology, and you just kind of guide your employees to do it. Day to day, well just as you experienced, I mean our phones went down, we had a computer (not a computer) a power blip, and it kind of knocked some services out. So when that happens it gets reported to usually the manager first, maybe the staff. But then you have to get on the phone, and then you have to say, "hey, help me look at this, and look at this", and then you go look at it yourself and try to get some resolution. Sometimes talking to customers if it gets escalated. If there's a real problem, or something didn't go right with the implementation, or, and it effects customers, you may be called to get on the phone with customers and kind of help smooth that path. And communicating with the other managers on what's going on in the technology room, and there's a lot of other aspects of the company with customer service and production and all that, and you have to keep them abreast of what's happening."