What can I do with a major in Information Systems?
Information systems majors work to effectively integrate information technology and computing resources in order to support the operations, analysis, decision-making, and planning functions in business organizations. Information systems workers combine computer technology with management decision-making methods to analyze, design, implement, and manage computerized information systems in an organizational environment.
Related Occupations:
| Archivist |
Cataloger |
Computer-aided design |
| Computer Security Specialist |
Database Analyst |
Database Manager |
| Data Processing Manager |
Educator |
Information Scientist |
| Library Consultant |
Mathematician |
Media Center Manager |
| Media Specialist |
Operations Manager |
Robotics Technician |
| Salesperson |
Service Technician |
Software Developer |
| Software Engineer |
Systems Analyst |
Systems Consultant |
| Systems Manager |
Technical Writer |
Trainer |
| Trends Analyst |
Applications Programmer |
IS Consultant |
| Engineer |
Statistician |
Auditor |
| Actuary |
Website Designer |
Networking Manager |
Possible employers of Information Systems majors:
| Computer Firms |
Local / Federal Government |
| Military |
Laboratories |
| Banks |
Telecommunications Firms |
| Industrial Plants |
Investment Firms |
| Research Firms |
Universities / Colleges |
| Consulting Firms |
Real Estate Agencies |
| Privately Owned Businesses |
Insurance Companies |
| Public Businesses |
Skills important for Information Systems majors:
- Ability to work well with others as well as the ability to work alone for long periods of time
- Ability to analyze, make appropriate decisions and solve problems
- Ability to think logically and concentrate intensely
- Ability to communicate well
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Ability to work with numbers and technical concepts
- Ability to conduct and clearly explain technical information
- Ability to organize, collect, classify, arrange, and coordinate information
Personal attributes important for Information Systems majors:
- Detail-oriented
- Organized
- Curious
- Objective
- Enthusiasm for technology
- Sensitive to multiple perspectives
- Desire to help others learn
- Creative
- Patient
- Thorough
- Responsible
- Resourceful
Related activities for Information Systems majors:
- Do an internship
- Work part-time or volunteer in a computer firm, computer store, or computer science department
- Writing, practicing electronics, or working on PCs as a hobby or a side job
- Shadow an IS specialist for a day
- Join a professional association
- Read professional journals
Print Resources:
-
Arpan, Jeffery. Opportunities in International Business Careers. VGM Career Horizons, (latest edition).
-
Burns, Julie. Opportunities in Computer Systems Careers (software). VGM Career Horizons, (latest edition).
-
Eberts, Marjorie & Margaret Gisler. Careers for Computer Buffs & Other Technical Types. VGM Career Horizons, (latest edition).
-
Stair, Lila. Careers in Computers. VGM Career Horizons, (latest edition).
Internet Resources:
Professional Associations
- American Society for Information Science
- Association for Computer Operations Management
- Association for Computing
- Association for Women in Computing
- Information & Technology Association of America
- Institute for Certification of Computer Professionals
This information was adapted from:
Fort Lewis College, Career Service’s homepage: http://cso.fortlewis.edu
Virginia Commonwealth University’s Inside Political Science and Public Affairs; 1998.
The Eller College of Business and Public Administration’s Management Information Systems Major; 1999.
