Many students prepare for careers where they develop and maintain information systems as solutions to business problems. These graduates are considered Information Technology Professionals and are in high demand by today’s businesses.  Because of their unique understanding of business, combined with an understanding of today’s information technology and how to use it for competitive advantage, Management Information System (MIS) majors are especially prized by many organizations.  Students in the MIS programs get real-world experience with project assignments that represent those found in business and industry. Project teams are emphasized in many courses.

Information Systems Careers

Although job titles vary from one organization to another, the following entry-level job titles and descriptions are typical of what is found in businesses today.  Regardless of title, employers expect their information technology professionals to have solid communication, analytical, technical, and managerial skills.  These skills are essential in the problem-solving environment common to all MIS positions.  The following are but a few of the positions that most MIS majors have typically accepted upon graduation.

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts investigate business processes and determine user needs related to information-based problems. Analysts often work in a team environment.  The output from the systems analysis process is ultimately a set of detailed specifications for a new or modified system. Another term for this position is business analyst.

Programmer

Programmers write computer programs according to specifications prepared by a systems analyst.  Programmers may work individually or in teams. Students who wish to be programmers can take additional programming classes offered by the Computer Science department.  A specialized area of programming, web development has become very popular.

Programmer/Analyst

Programmer analysts combine both of the above job categories. They serve as systems analysts, and then modify the computer programs involved in their analysis. For example, a programmer/analyst might work with the accounting department to determine that changes are necessary to the computer reports, and then actually make the programming changes.

Network/LAN Administrator

The network/LAN administrator deals with many of the aspects of user connectivity (data, voice, and video) within the organization.  Duties included such responsibilities as designing the network architecture, wiring network ports, installing file servers, maintaining user names and passwords, and trouble-shooting telecommunications problems.

Database Administrator

The database administrator is responsible for designing, implementing, and/or maintaining the database systems of the organization, including establishing policies and procedures for security, management, and maintenance.  The Database Administrator’s role includes working with end users as well as with information systems programmers and system administrators.

Consultant/Business Analyst

People in this role are involved in solving clients’ problems in a wide variety of settings. Consulting requires excellent communication skills and the ability to quickly identify and define a problem. Consultants frequently act as trainers, user support specialists, technical support specialists, or project group experts in a particular technology or method.