4 answers
Mercedes
Student
Salem, Oregon
3
Questions
Asked
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Computer & Information Systems Managers
I was looking into career paths and this piqued my interest. I wanted to learn more about what you do, is your job stressful, what your favorite part of your job is, and what are some common work environments,
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4 answers
Jeff Baril
Manage Business Application Software Development and Administration
7
Answers
Little Elm, Texas
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
I’ve been working in the Management Information Systems (MIS) field for just over 40 years now, and it has been a wild ride. Some days are incredibly stressful—like when I crossed picket lines to fix a payroll system that stopped paying teachers—and others are so calm I could probably sleep through them. I’ve worked in various capacities: as an independent consultant for a large consulting firm and a traditional company employee. Each role is exhilarating in its own way and brings unique challenges and rewards.
My specialty lies in back-office systems: payroll, finance, supply chain, human resources, and inventory. Over the years, many of these systems have consolidated into fewer solutions that don’t require as many people to manage. The real secret to thriving in this field is to embrace lifelong learning. Every few years, I’ve had to master something new, and often, I’ve had to learn it on my own to stay ahead of the curve. That’s the nature of technology—it’s constantly evolving, and so must you.
The best part of my job is helping people realize their vision through software. Users often don’t know exactly what they want until you partner with them to figure it out. It’s a lot like being both a writer and an artist. Imagine someone asking for a box. What kind of box? What color should it be? Should it have hinges or openings? How big does it need to be—large enough for an elephant or small enough for a mouse? The conversation becomes about understanding the why behind the box—what do you really need it for? This process involves crafting a story—specifically, a “user story.”
A user story follows a simple format: “As a user, I need this thing to accomplish something.” Some stories are quick and simple, like a single line. Others evolve into epics—collections of many smaller stories—to capture a larger goal. Being part of that journey, helping build solutions that make someone’s job or life more manageable, is incredibly rewarding.
Over time, I transitioned into leadership roles. Sometimes, I’ve led customers to solutions as a consultant. Other times, I’ve acted as a project leader, helping keep everyone focused and on track. As a team leader, I’ve supported my team’s growth and success, and as a business owner, I’ve overseen teams across multiple customers. The skills that have served me best in leadership are listening, anticipating needs, and striving to make others successful.
If you pursue a career in MIS, you’ll find that leadership in this field leans heavily into servant leadership—almost like being a pastor. Your job involves helping people get the most out of their tools, systems, and themselves. That’s what I love most about what I do.
My specialty lies in back-office systems: payroll, finance, supply chain, human resources, and inventory. Over the years, many of these systems have consolidated into fewer solutions that don’t require as many people to manage. The real secret to thriving in this field is to embrace lifelong learning. Every few years, I’ve had to master something new, and often, I’ve had to learn it on my own to stay ahead of the curve. That’s the nature of technology—it’s constantly evolving, and so must you.
The best part of my job is helping people realize their vision through software. Users often don’t know exactly what they want until you partner with them to figure it out. It’s a lot like being both a writer and an artist. Imagine someone asking for a box. What kind of box? What color should it be? Should it have hinges or openings? How big does it need to be—large enough for an elephant or small enough for a mouse? The conversation becomes about understanding the why behind the box—what do you really need it for? This process involves crafting a story—specifically, a “user story.”
A user story follows a simple format: “As a user, I need this thing to accomplish something.” Some stories are quick and simple, like a single line. Others evolve into epics—collections of many smaller stories—to capture a larger goal. Being part of that journey, helping build solutions that make someone’s job or life more manageable, is incredibly rewarding.
Over time, I transitioned into leadership roles. Sometimes, I’ve led customers to solutions as a consultant. Other times, I’ve acted as a project leader, helping keep everyone focused and on track. As a team leader, I’ve supported my team’s growth and success, and as a business owner, I’ve overseen teams across multiple customers. The skills that have served me best in leadership are listening, anticipating needs, and striving to make others successful.
If you pursue a career in MIS, you’ll find that leadership in this field leans heavily into servant leadership—almost like being a pastor. Your job involves helping people get the most out of their tools, systems, and themselves. That’s what I love most about what I do.
Michael McCammon
Customer Success Manager
3
Answers
Pawleys Island, South Carolina
Updated
Michael’s Answer
I've been in IT Manager for over 24 years, and it has been a career with lots of changes. Not only does does technology change frequently but management and project delivery practices/methodologies change as well.
Depending the company or business area you work in it can be stressful at times, but can also be very fulfilling.
I started my career in IT as a developer/web designer, then eventually became a tech lead then ultimately a Program Manager. I worked as a US Federal Government employee for about 20 years providing services to US citizens and foreign travelers. That was a time that had many ups and downs, but was very fulfilling as I can look back on multiple programs I helped deliver to production that provided multiple benefits to US Citizens, etc.
My favorite part of the job is working with different teams, meeting new and interesting people and ultimately delivering a product or system for a customer, company or agency.
You can look at business areas such as commercial retail, big tech or even the Federal Government space.
Good Luck.
Depending the company or business area you work in it can be stressful at times, but can also be very fulfilling.
I started my career in IT as a developer/web designer, then eventually became a tech lead then ultimately a Program Manager. I worked as a US Federal Government employee for about 20 years providing services to US citizens and foreign travelers. That was a time that had many ups and downs, but was very fulfilling as I can look back on multiple programs I helped deliver to production that provided multiple benefits to US Citizens, etc.
My favorite part of the job is working with different teams, meeting new and interesting people and ultimately delivering a product or system for a customer, company or agency.
You can look at business areas such as commercial retail, big tech or even the Federal Government space.
Good Luck.
ANTARU SHAMSU
data informatics
10
Answers
Lithia Springs, Georgia
Updated
ANTARU’s Answer
As a Computer & Information Systems Manager, our role involves overseeing a company's IT strategy, managing technology projects and ensuring that systems meet business needs.
Stress Level: The job can be stressful, especially during project deadlines or when addressing system outages. However, with good planning and a solid team, we can manage stress effectively.
Favorite Part: My favorite part is the opportunity to innovate and implement new technologies that improve efficiency and support the business's goals. I enjoy collaborating with different departments to understand their needs and find tech solutions.
Work Environments: Common work environments include corporate offices, tech firms, and sometimes remote settings. The role requires cross-functional collaboration, so you’ll often engage with various teams, from developers to executives.
If you're interested in technology and leadership, this career can be very rewarding!
Stress Level: The job can be stressful, especially during project deadlines or when addressing system outages. However, with good planning and a solid team, we can manage stress effectively.
Favorite Part: My favorite part is the opportunity to innovate and implement new technologies that improve efficiency and support the business's goals. I enjoy collaborating with different departments to understand their needs and find tech solutions.
Work Environments: Common work environments include corporate offices, tech firms, and sometimes remote settings. The role requires cross-functional collaboration, so you’ll often engage with various teams, from developers to executives.
If you're interested in technology and leadership, this career can be very rewarding!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6479
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Mercedes!
Career Path of Computer & Information Systems Managers
Overview of the Role Computer and Information Systems Managers (CISMs) are responsible for overseeing an organization’s technology strategy and ensuring that all IT systems support the business goals. They manage teams of IT professionals, coordinate projects, and ensure that technology is used efficiently and effectively within the organization. This role often involves strategic planning, budgeting, and aligning technology with business needs.
Job Stress Levels The stress level in this position can vary significantly based on several factors including the size of the organization, the complexity of its IT infrastructure, and the specific responsibilities assigned to the manager. Generally, CISMs may experience stress due to:
High Responsibility: They are accountable for critical systems that affect business operations.
Rapid Technological Changes: Keeping up with new technologies can be demanding.
Project Deadlines: Managing multiple projects simultaneously can lead to time pressure.
Team Management: Leading a diverse team requires strong interpersonal skills and conflict resolution abilities.
However, many find that effective time management strategies, a supportive team environment, and clear communication can mitigate these stressors.
Favorite Aspects of the Job Many CISMs enjoy various aspects of their job, including:
Problem-Solving: The opportunity to tackle complex challenges using innovative solutions is often cited as rewarding.
Leadership Opportunities: Managing teams allows for personal growth and development in leadership skills.
Impact on Business Strategy: Being able to influence how technology drives business success is fulfilling for many professionals in this field.
Continuous Learning: The fast-paced nature of technology means there are always new skills to learn and apply.
These elements contribute to job satisfaction among CISMs despite potential stressors.
Common Work Environments CISMs typically work in a variety of environments depending on their industry sector:
Corporate Offices: Many work in traditional office settings where they collaborate with other departments.
Remote Work Settings: Increasingly common post-pandemic, many managers have flexible work arrangements allowing them to manage teams remotely.
Data Centers or IT Departments: Some may spend time in data centers or dedicated IT facilities where they oversee technical operations directly.
Consulting Firms or Tech Companies: Those working in consulting may travel frequently or work on-site with clients.
Overall, while there are challenges associated with being a Computer and Information Systems Manager, many find it a rewarding career path that offers opportunities for growth and impact within organizations.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Provides comprehensive data about job outlooks, responsibilities, salary information, and employment statistics for various occupations including Computer and Information Systems Managers.
Payscale.com: Offers insights into salary ranges, job satisfaction ratings, and career paths based on real employee data which helps understand what professionals experience in this role.
Indeed Career Guide: A resource that outlines job descriptions, required skills, workplace environments, and employee experiences related to various careers including those in information systems management.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC, The Little Aussie Battler!
Career Path of Computer & Information Systems Managers
Overview of the Role Computer and Information Systems Managers (CISMs) are responsible for overseeing an organization’s technology strategy and ensuring that all IT systems support the business goals. They manage teams of IT professionals, coordinate projects, and ensure that technology is used efficiently and effectively within the organization. This role often involves strategic planning, budgeting, and aligning technology with business needs.
Job Stress Levels The stress level in this position can vary significantly based on several factors including the size of the organization, the complexity of its IT infrastructure, and the specific responsibilities assigned to the manager. Generally, CISMs may experience stress due to:
High Responsibility: They are accountable for critical systems that affect business operations.
Rapid Technological Changes: Keeping up with new technologies can be demanding.
Project Deadlines: Managing multiple projects simultaneously can lead to time pressure.
Team Management: Leading a diverse team requires strong interpersonal skills and conflict resolution abilities.
However, many find that effective time management strategies, a supportive team environment, and clear communication can mitigate these stressors.
Favorite Aspects of the Job Many CISMs enjoy various aspects of their job, including:
Problem-Solving: The opportunity to tackle complex challenges using innovative solutions is often cited as rewarding.
Leadership Opportunities: Managing teams allows for personal growth and development in leadership skills.
Impact on Business Strategy: Being able to influence how technology drives business success is fulfilling for many professionals in this field.
Continuous Learning: The fast-paced nature of technology means there are always new skills to learn and apply.
These elements contribute to job satisfaction among CISMs despite potential stressors.
Common Work Environments CISMs typically work in a variety of environments depending on their industry sector:
Corporate Offices: Many work in traditional office settings where they collaborate with other departments.
Remote Work Settings: Increasingly common post-pandemic, many managers have flexible work arrangements allowing them to manage teams remotely.
Data Centers or IT Departments: Some may spend time in data centers or dedicated IT facilities where they oversee technical operations directly.
Consulting Firms or Tech Companies: Those working in consulting may travel frequently or work on-site with clients.
Overall, while there are challenges associated with being a Computer and Information Systems Manager, many find it a rewarding career path that offers opportunities for growth and impact within organizations.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Provides comprehensive data about job outlooks, responsibilities, salary information, and employment statistics for various occupations including Computer and Information Systems Managers.
Payscale.com: Offers insights into salary ranges, job satisfaction ratings, and career paths based on real employee data which helps understand what professionals experience in this role.
Indeed Career Guide: A resource that outlines job descriptions, required skills, workplace environments, and employee experiences related to various careers including those in information systems management.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless You!
JC, The Little Aussie Battler!