3 answers
kyle
Student
Canton, Georgia
5
Questions
Asked
546 views
what is the best pathway so you are not lost trying to get a job Computer and Information Systems Managers
i am trying to get more info about this job
Login to comment
3 answers
Stephen Gray
Supply chain including new product introductions
8
Answers
Maynard, Massachusetts
Updated
Stephen’s Answer
Hi Kyle,
The path I took was to complete a computer systems BS degree. This provided a solid base for an understanding of IT technologies of the day. I also took a few basic accounting and business management classes to start to grow my management skills.
I joined a large company in the IT department as an entry-level programmer. The company paid for university classes so I continued my education at night and during the weekends. These classes help to keep my technical skills up to date. I joined professional societies related to the work I was doing or in preparation for my next job. In most cases, I made the effort to get certified as a professional. For me, this included my PMP and APICS CIP certifications.
At some point, you will take your first supervisory or entry-level management position. New skills will be needed. For me the success of the last couple of years did not prepare me for the tasks of posting jobs, interviewing potential new people, and motivating them to do their best. I found budgets and capital resources to limit most of my grand ideas. I continued to take classes but the subjects changed from the latest IT technology subjects to topics in communication, business leadership, and the use of IT as a business enabling capability. You used the word ‘lost’ in your question. For me, it was not ‘lost’ but conflicted about who I wanted to be. I enjoyed the technical side of IT and I was very good at it. This new role of management or leadership felt like starting over. I found I had to find a new motivation for myself by looking to the rest of the organization.
At this point, I returned to the university for an MBA for IT professionals. The degree helped to focus my view of the role of IT in an organization as a cost of doing business or as a strategic advantage to their competition. I found success on this path when I made a great hire, was able to promote someone on my team, convinced business management to invest in IT, or solved a business problem with an IT solution.
I will share one other example for you to consider. The best Information systems managers I worked for had no IT background at all. His education was in process and chemical engineering with an MBA. He had years of management experience in the process used on a factory floor. He had responsibility for the safety and capital equipment used in the factory. He had worked with IT on several projects and had experienced both success and failure. He changed careers and took a Computer and Information systems manager job without taking a single IT class.
I think the best path is one you create for yourself. Listening to others have to say that you know and admire will provide you with insight. It is wise to see a goal for yourself maybe 15 or 20 years in the future but remember to enjoy the journey each day. Don’t overlook an opportunity to learn and grow as a person just because it seems off the path.
You might spend a few minutes looking at job posting sites for the ‘perfect’ Computer and Information systems manager position. Look at the skills and experience that are required. Look at the job responsibilities and companies looking to fill this position. Search the company to find out what they do, how large they are and where they are located. Create a journal of what you find then set it aside. Next year you can repeat the process and learn what has changed.
The path I took was to complete a computer systems BS degree. This provided a solid base for an understanding of IT technologies of the day. I also took a few basic accounting and business management classes to start to grow my management skills.
I joined a large company in the IT department as an entry-level programmer. The company paid for university classes so I continued my education at night and during the weekends. These classes help to keep my technical skills up to date. I joined professional societies related to the work I was doing or in preparation for my next job. In most cases, I made the effort to get certified as a professional. For me, this included my PMP and APICS CIP certifications.
At some point, you will take your first supervisory or entry-level management position. New skills will be needed. For me the success of the last couple of years did not prepare me for the tasks of posting jobs, interviewing potential new people, and motivating them to do their best. I found budgets and capital resources to limit most of my grand ideas. I continued to take classes but the subjects changed from the latest IT technology subjects to topics in communication, business leadership, and the use of IT as a business enabling capability. You used the word ‘lost’ in your question. For me, it was not ‘lost’ but conflicted about who I wanted to be. I enjoyed the technical side of IT and I was very good at it. This new role of management or leadership felt like starting over. I found I had to find a new motivation for myself by looking to the rest of the organization.
At this point, I returned to the university for an MBA for IT professionals. The degree helped to focus my view of the role of IT in an organization as a cost of doing business or as a strategic advantage to their competition. I found success on this path when I made a great hire, was able to promote someone on my team, convinced business management to invest in IT, or solved a business problem with an IT solution.
I will share one other example for you to consider. The best Information systems managers I worked for had no IT background at all. His education was in process and chemical engineering with an MBA. He had years of management experience in the process used on a factory floor. He had responsibility for the safety and capital equipment used in the factory. He had worked with IT on several projects and had experienced both success and failure. He changed careers and took a Computer and Information systems manager job without taking a single IT class.
I think the best path is one you create for yourself. Listening to others have to say that you know and admire will provide you with insight. It is wise to see a goal for yourself maybe 15 or 20 years in the future but remember to enjoy the journey each day. Don’t overlook an opportunity to learn and grow as a person just because it seems off the path.
Stephen recommends the following next steps:
Dhanabal Velliangiri
Principle software engineer
17
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Dhanabal’s Answer
Continuous learning is the Key!
If you have real passion about getting in to the IT , you have to keep learn continuously.
Keep Trying , Keep Learning , Get better understanding about what is expected out of interview and note down where you lag and learn and show improvement in that area in next interview. You will evolve in this process and get better.
If you have real passion about getting in to the IT , you have to keep learn continuously.
Keep Trying , Keep Learning , Get better understanding about what is expected out of interview and note down where you lag and learn and show improvement in that area in next interview. You will evolve in this process and get better.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Luis
Matt Buchman
Software Architect
22
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Matt’s Answer
If you are a high school student considering university, look for university that has dedicated program for "Computer Information Systems".