MIS Careers

If you have a penchant for computers, are business-oriented, like problem solving and can work in teams, Management Information Systems (MIS) could be the career path for you. MIS is the application of information technology to provide business solutions. Organizations are increasingly relying on information systems to provide support in decision making in operational activities, management functions and for increased effectiveness in its various business areas. MIS is thus an important functional area of a corporation.

Given this expanding role of information technology there is a growing demand for professionals who have the expertise in hardware, software and communication technologies and the ability to implement them to satisfy business requirements. This has created unlimited and lucrative opportunities for MIS specialists. Initial employment is likely to be in development of business application software, database administration and systems analysis. MIS majors also find an entry in jobs such as system administrators or system operators. System administrators maintain networks and the connecting hardware and software components and assess system performance. System operators have a more interactive role -- they provide technical support to end-users. MIS professionals often function as intermediaries between end users or other staff of the organization and IT developers. Thus a Business System Analyst could be working closely with say the marketing or finance departments of a company to identify and analyze their requirements and develop specifications for technology solutions.

With a specialization in MIS you will gain an understanding of the business context in which information systems are deployed and also obtain the academic credentials for an entry into the profession. As opposed to a major in computer science the MIS concentration emphasizes developing the technical and management skills necessary to design, create, and maintain computer-based business processing applications. The curriculum incorporates core technology courses such as system analysis, object-oriented programming, database management, and telecommunications design with business courses such as management decision processes, organizational management, production and operations management. In addition, these are non-academic but essential skills that MIS jobs entail: proficiency in verbal and written communication, good interpersonal skills, analytical ability, being well organized, creativity to solve problems and a disposition to work in groups. For your professional progress it is also imperative to stay current with emerging technologies and their usability to serve organizational needs.

The MIS career track offers good scope for advancement to senior positions such as project manager, vice president information systems and chief information officer. As organizations continue to integrate innovative technologies in the foreseeable future the employment prospects of the MIS professional look bright for the years ahead.

Useful links

Ohio University You will find information about MIS programs offered at the university. The site also has an exhaustive list of companies who employ MIS majors.

University of Illinois Explore the option getting an online degree in MIS through the university.

The MIS Club This is an organization of Iowa State University students interested in pursuing a career in information systems. Their site features an internship and career guide which has some useful pointers.

Interstate Personnel Services This is a California based staffing agency, MIS being one of their recruitment areas.

Informative reading The site has a collection of interesting articles on trends and real world issues in the MIS field.

Information Systems Research Expand your knowledge of information systems in organizations by reading abstracts of articles accessible from the journal's PubsOnline link.

Management Information Systems Quarterly The MISQ site presents research articles and award winning papers from those in the profession.