carreer in computer field

8/2/2019 Carreer in Computer Field

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Computer Operator

Computer operators have specialized knowledge of computer systems, networks,

mainframes, and hardware. One of their main objectives is to make sure their companys

computers are secure and operating properly. These specialists must be prepared for

potential problems and resolve issues when they arise.

Computer operators responsibilities depend on the amount and type of computer

equipment they maintain, as well as the instructions received from their companies.

Operators usually control an entire mainframe with a single computer. Relying on

programming instructions, operators program a computer to perform a specific task.

When necessary, operators load machines with documents, disks, and tapes. Computer

operators monitor a computers control center and reply to incoming messages. People

detail the specific information for a project or program through these incoming messages.

When an error indicator pops up on the screen, computer operators must determine the

problem and terminate it or resolve the issue. They also keep records of all computer

problems and other important events occurring during their work day. Some operators have

simple duties such as backing up files, checking for viruses or other malicious malware,

updating software, and performing routine repairs while assisting other computer operators

with system tests and debugging.

More operators now use personal computers (PCs) or minicomputers often interlinked with

other networks in offices known as multi-user systems or local area networks (LANs). Even

though some employees supervise the networks, operators usually maintain networks. They

specialize in network security and perform comparable functions on PCs as the larger

computer systems.

Since companies want to save money and improve productivity, they are using more

automated software that performs the job of a computer operator. Automated software can

run software checks, forward messages, download new software, and mount tapes. More

operators now maintain databases and networks or answer user questions.

Work environment. Computer operators usually perform their work in comfortable offices.

Since many companies leaving their computer systems running 24 hours a day, operators

sometimes work nights and weekends. Computer operators with more seniority usually

choose the shifts they work. New technology is decreasing the demand for operators to

work night and weekend shifts. Operators are increasingly using database and

telecommunication technology to maintain computer systems and document problems other

operators will monitor when their shifts begin.

Since computer operators sit in front of computers all day, they can experience back pain,

eye problems, and joint problems such as carpel tunnel syndrome.


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Career in Computer Operator

Alternative Titles for Computer Operator:

Computer ProgrammersComputer Support SpecialistsSystem Administrators

Computer operators are no wonder, the functional life buoys ofthe whole computer-processing unit. Akin to the role of a lifebuoy, these genius elves save any PC from crashing. With thehelp of their expert operative skills, they are literally the life-

saviours of the varied computer programmes resolving thebreakdown of any computer part, removing faulty running orerror messages, ensuring non-attack by viruses and if so, thendevising ways of eradicating them. Thus, possessing an extensiveknowledge about the assorted activities of the computer, theseprofessionals are truly the software guardians.

Computer operators oversee the operation of computer hardwaresystems, ensuring that these machines are used as efficiently as

possible. Computer operators may work with mainframes,minicomputers, or networks of personal computers.

Computer operators must anticipate problems and takepreventive action, as well as solve problems that occur duringoperations. The duties of computer operators vary with the size ofthe installation, the type of equipment used, and the policies ofthe employer.

Generally, Computer operators control the console of either amainframe digital computer or a group of minicomputers.Working from operating instructions prepared by programmers,users, or operations managers, computer operators set controlson the computer and on peripheral devices required to run aparticular job.


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Computer operators load equipment with tapes, disks, and paper,as needed. While the computer is runningwhich may be 24hours a day for large computerscomputer operators monitor thecontrol console and respond to operating and computer

messages. Messages indicate the individual specifications of eachjob being run.

If an error message occurs, operators must locate and solve theproblem or terminate the program. Operators also maintainlogbooks or operating records, listing each job that is run andevents, such as machine malfunctions, that occur during theirshift. In addition, computer operators may help programmers andsystems analysts test and debug new programs. A computer

programmer prepares a computer program for obtaining therequired data output.

Computer Operators also process the operations of computerhardware systems, including minicomputers, networks ofpersonal computers (PCs) and mainframes, ensuring efficient use.Others may be retrained to perform different job duties, such assupervising an operations center, maintaining automationpackages, or analyzing computer operations to recommend ways

to increase productivity. Checking system performances andrecording of problems are also inclusive within their variedfundamental duties.

Tasks and Duties of a Computer Operator:a) Schedulingb) Loading and downloading programsc) Mounting tapesd) Rerouting messages

e) Running periodic reportsf) Monitoring batch processes

Areas of Speciallisation of a Computer Operator:In the future, operators who wish to work in the computer fieldwill need to speciallise in: Programming


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Automation software

Graphics interface

Client/server environments

Open system

Job Description - Computer Programmer:

A computer programmer writes the programs computers use to perform theirfunctions. The programmer follows the specifications given to him or her byacomputer software engineer

Employment Facts - Computer Programmer:

There were 426,000 computer programmers employed in 2008.

Educational Requirements - Computer Programmer:

To work as a computer programmer one must usually have a bachelor's degree,generally in computer science, mathematics, or information systems. Somecomputer programmers take coursework in computer science while earning their
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degrees in accounting,financeand business. Some of those working as computerprogrammers earn an associate's degree or certificate.

Other Requirements - Computer Programmer:

Programming skills and experience are highly valued in this field, particularlyknowledge of object-oriented languages and tools such as C++ and Java. Inaddition, working computer programmers must constantly update their skills tokeep up with changing technology.

Advancement Opportunities - Computer Programmer:

After gaining experience, a computer programmer may be promoted to amanagerial position. One with business experience may become a programmer-analyst orsystems analyst. Specialized knowledge and experience with a languageor operating system can lead to a computer programmer becoming a computersoftware engineer.

Job Outlook - Computer Programmer:

Employment of computer programmers, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statisticspredicts, is expected to decline slowly through 2018.

Earnings - Computer Programmer:

Median annual earnings of computer programmers were $70,940 in 2009.

Use theSalary Wizardat Salary.com to find out how much a ComputerProgrammer currently earns in your city.

A Day in a Computer Programmer's Life:

On a typical day a computer programmer's tasks might include:

Correcting errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program toensure that the desired results are produced.

Conducting trial runs of programs and software applications to ensure that theywill produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.
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Compiling and writing documentation of program development and subsequentrevisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understandthe program.

Writing, updating, and maintaining computer programs or software packages tohandle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, orcontrolling other equipment.

Consulting with managerial,engineering, and technical personnel to clarifyprogram intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.

Sources:Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational OutlookHandbook, 2010-11 Edition, Computer Software Engineers and ComputerProgrammers, on the Internet athttp://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos110.htm(visitedNovember 1, 2010).Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET

Online, Computer Programmer, on the Internetathttp://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/15-1021.00(visited November 9, 2010).Should You Become a Computer Programmer? Take a Quiz to Find Out.Career Choice for Beginners

How to Choose a Career More Career Profiles Free Career Planning ClassComputer Programmer and Other Computer Careers

Comparing Computer CareersComputer Programmer Jobs

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Computer Programmers - Government Jobs
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CAREER GUIDE FOR COMPUTER

SYSTEMS ANALYSTSOC Code: 15-1051

Pay Band(s): 4, 5 and 6 (Salary Structure)

Standard Occupational Description: Analyze science, engineering, business,and all other data processing problems for application to electronic data processingsystems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate orimprove existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, andscheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially availablesoftware. May supervise computer programmers.

Computer Systems Analyst positions in the Commonwealth are assigned tothe following Roles in theInformation Technology Specialist Career Group:

Information Technology Specialist I

Information Technology Specialist II

Information Technology Specialist III

While Computer Systems Analysts within the Commonwealth are all located withinthe Information Technology Specialist Career Group, individuals may want topursue other opportunities within the Commonwealth depending upon individualtraining, education, knowledge, skills, abilities, and interests.

Other Career Group(s) that may be of interest are:

Architecture and Engineering Services

Audit and Management Services

Computer Operations

Electronics

Policy Analysis and Planning

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND TASKS
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(Technical and Functional Expertise)

Skills

Note:The technical and functional skills listed below are based on general occupational

qualifications for Computer Systems Analysts commonly recognized by most employers. Typically,you will not be required to have all of the skills listed to be a successful performer. Recruitment andselection standards for an individual state job must be based on the specific knowledge, skills, andabilities for that job as indicated in the job announcement and job description in the Employee WorkProfile.

1. Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work relateddocuments.

2. Writing computer programs for various purposes.3. Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.4. Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.5. Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the

audience.6. Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to

evaluate quality or performance.7. Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to

understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and notinterrupting at inappropriate times.

8. Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses ofalternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

9. Talking to others to convey information effectively.10. Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop

and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Knowledge

Note:The technical and functional knowledge statements listed below are based on generaloccupational qualifications for Computer Systems Analysts commonly recognized by mostemployers. Typically, you will not be required to have all of the knowledge listed to be a successfulperformer. Recruitment and selection standards for an individual state job must be based on thespecific knowledge, skills, and abilities for that job as indicated in the job announcement and jobdescription in the Employee Work Profile.

The Knowledge of:

1. Circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computerhardware and software, including applications and programming.

2. Structure and content of the English language including the meaning andspelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

3. Principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching andinstruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of trainingeffects.

4. Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.


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5. Principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. Thisincludes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards forservices, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Abilities

Note:The technical and functional abilities listed below are based on general occupationalqualifications for Computer Systems Analysts commonly recognized by most employers. Typically,you will not be required to have all of the abilities listed to be a successful performer. Recruitmentand selection standards for an individual state job must be based on the specific knowledge, skills,and abilities for that job as indicated in the job announcement and job description in the EmployeeWork Profile.

The Ability to:

1. Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.2. Communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

3. Choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.4. Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken

words and sentences.5. Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make

sense.6. See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).7. Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.8. Come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is

important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).9. Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve

solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

10. Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includesfinding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Tasks

Note:The following is a list of sample tasks typically performed by Computer Systems Analysts.Employees in this occupation will not necessarily perform all of the tasks listed.

Tasks

1. Analyze information processing or computation needs and plan and design

computer systems, using techniques such as structured analysis, datamodeling and information engineering.2. Assess the usefulness of pre-developed application packages and adapt

them to a user environment.3. Confer with clients regarding the nature of the information processing or

computation needs a computer program is to address.4. Define the goals of the system and devise flow charts and diagrams

describing logical operational steps of programs.


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5. Determine computer software or hardware needed to set up or alter system.6. Develop, document and revise system design procedures, test procedures,

and quality standards.7. Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.8. Interview or survey workers, observe job performance and/or perform the job

in order to determine what information is processed and how it is processed.9. Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer related problems,

such as malfunctions and program problems.10. Recommend new equipment or software packages.

INTERESTED?

Like people, occupations have traits or characteristics. These characteristics giveimportant clues about the nature of the work and work environment, and give youan opportunity to match your own personal interests to a specific occupation.When you choose a job in an occupation that matches your own interests you have

taken an important step in planning a successful and rewarding career.

The Computer Systems Analysts occupationhas Investigative, Conventional and Realistic characteristics as described below:

Investigative Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas,and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involvesearching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Conventional Conventional occupations frequently involve following setprocedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and

details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Realistic Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that includepractical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals,and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupationsrequire working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closelywith others.

LICENSURE, REGISTRATION, OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Generally this is notrequired for Computer Systems Analysts positions in state

government.

Certification is a way to demonstrate a level of competence in a particular field.Some product vendors or software firms offer certification and require professionalswho work with their products to be certified. Many employers regard thesecertifications as the industry standard.

One certifying organization for Certified Systems Professional (CSP) is the Institute


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for Certification of Computing Professionals:http://www.iccp.org/

Certification may enhance professional growth and career progression.

EDUCATIONAL, TRAINING, AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

The Department of Labor provides the following information:

Systems analysts solve computer problems and apply computer technology to meetthe individual needs of an organization. They help an organization to realize themaximum benefit from its investment in equipment, personnel, and businessprocesses. Systems analysts may plan and develop new computer systems ordevise ways to apply existing systems' resources to additional operations. Theymay design new systems, including both hardware and software, or add a newsoftware application to harness more of the computer's power. Most systemsanalysts work with specific types of systemsfor example, business, accounting, or

financial systems, or scientific and engineering systemsthat vary with the kind oforganization. Some systems analysts also are known as systemsdevelopers orsystems architects.

For systems analyst, programmer-analyst, and database administrator positions,many employers seek applicants who have a bachelor's degree in computerscience, information science, or management information systems (MIS). MISprograms usually are part of the business school or college and differ considerablyfrom computer science programs, emphasizing business and management-orientedcourse work and business computing courses.

The level of education and type of training that employers require depend on theirneeds. One factor affecting these needs is changes in technology. Employers oftenscramble to find workers capable of implementing hot new technologies. Thoseworkers with formal education or experience in information security, for example,are in demand because of the growing need for their skills and services.

As technology becomes more sophisticated and complex, employers demand ahigher level of skill and expertise from their employees. Individuals with anadvanced degree in computer science or computer engineering or with an MBAwith a concentration in information systems should enjoy highly favorableemployment prospects. College graduates with a bachelor's degree in computer

science, computer engineering, information science, or MIS also should enjoyfavorable prospects for employment, particularly if they have supplemented theirformal education with practical experience. Because employers continue to seekcomputer specialists who can combine strong technical skills with goodinterpersonal and business skills, graduates with non-computer-science degrees,but who have had courses in computer programming, systems analysis, and otherinformation technology areas, also should continue to find jobs in these computerfields. In fact, individuals with the right experience and training can work in these
http://www.iccp.org/http://www.iccp.org/http://www.iccp.org/http://www.iccp.org/


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computer occupations regardless of their college major or level of formal education.

The State Council of Higher Education lists many Virginia educational institutionsoffering programs in computer science on their website:http://research.schev.edu/degreeinventory/inventory_

COMMONWEALTH COMPETENCIES

Competencies are a set of identified behaviors, knowledge, skills, and abilities thatdirectly and positively impact the success of employees and the organization.Competencies can be observed and measured. When consistently demonstrated,competencies make employees particularly effective in their work. Competencieshelp lay out a road map to career success. You can use the CommonwealthCompetencies to help improve your individual performance by adopting behaviorsthat make high performing employees successful in their jobs. In this way, you canuse the Commonwealth Competencies for your further professional development.

The Commonwealth Competencies are:

1. Technical and Functional Expertise2. Understanding the Business3. Achieving Results4. Serving the Customer5. Teamwork6. Interpersonal and Communication Skills7. Leadership and Personal Effectiveness

The above competencies may be applied to employees throughout theCommonwealth of Virginia. They can be rank-ordered by agencies and hiringmanagers to represent the needs of a specific job. The rank ordering will changedepending upon the occupation, an organization's priorities, the actual jobrequirements, and the supervisor's preferences.

Career success is both about what you do (applying your technical knowledge,skills, and ability) and how you do it (the consistent behaviors you demonstrate andchoose to use) while interacting and communicating with others. Hopefully, bystudying the Commonwealth competencies, identifying your developmentalopportunities, and working to refine your own competence, you can take charge of

your career!

For additional information about the Commonwealth Competencies goto:http://jobs.state.va.us/cc_planningctr.htm For the competencies, we first list thecompetencies and then define each. Finally, we list competency indicators; todescribe what successful performance looks like.
http://research.schev.edu/degreeinventory/inventory_http://research.schev.edu/degreeinventory/inventory_http://research.schev.edu/degreeinventory/inventory_http://jobs.state.va.us/cc_planningctr.htmhttp://jobs.state.va.us/cc_planningctr.htmhttp://jobs.state.va.us/cc_planningctr.htmhttp://jobs.state.va.us/cc_planningctr.htmhttp://research.schev.edu/degreeinventory/inventory_


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COMMONWEALTH CAREER PATH

Career opportunities in the Commonwealth are not limited to moving up to thenext highest role and pay band, changing positions, or to becoming a supervisor.That's because most roles describe a broad group of occupationally related

positions that perform a range of work that requires increased knowledge andskills. For that reason, Commonwealth roles describe the career paths within thesame or higher-level role for the same or different Career Group. The broad salaryrange and the Commonwealth's pay practices provide flexibility in recognizingcareer development and advancement. (Salary Structure)

For example: Computer Systems Analysts

PAYBAND

PRACTITIONER ROLES PAYBAND

MANAGER ROLES

4 Information TechnologySpecialist I

Information TechnologySpecialist II

6 Information TechnologySpecialist III

6 Information TechnologyManager I

7 Information TechnologyManger II

8 Information TechnologyManager III

Sample Career Path

Information Technology Specialist I

This role provides a career track for entry-level computer systems analysts applyingbasic skills in the areas of Applications/Programming, Systems Engineering,Network Analysis, IT Analysis and Equipment and Applications Specialty. Requiresknowledge or equivalent experience in the field.

Information Technology Specialist II

This role provides a career track for computer systems analysts applying journey toadvanced skills in the areas of Applications Programming/Analysis, NetworkAnalysis, and IT Analysis and specialist level positions in Systems Analysis.

Information Technology Specialist III
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This role provides career tracks for computer systems analysts performing asexpert in the areas of Applications Programming/Analysis, Network Analysis, ITAnalysis. The first track is as a technical consultant. The second track has leadlevel responsibilities for instructing, directing, and monitoring the work of staff.These tracks can lead to supervisory responsibilities. Requires knowledge and

extensive experience in computer systems analysis. Supervisory levels also requireleadership experience in the function.

Information Technology Manager I

This role provides a career track for managers in the equipment and applicationsspecialty. They require knowledge and considerable leadership experience incomputer systems analysis.

Information Technology Manager II

This role provides a career track for managers in the field of InformationTechnology who has program direction with several units or sections. Directs,through subordinate supervisors, all program, operations, and staff in assignedarea. Requires knowledge and substantial leadership experience in computersystem analysis.

Information Technology Manager III

This role provides a career track for executive director level positions in the field ofInformation Technology providing services to multiple state agencies in a multi-technology environment. Requires knowledge and extensive leadership experience

in the functional area.


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Computer and Information Systems Managers Nature of the Work

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Employment

Job Outlook Projections

Earnings

Wages

Related Occupations

Sources of Additional Information

Significant Points

Employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. A bachelor's degree in a computer-related field usually is required for management positions, although employers

often prefer a graduate degree, especially an MBA with technology as a core component.

Many managers possess advanced technical knowledge gained from working in a computer occupation.

Job prospects should be excellent.

Nature of the WorkAbout this section In the modern workplace, it is imperative that Information Technology (IT) works both effectively and

reliably. Computer and information systems managersplay a vital role in the implementation and administration of

technology within their organizations. They plan, coordinate, and direct research on the computer-related activities of

firms. In consultation with other managers, they help determine the goals of an organization and then implement

technology to meet those goals. They oversee all technical aspect of an organization, such as software development,

network security, and Internet operations.

Computer and information systems managers direct the work of other IT professionals, such ascomputer software

engineers and computer programmers,computer systems analysts, andcomputer support specialists(information on

these occupations can be found elsewhere in the Handbook). They plan and coordinate activities such as installing

and upgrading hardware and software, programming and systems design, the implementation of computer networks,

and the development of Internet and intranet sites. They are increasingly involved with the upkeep, maintenance,

and security of networks. They analyze the computer and information needs of their organizations from an

operational and strategic perspective and determine immediate and long-range personnel and equipment

requirements. They assign and review the work of their subordinates and stay abreast of the latest technology to

ensure that the organization remains competitive.

Computer and information systems managers can have additional duties, depending on their role within an

organization. Chief technology officers (CTOs),for example, evaluate the newest and most innovative technologies

and determine how these can help their organizations. They develop technical standards, deploy technology, and

supervise workers who deal with the daily information technology issues of the firm. When a useful new tool has

been identified, the CTO determines one or more possible implementation strategies, including cost-benefit and

return on investment analyses, and presents those strategies to top management, such as the chief information

officer(CIO). (Chief information officers are covered in a separate Handbooksection ontop executives.)

Management information systems (MIS) directorsor information technology (IT) directorsmanage computing

resources for their organizations. They often work under the chief information officer and plan and direct the work of
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subordinate information technology employees. These managers ensure the availability, continuity, and security of

data and information technology services in their organizations. In this capacity, they oversee a variety of technical

departments, develop and monitor performance standards, and implement new projects.

IT project managersdevelop requirements, budgets, and schedules for their firms information technology projects.

They coordinate such projects from development through implementation, working with their organizations IT

workers, as well as clients, vendors, and consultants. These managers are increasingly involved in projects thatupgrade the information security of an organization.

Work environment. Computer and information systems managers generally work in clean, comfortable offices.

Long hours are common, and some may have to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines or solve

unexpected problems; in 2008, about 25 percent worked more than 50 hours per week. Some computer and

information systems managers may experience considerable pressure in meeting technical goals with short deadlines

or tight budgets. As networks continue to expand and more work is done remotely, computer and information

systems managers have to communicate with and oversee offsite employees using laptops, e-mail, and the Internet.

Injuries in this occupation are uncommon, but like other workers who spend considerable time using computers,

computer and information systems managers are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort, and hand and wrist

problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Computer and information systems managers oversee a variety of workers, including systems analysts, support

specialists, and software engineers.

Training, Other Qualifications, and AdvancementAboutthis section Computer and information systems managers generally have technical expertise from working in a computer

occupation, as well as an understanding of business and management principles. A strong educational backgroundand experience in a variety of technical fields is needed.

Education and training. A bachelor's degree in a computer-related field usually is required for management

positions, although employers often prefer a graduate degree, especially an MBA with technology as a core

component. Common majors for undergraduate degrees are computer science, information science, or management

information systems (MIS).
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A bachelors degree in a computer-related field generally takes 4 years to complete, and includes courses in

computer science, computer programming, computer engineering, mathematics, and statistics. Most also include

general education courses such as English and communications. MIS programs usually are part of the business

school or college, and contain courses such as finance, marketing, accounting, and management, as well as systems

design, networking, database management, and systems security.

MBA programs usually require 2 years of study beyond the undergraduate degree, and, like undergraduate business

programs, include courses on finance, marketing, accounting, and management, as well as database management,

electronic business, and systems management and design.

A few computer and information systems managers attain their positions with only an associate or trade school

degree, but they must have sufficient experience and must have acquired additional skills on the job. To aid their

professional advancement, many managers with an associate degree eventually earn a bachelor's or master's degree

while working.

Certification and other qualifications. Computer and information systems managers need a broad range of

skills. Employers look for individuals who can demonstrate an understanding of the specific software or technology

used on the job. Generally, this knowledge is gained through years of experience working with that particular

product. Another way to demonstrate this trait is with professional certification. Although not required for most

computer and information system management positions, certification demonstrates an area of expertise, and can

increase an applicants chances of employment. These high-level certifications are often product-specific, and are

generally administered by software or hardware companies rather than independent organizations.

Computer and information systems managers also need a thorough understanding of business practices. Because

information technology is a central component of many organizations, these workers often must make important

business decisions. Consequently, many firms seek managers with a background in business management,

consulting, or sales. These workers also must possess good leadership and communication skills, as one of their main

duties is to assign work and monitor employee performance. They also must be able to explain technical subjects to

people without technical expertise, such as clients or managers of other departments.

Advancement. Computer and information systems managers may advance to progressively higher leadership

positions in an information technology department. A project manager, for instance, might be promoted to the chief

technology officer position and then to chief information officer. On occasion, some may become managers in non-

technical areas such as marketing, human resources, or sales because in high technology firms an understanding of

technical issues is helpful in those areas.

EmploymentAbout this section Computer and information systems managers held about 293,000 jobs in 2008. About 16 percent worked in the

computer systems design and related services industry. This industry provides IT services on a contract basis,

including custom computer programming services; computer systems design and integration services; and computer

facilities management services. Other large employers include insurance and financial firms, government agencies,

business management organizations, and manufacturers.

Job OutlookAbout this section Faster than averageemployment growth is expected, and job prospects should beexcellent.

Employment change. Employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to grow 17 percent

over the 2008-18 decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. New applications of technology in the

workplace will continue to drive demand for workers, fueling the need for more managers. To remain competitive,

firms will continue to install sophisticated computer networks and set up more complex intranets and websites. They
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will need to adopt the most efficient software and systems and troubleshoot problems when they occur. Computer

and information systems managers will be needed to oversee these functions.

Because so much business is carried out over computer networks, security will continue to be an important issue for

businesses and other organizations, and will lead to strong growth for computer managers. Firms will increasingly

hire security experts to fill key leadership roles in their information technology departments because the integrity of

their computing environments is of utmost importance.

The growth of computer and information systems managers should be closely related to the growth of the

occupations they supervise. For information on these occupations, see the Handbooksections oncomputer software

engineers and computer programmers;computer systems analysts;computer network, systems, and database

administrators;computer scientists; andcomputer support specialists.

Among computer and information systems managers, job growth is expected to be the fastest in computer systems

design establishments; software publishing firms; data processing and hosting companies; management, scientific,

and technical consulting services; and healthcare organizations. Increased consolidation of IT services may reduce

growth to some extent in other industries.

Job prospects. Prospects for qualified computer and information systems managers should be excellent. Workers

with specialized technical knowledge and strong communications and business skills, as well as those with an MBA

with a concentration in information systems, will have the best prospects. Job openings will be the result of

employment growth and the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.

Projections DataAbout this section Projections data from the National Employment Matrix

Occupational Title SOC Code Employment, 2008Projected

Employment, 2018

Change,2008-18

Number Percent

Computer and information systemsmanagers

11-3021 293,000 342,500 49,500 17

NOTE: Data in this table are rounded. See the discussion of the employment projections table in the Handbookintroductorychapter onOccupational Information Included in the Handbook.

EarningsAbout this section Wages of computer and information systems managers vary by specialty and level of responsibility. Median annual

wages of these managers in May 2008 were $112,210. The middle 50 percent earned between $88,240 and

$141,890. Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of computer and information

systems managers in May 2008 were as follows:

Software publishers $126,840

Computer systems design and related services 118,120

Management of companies and enterprises 115,150

Depository credit intermediation 113,380

Insurance carriers 109,810
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In addition to salaries, computer and information systems managers, especially those at higher levels, often receive

employment-related benefits, such as expense accounts, stock option plans, and bonuses.

Project manager consultant

Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to assess computing needs andsystem requirements.

Stay abreast of advances in technology. Meet with department heads, managers, supervisors, vendors, and others, to solicit cooperation

and resolve problems. Review project plans to plan and coordinate project activity. Develop and interpret organizational goals, policies, and procedures. Provide users with technical support for computer problems. Evaluate the organization's technology use and needs and recommend improvements, such as

hardware and software upgrades. Evaluate data processing proposals to assess project feasibility and requirements. Develop computer information resources, providing for data security and control, strategic

computing, and disaster recovery. Prepare and review operational reports or project progress reports. Direct daily operations of department, analyzing workflow, establishing priorities, developing

standards and setting deadlines. Review and approve all systems charts and programs prior to their implementation. Assign and review the work of systems analysts, programmers, and other computer-related

workers. Recruit, hire, train and supervise staff, or participate in staffing decisions. Purchase necessary equipment. Control operational budget and expenditures. Manage backup, security and user help systems

carreer in computer field

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