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Computer and Information Systems Managers

In the Computer and Information Systems Managers occupation, workers plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming. O*NET rates it as considerable preparation, which usually means a bachelor’s degree plus a period of work experience. It leans on critical thinking, reading comprehension, and active listening. You may also need to direct daily operations of department, analyzing workflow, establishing priorities, developing standards and setting deadlines. On the six-type interest model it reads CEI, meaning orderly work with data, records and clear procedures comes first, followed by leading, persuading and making business decisions. People who want orderly work with data, records and clear procedures usually fit better here than those who need creative work with room for original expression.

What they do

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

Main tasks

  • Direct daily operations of department, analyzing workflow, establishing priorities, developing standards and setting deadlines.
  • Meet with department heads, managers, supervisors, vendors, and others, to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
  • Review project plans to plan and coordinate project activity.
  • Assign and review the work of systems analysts, programmers, and other computer-related workers.
  • Provide users with technical support for computer problems.
  • Develop computer information resources, providing for data security and control, strategic computing, and disaster recovery.

Skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
  • Judgment and Decision Making

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You like taking the lead and making the call.
  • You are ready to spend around four years on a degree, then build experience.
  • You are comfortable relying on critical thinking and reading comprehension.

May not suit you if

  • You get restless with routine, records and exact procedures.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.5 out of 7 here.
  • You want to avoid a four-year degree or its equivalent.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code CEI takes the three highest, and Conventional comes first here.

Preparation

Considerable preparation. Most jobs here ask for a bachelor’s degree, and employers usually expect a few years of related experience as well.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Application Development Director
  • Computing Services Director
  • Data Processing Manager
  • Information Systems Director (IS Director)
  • Information Systems Manager (IS Manager)

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.