In computer science, you learn the algorithm to find possible solutions to computational problems. In Computer Information Systems (CIS), the professionals implement those solutions to manage the needs of businesses and tackle relevant issues.
At the managerial level, a CIS manager oversees the installation and maintenance of the hardware and the software, ensures network security, and analyzes computer needs.
Hence, the professionals in the field help find practical solutions to improve processes using computing technology. They work with IT companies to solve operations issues and possess knowledge and expertise in areas like communications, business, and software design.
Some of the courses students pursue in the field of CIS include communications, business, networking, software design, and mathematics.
Overview
Graduates in the CIS field can find jobs in a wide range of industries. Computer information systems careers include systems analyst, software developer, information security analyst, chief information officer, web developer, project manager, and chief security officer, among many others.
If you have a CIS degree, you will possess strong programming language skills. However, there are many other skills that a CIS graduate will require in the job market. Some of them include project management, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Computer Information Systems: Roles and Salary
The following are some of the roles in the computer information systems field. Each role, in essence, contains all the tasks that come with a CIS role along with the requirements pertaining to them. The average salaries for these positions are also mentioned in this section. These salaries will differ according to the state you land a job in.
Computer Information Systems (CIS) Manager
A CIS manager oversees a team of IT specialists to execute tasks and perform system maintenance. The manager ensures that computers and networks are established properly to avoid any delays or risks.
Some of the job responsibilities also include managing network and information security, upgrading current technology advances and updates, developing and maintaining internal and client-facing networks.
According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for an information systems manager is $72,637 in the United States.
Database Administrator
A large number of websites and online applications rely on databases, which has caused a rise in the demand for database administrators. A database administrator uses software to manage a company’s information by identifying the best ways to store and organize data.
Some of the responsibilities of a database administrator include installing database and application tools, applying database design, modifying database structures, overseeing physical requirements (memory/disk space), capacity planning, migrating, ensuring security, and troubleshooting.
According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for a database administrator is $78,779 in the United States, with a high of $107,000 and a low of $59,000.
Computer System Analyst
Computer systems analysts use their knowledge to design computer systems and processes for their clients, effectively and efficiently.
Computer systems analysts examine ways in which a system is used. They also research the hardware, the software and the networks of a computer system.
Some of the computer system analyst job responsibilities include identifying the organization’s IT systems needs, researching and evaluating new technologies, overseeing installations, developing strategies to improve productivity, training users and assisting in the design and development of new computer applications.
According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for a computer systems analyst is $64,394 in the United States. Meanwhile, the U.S. News reported that in the year 2018, computer systems analysts made a median salary of $88,740.
Chief Information Officer
The chief information officer (CIO) is one of the most senior technology executives in an organization and is responsible for a company’s technology-related strategies and policies. With time, more and more organizations are hiring CIOs to overlook their IT related needs and operations. CIO is also commonly referred to as a Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
Some of the job responsibilities of a CIO include strategic planning of business growth and value, partnering with business leaders to create business products, establishing processes to improve productivity and efficiency, managing IT teams, managing information risk, and driving strategies and roadblocks against cyber attacks.
According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for the role is $155,757 annually in the United States.
Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts monitor computer networks and systems against potential threats. The analysts have knowledge and understanding of cybersecurity threats and take actions to prevent them.
The information security analyst installs protection such as firewalls and data and encryption programs to protect data against malicious threats.
Some of the job responsibilities of an information security analyst include performing security testing, reviewing information security alerts, monitoring and analyzing security alerts, researching and analyzing threat intelligence, supporting the organization’s risk management team, ensuring authorized access, and reporting violations.
According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for an information security analyst is $76,410 in the United States with a low of $53,000 and a high of $116,000.
Conclusion
As someone working in the CIS field, you need to be able to think quickly on your feet and be ready to respond to any urgent requests in the company. In addition, you need to have a good understanding of technical issues and systems and are able to communicate and resolve the issues effectively.
The list covered above is not exhaustive. In the field, there are many other positions apart from the ones mentioned above. Don’t stop your search here and keep looking for other potential positions that might interest you in the field.
While graduates in the CIS field can land a wide range of positions in various industries, some popular computer information systems careers can include systems analyst, software developer, information security analyst, chief information officer, web developer, project manager, and chief security officer, among many others.
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The salaries for CIS degree graduates vary widely depending on their position. However, According to Glassdoor, you can expect to earn anywhere between $53,000 and $155,757
Yes! Having skills in programming will serve as an asset to your career and will lead to many high-paying jobs. If you have a CIS degree, you will be expected to have strong coding skills.
There is no “right” way to learn to code! You can learn programming through self study, a traditional four-year degree, or through a coding bootcamp.
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