An information system manager plays a critical role in any organization. He is responsible for monitoring all computer-related activities and working with the management to determine the technological needs of the organization. These IT professionals enjoy a lot of respect from their peers due to the advanced nature of their job. They also enjoy good salaries and job satisfaction. If you want to become an information systems manager, here are the steps you should take.

Get a High School Diploma

You will need at least a diploma or GED to secure a chance in an undergraduate computer program. All the computer programming, business or computer science courses you take in high school will create a strong foundation for college-level work. Subjects that develop your analytical, technical and communication skills, such as English, Algebra and Calculus, can also help you prepare well for college.

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

You will need a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems (CIS) or computer science. You can also choose any other computer-related course that gives you the basic technical and theoretical knowledge about information systems.

Though they have many subjects in common, computer science and information systems degrees are very different. Computer science deals with theories of computation, algorithm design and information processing. It also covers the practical implementation of these concepts in a computer software and hardware. The courses you are likely to encounter include programming languages, data structuring and system architecture.

Information systems, on the other hand, deals with the use of computers as a platform for interaction and control in communication technology frameworks. The possible courses include telecommunication systems, user interfaces, network management and data design.

Acquire Essential Skills

You must develop certain skills to function effectively as an information systems manager. You need good communication skills to interact with others and diffuse frustrating technical problems. Strong analytical skills to identify, evaluate and solve various IT problems are also necessary. You also need to develop a deep understanding of the business and the industry in which you work in. This way, you can properly set the organization’s technical priorities and allocate resources to ensure the IT systems put in place support the company’s growth agenda. You also need hands-on experience to increase your job prospects.

Obtain a Master’s Degree

You can get a job as an information systems manager with a bachelor’s degree. However, many employers prefer applicants who have master’s degrees. Many like those with master’s degree in business administration (MBA) with a concentration in computer information systems. An MBA program with a concentration on information systems emphasizes on the technical, strategic and managerial aspects of the company’s processes. The courses touch on areas such as data design and management, system design, project management and enterprise security. You will also do case studies and individual projects to help develop the skills and experience required on the job.

Obtain Certification

You need a certification to increase your chances of securing more advanced positions in your career. You can apply for Information Systems Analyst (ISP) or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification. The ISP certification comes from the Institute of Certification and Computing Professionals(ICCP) and is available for those who have graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems. The CISA is administered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and requires at least five years of professional work experience.

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Choosing a career in information systems is one of the best decisions you can ever make as a student. This is because of the huge potential this career field has. All you need is a bachelor’s degree, the right skills set, good certification and positive attitude to get a job and succeed as an information systems manager.