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Computer Systems Manager Job Description
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Every business relies on technology for their day to day operations, and computer systems managers make sure the right technology is in place and performing well. Typical responsibilities of computer systems managers include:
- Interviewing managers of departments to determine their technology requirements
- Working with business leaders to establish organizational goals for growth and capability
- Researching the latest software and services to prevent potential problems
- Planning for the purchase and implementation of technical solutions
- Overseeing software development, Web and network connections, and security
- Supervising programmers, software engineers, systems analysts and support specialists
- Coordinating the installation and maintenance of software and hardware
- Designing systems and overseeing their installation
- Creating and maintaining websites for the public and for employee use
In addition to these general responsibilities, Chief Technology Officers (CTO) evaluate innovative solutions and determine how they can be best implemented. They weigh the costs against the benefits, and analyze how the solution will bring profit after a large investment. CTOs also establish technical standards and processes and write security policies, working with Chief Information Officers (CIO).
Information Technology (IT) or Management of Information Systems (MIS) directors make sure that information is available and secure for users in the organization. They oversee IT employees, identify and uphold performance standards, and manage the implementation of projects.
Project managers in IT identify requirements, manage budgets, and coordinate schedules for projects - overseeing the process from development through implementation. They interact with their organization’s IT employees, clients, consultants and vendors.
Computer systems managers often work long hours, and they can work all hours of the day and night. They frequently travel or work remotely to manage issues at other locations.
Degrees and Schools
Many four-year institutions offer bachelor's degrees in computer science, management information systems (MIS) or information science. A Master's in Business Administration with emphasis on technology is usually preferred by employers of computer systems managers, and can be obtained with an additional two years of study at a college or university.
Vocational schools and community colleges also offer computer-related associate's degrees, which may be sufficient for employers when combined with work experience and/or professional certification.
Classes
Students pursuing an undergraduate degree or MBA that will prepare them for a career in computer systems management divide their time between classroom and computer lab. They also work on team projects and collaborate with local businesses through internships and research projects. Common courses include:
- Computer science theory and application
- Software development, programming and engineering
- Systems design, networking and security
- Database management
- Mathematics and statistics
- English and communications
- Finance and accounting
- Management, business and marketing
Online Classes and Programs
Programs that offer bachelor's and master's degrees in computer-related fields through e-learning are some of the most well-developed on the Web. Some programs are offered by Internet-based schools, while most are offered by universities and colleges that have campuses.
Online courses should be part of an institution with accreditation from agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or United States Department of Education (USDE).
Employment Requirements
A bachelor's degree in information science, computer science or management information systems (MIS) is usually the minimum requirement for computer systems manager positions, although many employers prefer candidates with MBAs that focus on technology. With sufficient work experience and/or professional certification, an associate's degree from a trade or vocational school may be sufficient for some positions. In these cases, the employer may assist the employee in obtaining their bachelor's or master's degree during their employment.
In addition to the proper academic background, computer systems managers are expected to have professional certification in specific software and technology used on the job, as well as a minimum of several years of computer science and business experience. They should also be good leaders with excellent communication skills.
How to Evaluate Computer Systems Management Schools
Here are some questions to consider when comparing computer-related degree programs:
- Degree field - Does the degree align with specific career goals? For example, if the student is interested in information systems more than networking, he or she may wish to consider an MIS rather than computer science.
- Course availability - Are there a substantial number of courses available in specific areas of interest? Are business courses available as well as IS courses? Are the courses difficult to get into?
- Learning technologies - What school-related tasks are students able to complete online? How many courses are available via the Web? Are computer labs well-equipped with enough workstations to support demand?
- Accreditation - Is the program affiliated with or part of an accredited school?
- Location - Is the school located in a major technology center such as the Silicon Valley in California or Denver / Boulder, Colorado, where internships and job opportunities may be more plentiful?
- Tuition and financial assistance - Does the school provide an abundance of resources to help students find financial support, such as student loans, scholarships, grants and work study?
- Career searching - Does the program offer job placement assistance? Are desirable employers well-represented at career fairs? What kinds of jobs do graduates of the program have now?
Worker Reviews of This Career
Job Title: Information Technologies Manager
Attended: University Of Phoenix • Phoenix, AZ
Studied Information Technology (completion in 2011)
Highest relevant degree: Associate's
• Submitted: 1/23/2012
"My job pays the bills and keeps me fairly interested. I, however, would not give it a higher rating than 5 because it does not have a lot of room for growth."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| School Rating | 3 | The University of Phoenix's program had very little to do with my current position. The only value to the courses was making the pertinent information fresh in my mind. |
| Opportunity for Promotion | 4 | I began my position as clerk and have since climbed the latter to be a member of the management team. I have been successful at furthering my career, but I think I am at the top of my potential growth within the organization. |
| Job Security | 7 | Michigan has a declining market and the business I am working for is growing. This gives me fairly good reason to believe that my job is secure. |
| Earnings Potential | 3 | I make a little less than $50,000 a year currently and I have been with the organization for 10 years. My earning potential, without looking at increases in the cost of living, does not go any higher than $80,000. |
| How Stressful | 7 | This business functions productively only when I've done my job satisfactorily. When there is any kind of a technical issue, it falls on my shoulders to correct, which greatly compounds the stress. |
| Task Variety | 5 | Everyday new tasks and issues are presented to me. This really breaks up the monotony of sitting in front of a computer screen. |
| How Cool Is The Career | 1 | At my job I am viewed as a computer nerd. I believe that stigma is related to the job title, so "coolness" is not very high. |
| Career Flexibility | 2 | HIPAA security largely dictates how my organization works. This means that the company would need to make a significant investment to increase its flexibility. |
| Social Orientation | 5 | I socialize with people on a day to day basis. The majority of my face to face interactions happen because people need to learn how to repair something on their computers. |
