What are Typical Careers for Our Graduates?

Information Systems (IS) are combinations of hardware, software, and telecommunications networks that people build and use to collect, create, and distribute useful information and knowledge. Organizations use information systems for a variety of reasons: to gain competitive advantage, reach more customers, or improve service. The term IS also refers to the field comprising those who design, develop, use, manage, and study information systems in organizations. It is important to recognize that nearly every industry, not just computer hardware and software companies, relies heavily on IS professionals.

Today, the qualified professional with an IS major possesses valuable, integrated knowledge and skills in three areas-technical, business, and systems. Specific career opportunities depend on the student's interests, coursework, and experience. A multitude of job opportunities for IS graduates are available. The career opportunities are as follows:

• MIS jobs
  Computer and Information Systems Managers - supervise the programming, support, and analyst departments of an organization
  Project managers - manage the cost, time, risk, and other areas associated with a project
  Business analyst project managers - manage the cost, time, risk, and other areas associated with a project
  Business analyst - an individual who helps to determine the requirements for a computer information system
  Consultant - an individual who consults in the area of MIS for a variety of business-related issues
  
  
• CIS jobs
  Computer Support Specialists - also known as help-desk technicians, provide technical assistance to customers by identifying and solving their hardware and software problems.
  Computer Systems Analysts - are responsible for designing computer information systems, modifying systems to improve production or work flow, or expanding systems to serve new purposes.
  Database Administrators - are responsible for the environmental aspects of a database.
  Network and Computer Systems Administrators - work specifically on the design, installation, and support of a company or organization's LAN , WAN, network segment, Internet, or intranet system.
  Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts - design, evaluate, test and maintain a diverse array of networks, including LANS, WANS, Internet-based networks, intranets, and voice communication and wireless systems.
  

  Occupation	Annual mean wage
  Computer and Information Systems Managers	$112,160
  Computer Support Specialists	$51,890
  Computer Systems Analysts	$82,310
  Database Administrators	$74,600
  Network and Computer Systems Administrators	$69,920
  Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts	$73,590
  Data source http://www.bls.gov/OES/current/oes_16974.htm Data extracted on September 10,2008

  
  

Purdue University Calumet
Department of Information Systems