Career Prospects in Computer Information Systems (CIS)

IT has always been one of the most favorite career options, for the field is highly exciting and highest paying if you combine your IT skills with management education. 

Professionals in computer information system play a vital role in solving strategic business problems by designing computer based operations. They have to analyse the existing business systems and explore novel ideas to optimise technological performance in an organisation. Hence, one can imagine the continual and increasing demand for CIS professionals in the future as well. 

In layman language, a proficient in this field plays an important role in planning, implementation, administration and operation of technology or any computer related activities in an organisation. They need to carefully look at issues like intranet, network security, trouble shoots, data base, servers, Internet operations apart from upgrading software and hardware systems. 

Highly salaried CIS managers have to monitor and guide other IT professionals like computer analysts, software or hardware engineers and programmers. 



Skills and Education

The field of CIS demands a strong educational and technological background. There are programmes available at bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate level in CIS. The best institutions conduct entrance exam for admissions to both undergraduate and post graduate degree programmes. The bachelor’s level programme asks for 10+2 in science stream as minimum eligibility criteria. While the master’s level demands study of computer sciences at the bachelor’s level. 

The subjects that aspirants of the field study at the undergraduate level include basics in computing, programming, data management, networks and telecommunications, system analysis, logical design. The integrated programme combines study of computers with the relevant field which could be science, healthcare, statistics or business management. 

The master’s level programmes usually are part of the business school and involve study of subjects like marketing and management, along with systems security, networking, systems design and data management. And if not a part of a business school, a specialised programme in CIS can be in areas like business management, database management, network security, web development and enterprise computing. 

Besides, computer and information systems professionals need a broad range of skills, which must be updated from time to time to have a continual mark in the field. Different kind of certifications related to CIS demonstrates an area of expertise of a professional. 



Opportunities

New applications of technology will continue to raise demand for CIS professionals. Experts can find employment opportunities in web development, project management, designing of new systems, IT marketing/sales and IT consulting. The expansion of wireless Internet service will escalate the need of proficient people in the field. Besides, job growth would be the fastest in areas like data processing, software publishing, scientific consulting, computer systems designing and healthcare.