Info Systems 101
There has been a lot of discussion over data and the need to convert it into information in the most efficient and rapid way. Most of the companies today are dealing with enormous amounts of data and its security, and that’s where Information Systems come to the rescue.
Information Systems is the study of how technology can be used to solve business problems and create new business opportunities. Understanding its importance, universities in US offer graduate programs with the focus on information and its management. Clark University offers a similar program with the name MSIT (Masters in Information Technology). However some universities call it the MIS (Masters in Information Systems) program.
Information Systems professionals must analyze the evolving role of information and organizational processes. Their work includes the design, implementation and maintenance of the information systems that form the backbone of today’s global economy. IS professionals provide a bridge between the organization, technology, and the customer. The systems analyst is always asking questions and communicating, providing this bridge. And when viewpoints differ, he/she must come to a point of resolve and clarity on how to address it. Information Systems professionals distinguish themselves by integrating technology into business.
New applications of technology in the workplace will continue to drive demand for workers, fueling the need for more managers. To remain competitive, firms will continue to install sophisticated computer networks and set up more complex intranets and websites. They will need to adopt the most efficient software and systems and troubleshoot problems when they occur. Computer and information systems managers will be needed to oversee these functions.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has said, "Employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to grow 17 percent over the 2008-18 decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations."
2015 Median Pay: $131,600 per year, $63.27 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree
Work experience in a related occupation: 5 years or more
On-the-job training: None
Number of jobs, 2014: 348,500
Job outlook, 2014-24: 15% (much faster than average)
Employment change, 2014-24: 53,700
Information Systems graduates pursue professional careers as application developers, database analysts, business analysts, and into managerial positions. The combination of business, technical, and interpersonal skills are what recruiters’ demand of Information Systems professionals.
Another area where MIS students will always be needed will be in innovation. As the individual that bridges the gap between business and technology, MIS grads will be applying the latest technologies to solve the world’s problems.
MIST @ Clark
My experience in the MSIT Program here at Clark University has been a rewarding one so far. I am into my second semester, learning new things every day. The professors here are really supportive and are willing to walk that extra mile in case you are interested and serious about the course. I have an IT background and my purpose to pursue masters in IT was to do a specialization in cybersecurity. With the advancement in technology and the hackers coming up with more sophisticated tools, the cybersecurity concentration in the MSIT program makes a lot of sense to me.
The courses being offered in the MSIT program are not restricted to the IT market only. Here, you would get a chance to learn about different domains like Finance, E-commerce and e-business, Visual Data analytics, Business Intelligence etc. Visual Data analytics is one of my favorites as well. In today’s IT industry where we are dealing with humongous data, using data analysis tools such as Tableau, Rapidminer, Knime etc. gives you an edge over your peers. Earlier, the analysis of data using the traditional MS excel way, took hours or days in some cases. But now with such tools, you are all set for your presentation within seconds.
Some people have misconceptions about the kind of work an IT person does at his/her job. It’s believed that the life of an IT guy revolves around the ‘code’ only. They are constantly doing coding in various languages for hours with not being sure if the code would actually work. Let me tell you, that is not true. If that’s the case I would not have survived even a single day in IT industry. I suck at coding. There are a lot of other roles in the IT market where you could find a job for yourself. I worked as a consultant in the IT industry for five years. I was building the software for my clients with no hands on to the codes. Now, I am here in the US in order to enhance my skills and get exposure to cutting edge technologies.
Naman is a graduate student from India pursuing a degree in Information Technology. For more info on this Clark program, visit its program page or its COPACE page.
