Day in the Life
 Computer
and information systems managers need strong communication skills. They
coordinate the activities of their unit with those of other units or
organizations. They confer with top executives; financial, production,
marketing, and other managers; and contractors and equipment and
materials suppliers.
 Job
Duties
The duties of computer and information systems managers vary with
their specific titles. Chief technology officers, for example,
evaluate the newest and most innovative technologies and determine
how these can help their organizations. The chief technology
officer, who often reports to the organization's chief information
officer, manages and plans technical standards and tends to the
daily information technology issues of the firm. (Chief information
officers are covered in a separate Handbook statement on top
executives.) Because of the rapid pace of technological change,
chief technology officers must constantly be on the lookout for
developments that could benefit their organizations. They are
responsible for demonstrating to a company how information
technology can be used as a competitive tool that not only cuts
costs, but also increases revenue and maintains or increases
competitive advantage.
 Management
information systems (MIS) directors manage information systems and
computing resources for their organizations. They also may work
under the chief information officer and plan and direct the work of
subordinate information technology employees. These managers oversee
a variety of user services such as an organization's help desk,
which employees can call with questions or problems. MIS directors
also may make hardware and software upgrade recommendations based on
their experience with an organization's technology. Helping ensure
the availability, continuity, and security of data and information
technology services is the primary responsibility of these workers.
Project managers develop requirements, budgets, and schedules for
their firms' information technology projects. They coordinate such
projects from development through implementation, working with
internal and external clients, vendors, consultants, and computer
specialists. These managers are increasingly involved in projects
that upgrade the information security of an organization.
LAN/WAN (local area network/wide area network) managers provide a
variety of services, from design to administration of the local area
network, which connects staff within an organization. These managers
direct the network and its computing environment, including
hardware, systems software, applications software, and all other
computer-related configurations.
The
Workplace
 Computer
and information systems managers spend most of their time in an
office. Most work at least 40 hours a week and may have to work
evenings and weekends to meet deadlines or solve unexpected
problems. Some computer and information systems managers may
experience considerable pressure in meeting technical goals within
short timeframes or tight budgets. As networks continue to expand
and more work is done remotely, computer and information systems
managers have to communicate with and oversee offsite employees
using modems, laptops, e-mail, and the Internet.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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