Management Information Systems

Area

Employer

Information/Strategies

Area:

Network Administration

Sub-Area:

Intranet
- Development
- Installation
- Testing
- Monitoring
- Maintenance
- Security
- Support
Hardware and Software Design

Employers:

Most areas of business, government and nongovernmental organizations including:
- Financial institutions
- Insurance companies
- Consulting fi rms
- Manufacturers
- Computer companies
- Telecommunications companies
- Retailers
- Healthcare organizations
- Hotels and restaurants
- Entertainment companies
- Environmental management firms
- Education institutions
- City, state and federal government

Strategies & Information:

Seek work experience in university computer labs.
Develop effective analytical and problem solving skills.
Expect to spend a signifi cant amount of time responding to inquiries from colleagues, customers and employees.
Acquire strong oral and written communication skills and interest in helping others.
Gain knowledge in a variety of computer areas including minor programming, software and hardware.
Stay abreast of the latest technologies.
Obtain applicable certifi cations such as Cisco or Microsoft.

Area:

Database Administration

Sub-Area:

Development
Installation
Testing
Maintenance/Support
Archiving/Security
Upgrading
Systems Integration
Management

Employers:

Most areas of business, government and nongovernmental organizations including:
- Financial institutions
- Insurance companies
- Consulting fi rms
- Manufacturers
- Computer companies
- Telecommunications companies
- Retailers
- Healthcare organizations
- Hotels and restaurants
- Entertainment companies
- Environmental management firms
- Education institutions
- City, state and federal government

Strategies & Information:

Develop logical thinking skills, attention to detail and the ability to concentrate for long periods of time.
Obtain technical experience through paid or volunteer positions.
Seek general knowledge of computer languages and database management software; consider specializing in one for increased marketability.
Acquire strong communication skills to prepare for work with teams of programmers and with staff who may have limited computer training.

Area:

Web Administration

Sub-Area:

Website
- Design
- Programming/Development
- Management
System Administration
Analysis

Employers:

Internet-related companies including:
- Browsers
- Search engines
- Website design services
Most areas of business, government and nongovernmental organizations including:
- Financial institutions
- Insurance companies
- Consulting firms
- Manufacturers
- Computer companies
- Telecommunications companies
- Retailers
- Healthcare organizations
- Hotels and restaurants
- Entertainment companies
- Environmental management firms
- Education institutions
- City, state and federal government

Strategies & Information:

Gain experience in web development or maintenance through part-time jobs or internships.
Seek expertise in information architecture and usability.
Volunteer to design web sites for student organizations or community groups.
Learn web-related programming languages.
Develop problem solving and creative thinking skills.
Learn to work effectively in a team by participating in group projects or student organizations.

Area:

Systems Development

Sub-Area:

Planning/Analysis
Design
Building/Coding
Integration/Testing
Operations/Maintenance
Project Management

Employers:

Most areas of business, government and nongovernmental organizations including:
- Financial institutions
- Insurance companies
- Consulting firms
- Manufacturers
- Computer companies
- Telecommunications companies
- Retailers
- Healthcare organizations
- Hotels and restaurants
- Entertainment companies
- Environmental management firms
- Education institutions
- City, state and federal government

Strategies & Information:

Develop excellent interpersonal skills for effective communication with technical and non-technical colleagues and clients.
Gain knowledge of industries, business areas or government agencies of interest. Complete a minor to gain specialized knowledge related to the field.
Strengthen logical thinking and problem solving skills.
Maintain current knowledge of computer languages and technology.
Gain programming experience and specialize for increased opportunities.
Obtain business experience through internships or part-time employment.
Supplement program with courses such as accounting, management, human resources, consulting to increase understanding of business theory.
Earn a graduate degree in technology or business for advanced opportunities in analysis, project management and executive operations

Area:

Technical Support

Sub-Area:

Hardware, Software, Systems Support
System Oversight/Evaluation
Training
Technical Writing
Marketing
Sales

Employers:

Software, hardware and systems developers
Technical service providers
Retailers
Education institutions

Strategies & Information:

Develop excellent listening, verbal and written communication skills and patience.
Display interest and ability in customer problem solving. A commitment to customer satisfaction is imperative.
Seek work experience in university computer labs and help desks.
Obtain general sales or customer service experience.
Develop extensive knowledge of merchandise for retail sales positions.
Take technical writing courses to develop skills.

Area:

Education/Training

Sub-Area:

Employers:

Proprietary (for profit) schools
K-12 public and private schools
Colleges and universities
Corporations
Non-profi t organizations

Strategies & Information:

Gain experience working with students through tutoring, part-time employment, internships in computer labs and/or other technical positions.
Develop excellent interpersonal and public speaking skills.
Inquire about certifi cation process which is required for K-12 teaching and varies by state.
Earn a graduate degree in information technology or a related fi eld for increased opportunities. A Master's degree may be suffi cient for teaching at community or two-year institutions.
Seek doctoral degree related to information sciences for teaching opportunities at colleges and universities.

Area:

Consulting

Sub-Area:

Employers:

Consulting firms
Self-employed

Strategies & Information:

Develop exceptional analytical and interpersonal skills for communicating with clients.
Obtain a strong technical knowledge of computers, a background in business management and experience in systems analysis.
Become familiar with various programming languages and operating systems.
Earn applicable certifi cations.
Demonstrate abilities to self-motivate and work independently.

General Information and Strategies

Professionals in this industry are excellent communicators who manage time effi ciently. They are detail- and big picture-oriented.
Expect to work extended and/or irregular hours at times and to be "on call."
Prepare to learn new information on a regular basis through online discussions, classes, conferences, periodicals and update your skills accordingly.
Certifications may be necessary for some technical careers. Obtain the certifi cations that are the most applicable to career goals and interests.
Gain as much diverse technical experience as possible. Seek positions in computer labs, retail computer/technology stores or as technological support for any office or business.
Investigate technology in additional areas such as audio/visual or telecommunications. Become familiar with the integration and application of these areas to management information systems.
Develop physical stamina and strength. Many networking professionals are involved in hands-on, physical activity during network installation and maintenance.
Specialize in a specific area of business or industry and become familiar with the applicable software and hardware. Earn a minor in your field of specialization i.e. biology for work with a scientific database.
Plan to earn a Master's degree such as an MBA with a technology component for increased management opportunities.

NOTE: The Management Information Systems major is closely related to other majors such as Computer Information Systems, Information System, Information Sciences and Information Technology. While each may be slightly different, all are focused on the application of technology in various environments. In contrast, Computer Science focuses on the theory of mathematical foundations required for the development of systems software such as operating systems and language translators.

* Original content provided by The University of Tennessee