Page 464 - Using MIS

432 Chapter 11 Information Systems Management
What IS-Related Job Positions Exist?

IS departments provide a wide range of interesting and well-paying jobs. Many students enter
the MIS class thinking that the IS departments consist only of programmers and computer tech-
nicians. If you reflect on the five components of an information system, you can understand why
this cannot be true. The data, procedures, and people components of an information system
require professionals with highly developed interpersonal communications skills.
Figure 11-2 summarizes the major job positions in the IS industry. With the exception of
computer technician and possibly PQA test engineer, all of these positions require a 4-year
degree. Furthermore, with the exception of programmer and PQA test engineer, they all require
business knowledge. In most cases, successful professionals have a degree in business. Note,
too, that most positions require good verbal and written communications skills. Business, in-
Figure 11-2 cluding information systems, is a social activity.
Job Positions in the Information
Systems Industry

Knowledge, Skill, and United States 2013
Characteristics Salary
Title Responsibilities Requirements Range (USD)

Business analyst Work with business leaders and Knowledge of business $75,000–$125,000
planners to develop processes planning, strategy, process
and systems that implement management, and technology.
business strategy and goals. Can deal with complexity.
See big picture but work with
details. Strong interpersonal and
communications skills needed.

System analyst Work with users to determine Strong interpersonal and $65,000–$125,000
system requirements, design communications skills.
and develop job descriptions Knowledge of both business
and procedures, help determine and technology. Adaptable.
system test plans.
Programmer Design and write computer Logical thinking and design $50,000–$150,000
programs. skills, knowledge of one or
more programming languages.
PQA test Develop test plans, design and Logical thinking, basic $40,000–$95,000
engineer write automated test scripts, programming, superb
perform testing. organizational skills, eye for
detail.
Technical writer Write program documentation, Quick learner, clear writing $40,000–$95,000
help-text, procedures, job skills, high verbal
descriptions, training materials. communications skills.
User support Help users solve problems, Communications and people $40,000–$75,000
representative provide training. skills. Product knowledge.
Patience.
Computer Install software, repair computer Associate degree, diagnostic $30,000–$65,000
technician equipment and networks. skills.
Network Monitor, maintain, fix, and tune Diagnostic skills, in-depth $75,000–$200,000+
administrator computer networks. knowledge of communications
technologies and products.
Consultant Wide range of activities: Quick learner, entrepreneurial From $35 per hour for a
programming, testing, database attitude, communications and contract tester to more
design, communications and people skills. Respond well to than $500 per hour for
networks, project management, pressure. Particular knowledge strategic consulting to
security and risk management, depends on work. executive group.
social media, strategic planning.