Employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2012. Technological advancements
will boost the employment of computer-related workers; as a result, the
demand for managers to direct these workers also will increase. In
addition, job openings will result from the need to replace managers
who retire or move into other occupations. Opportunities for obtaining
a management position will be best for workers possessing an MBA with
technology as a core component, or a management information systems
degree, advanced technical knowledge, and strong communication and
administrative skills.
Despite the recent downturn in the
economy, especially in technology-related sectors, the outlook for
computer and information systems managers remains strong. In order to
remain competitive, firms will continue to install sophisticated
computer networks and set up more complex Internet and intranet sites.
Keeping a computer network running smoothly is essential to almost
every organization. Firms will be more willing to hire managers who can
accomplish that.
The security of computer networks will
continue to increase in importance as more business is conducted over
the Internet. The security of the Nation’s entire electronic
infrastructure has come under renewed focus in light of recent threats.
Organizations need to understand how their systems are vulnerable and
how to protect their infrastructure and Internet sites from hackers,
viruses, and other acts of cyber-terrorism. The emergence of
“cyber-security” as a key issue facing most organizations should lead
to strong growth for computer managers. Firms will increasingly hire
cyber-security experts to fill key leadership roles in their
information technology departments, because the integrity of their
computing environment is of the utmost concern. As a result, there will
be a high demand for managers proficient in computer security issues.
Due to the explosive growth of electronic commerce and the capacity of
the Internet to create new relationships with customers, the role of
computer and information systems managers will continue to evolve in
the future. Persons in these jobs will continue to become more vital to
their companies. The expansion of the wireless Internet will spur the
need for computer and information systems managers with both business
savvy and technical proficiency.
Opportunities for those who wish to become computer and information systems managers should be
closely related to the growth of the occupations they supervise and the industries in which they are found. (See the statements on computer programmers;
computer software engineers;
computer support specialists and systems administrators; and
computer systems analysts, database administrators, and computer scientists elsewhere in the Handbook.)
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