OVERVIEW
What Is a Computer Systems Manager?
A computer and information systems manager, also known simply as a computer systems manager, is responsible for overseeing the computer and data-related infrastructure for the organization. There may be other job titles that have similar responsibilities as computer systems managers.
IT managers and directors run information technology departments. However, in larger firms, these professionals may focus on a specific area, such as cybersecurity. Though all these job titles are different, the job descriptions of IT managers are similar in many ways, and most of the training required for this type of career is the same regardless of your area of focus.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Computer Systems Manager Do?
Because of the many subspecialties and differences in a company’s size and needs, the duties of a computer systems manager can vary from place to place. Here are some of the most common tasks you might have to handle in this career:
- IT support. Depending on the organization’s size and needs, you may be required to provide direct IT support to your colleagues. This may include training employees on how to use the software and digital devices, troubleshooting any issues that arise, and supervising IT in the organization.
- IT management. As a systems manager, you will be in charge of an entire department at your organization. Depending on the company's size and industry, you may directly supervise daily operations or delegate different duties to others. In a large company, you will likely also be responsible for charting an overall IT strategy.
- Network management. No large-scale computer system can function without proper networking. As a computer systems manager, you may be required to design, implement, secure, and manage these networks. This includes wired and wireless internet access, cloud computing configurations, and data storage. In larger companies, you oversee network administrators who handle the day-to-day operations.
- Project management. As a systems manager, you will be in charge of the company’s IT projects. These duties involve budgeting, planning, and researching new computer systems. You also oversee scaling, testing, and debugging whatever systems you choose.
Below are other responsibilities you might have as a computer systems manager in some settings.
- Researching new systems and networks.
- Evaluating system functionality and user needs so you can ensure your system meets them.
- Developing budgets for the company’s IT projects and implementing them while ensuring cost-effectiveness.
- Organizing the purchase of software and hardware.
- Securing the company’s network and data from attacks.
- Writing technical documentation and training material for the company’s computer systems.
- Preparing reports for upper management on the state of current IT systems.
- Training and mentoring new employees in the IT department.
- Staying up-to-date on the latest computer technologies.
This role is very versatile and highly dependent on context, so creating a strong base of skills and knowledge through education is important for success.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
What Education Does a Computer Systems Manager Need?
Due to the demands of this role, extensive formal education and industry experience is necessary, both to start and advance in this career.
To get started on the path to becoming a computer systems manager, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree. A program focusing on IT management may be an ideal choice, as it will give you training on IT fundamentals, systems, and structures while also giving you valuable knowledge about the business side of IT, such as budgets and strategy.
In order to advance to a management position, you’ll likely need an advanced degree. An MBA in IT management is a great option for those who want to advance into management-level positions in the IT field. This type of degree program goes in-depth into important leadership and management skills while also connecting those skills specifically to the IT field.
What Degrees are Best for a Computer Systems Manager?
Technology
Information Technology – B.S.
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online...
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online program a top choice.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 39 months.
- Tuition: $3,725 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
- LPI Linux Essentials
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
Business
MBA Information Technology Management
Earn the online college degree that can move your career into IT upper...
Earn the online college degree that can move your career into IT upper management:
- Time: Graduates can finish in 12 months
- Tuition: $4,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program
Sample careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- Management
- Project Management
- Leadership
- Innovation
- Communications
- Information Systems Security
Learn to navigate emergencies, execute strategies, and optimize systems with the competencies within this specialty MBA.
Technology
Accelerated Information Technology Bachelor's and Master's Degree
Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster...
Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster pace with fewer courses.
- Time: Approximately 5 years.
- Tuition: $3,835 per 6-month term for the bachelor's degree; $4,040 per term for the master's portion.
- Courses: 42 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
- PMI CAPM
- LPI Linux Essentials
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
This program allows students to earn their bachelor's degree in IT and move directly into a master's degree in IT management, cutting down on the total number of courses to complete.
How Much Does a Computer Systems Manager Make?
$151,150
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information systems managers had a median annual wage of $151,150 as of May 2020. The top 10% earned more than $208,000, while the bottom 10% earned less than $90,430. Exact earnings depend on education, experience, industry, employer, and location. It is important to note that this job may require you to work more than 40 hours a week, especially when upgrading systems or overseeing other projects.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
11%
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this sector is expected to grow by 11% from 2020 to 2030. This growth in demand is more than double the national average for all jobs. As firms increasingly digitize their operations, demand for computer system managers will grow, especially since these systems need to be secured and utilize the newest technologies.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Computer Systems Manager Need?
Computer systems management requires a diverse set of skills. To succeed in this career, you will have to be a well-rounded professional with both hard and soft skills.
You will develop the necessary technical skills during your undergraduate and graduate-level studies. You also need to focus on honing soft skills during school and while in an entry-level job. Some of the skills you need to be successful as a computer systems manager include:
- Analytical skills. You should be able to collect and analyze information and make decisions based on your analysis. As a computer systems manager, part of your work will be collecting data from different parts of the organization and using it to create strategies and find IT-related solutions that improve operations and enhance overall performance.
- Communication skills. You will need good verbal and nonverbal communication skills to excel in this career. You will be required to prepare training material, reports, and company memos. You will also need to talk directly to upper management, colleagues, and subordinates.
- Business skills. Your work directly impacts the company’s bottom line and you will be in charge of forming strategies for the company’s IT department, managing projects, preparing budgets, and figuring out ways to cut costs.
- Leadership skills. You will lead an entire department and work with executive-level employees regularly. You need to build teams and get the best performance out of each employee.
An advanced degree can also help you build the diverse skill set needed to thrive in this career.
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