HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
Secondary school students interested in this career often choose courses in math, computer science, business, or technology. After high school, many people gain education in fields such as computer science, software engineering, business, coding, or another related area. Several years of experience in an IT field are typically needed before moving into management. Some workers start in technical roles and later move into team leadership or project coordination. Because workplaces differ, exact education and experience paths can vary. Staying current with new technologies, programming languages, cloud tools, and cybersecurity trends is important throughout the career.
THE WORK
What you may do
Computer and information systems managers plan, organize, and coordinate an organization’s computer and information systems activities. They may help choose technology tools, set priorities for IT projects, and make sure systems are secure, reliable, and useful to staff and customers. They often supervise IT staff or work with other managers to guide budgets, schedules, and long-term plans. The role can include reviewing new technology, supporting system upgrades, and helping the organization respond to changes such as cloud services, cybersecurity needs, and other digital tools. They also solve problems when systems fail, communicate with non-technical leaders, and make sure technology work matches business needs.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
What a day can include
A typical day may start with checking system issues, team updates, and project deadlines. The manager might meet with IT staff to review work on upgrades, security, or support requests. Later, they may talk with other departments about technology needs, approve plans for new systems, or help solve a problem that affects users. They may also review reports, compare options for software or hardware, and adjust schedules or priorities. Some parts of the day are focused on planning and meetings, while other parts involve quick decisions and troubleshooting. The work often changes as new issues come up or as technology projects move forward.
SKILLS TO BUILD