by Alma Causey
Technology is often said to be a boon of productivity and efficiency for different sectors of the world. It is certainly a defining feature of the past few decades. Whether it be Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, or Cloud Management, Information Technology has surely progressed significantly.
The different facets of the IT sector are expected to witness growth by 2023. Here are the top 5 industries within the IT region that are expected to grow the most.
Hence, IT professionals are also highly in demand. According to Statista, as of 2019, over 2.8 million people were employed in the US’s information sector. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment is expected to grow a further 12 percent by 2028.
Therefore, a job in the sector is a highly lucrative option for many. An MIS degree best helps in opening such doors.
Why an MIS degree?
With many associate jobs in the IT sector and technical jobs to progress in your career, it is imperative to have an understanding of the management element of a business. This is why an MIS degree helps in further boosting career options, as well as growth.
Here is why you should choose an MIS degree:
It is business-focused
While a traditional CS degree is quite technical in nature with an immense focus on mathematics, MIS offers a business perspective, thereby gearing its students for a managerial role.
Handsome salaries
The majority of MIS majors get a handsome salary, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For instance, in 2018, the average salary was approximately $142,530 annually.
Demand across sectors
MIS requires being knowledgeable about both IT and computer systems. There is no sector that doesn’t require experts for the two things. Hence, there is a stable demand across industries, whether it is B2B, service, manufacturing, or B2C.
Sectors within an industry
Even if you don’t like a given facet of the IT industry, there are various other options you can opt for. For instance, rather than working in the software industry, you can give emerging technology a try.
How to Get an MIS Degree?
Now that you know why an MIS degree is ideal in the current economic landscape, the next step is to learn how to acquire an MIS degree and skills.
Online Certifications
For people who are confused about whether or not MIS is the field for you, you can first begin by seeking online certifications. Coursera and Udemy are two of the most popular platforms for online certifications.
Moreover, you can also pursue these courses, along with a full-time degree, to get an edge.
Traditional University
There are various traditional universities that you can enroll in, that offer MIS degrees. At the end of the day, traditional universities are ideal for learning. This is because nothing can match face-to-face interactions with both peers and instructors.
Do your research and select ones which offer the best faculty, and syllabus.
Online Education
For those of you who wish to learn at your own pace, at the comfort of your homes, you can make use of online education (yet another benefit of technology!). The advantage of online education is that you don’t necessarily have to pick universities closer to your home.
So you can opt for an online bachelor’s degree in MIS from a reputable university of your choice to succeed in today’s responsive business environment. This will help you to get the best experience regardless of where you are.
The Career Options You Can Choose
Here are six career options you can enjoy with an MIS degree.
Computer Systems Analyst
According to the US News and World Report, computer systems analysts are among the most sought-after professionals in the field of technology. Within the field, BLS has estimated a further increase of 21 percent in employment.
A computer system analyst must have IT as well as business-related skills. This makes MIS the ideal degree for such career paths. As an analyst, you will have to understand your client’s company, its operation, and how it makes use of technology.
The role of a computer analyst is to keep a firm’s computer system up and running efficiently. Additionally, you must oversee new units’ installation, prepare cost and benefit analysis, and train employees.
Database Administrator
Between 2018 and 2028, BLS projects an employment increase of 9 percent for database administrators.
This specialized field requires knowledge about network structures, database design, troubleshooting, security, and data administration. Different certifications can help in keeping yourself up to date with the current practices.
In today’s modern world, a vast amount of data is being shared and stored by corporations. A database administrator, installs, develops, troubleshoots, and protects all data within the company. This can include both internal data storage as well as commercial websites of the business.
Software Developers
Evans Data Corporation reports that in 2019 alone, there were 26.4 million software developers in the world! Whether it be Microsoft, Google, Adobe, or Shopify, each product that is disrupting the world is a software.
So, it is safe to say that software developers will never run out of job opportunities and career advancements. Not to mention that the field is quite fun and creative. For people who have an inventive personality and wish to create rather than merely replicate, a career in software development is ideal.
Job responsibilities can include developing new codes, apps, and improving current codes. Analytical skills are required to identify and eliminate software bugs to ensure a smooth experience for end-users.
Web Developer
In today’s time, every user demands that the company and products it invests in is available online. Websites are considered to be the foundation of the digital strategy of a brand.
An MIS degree can help you kickstart a career as a web developer. The business side of the degree will aid you in understanding client demands as well as what designs are best suited for consumers. The technical expertise can then be used to create a web design.
This job is highly focused on clients, and hence good communication skills go hand in hand with it. An MIS degree helps you in this regard as well.
Management Analyst
Management Analysts are responsible for advising managers about how to best increase the profitability of a business. They create reports by compiling data about a given problem and what processes are required for improvement.
A management analyst must know how to analyze a given business, conduct budgeting, plan projects, and recommend process improvements. While the career is more business-focused, you must have the know-how of technology.
IT Manager
The most common and sought after jobs for business graduates are in managerial roles. While many wish to opt for this career path, it may not be achievable for a new graduate.
However, those with an MIS degree have an edge since they have a unique mix of technical and business knowledge. Therefore, you are more likely to get promoted to a managerial position.
Once you do, you must monitor and oversee a team of IT developers, computer system analysts, and programmers.
Ending Remarks
Leverage the demand for technology and experts within the field. Opt for an MIS degree and pursue any field within the area of IT. You are likely to enjoy your work as well as be paid well for it. As they say, it surely is the best of both worlds!
Alma Causey is a Freelance writer by day and sports fan by night. She writes about tech education and health related issues. Live simply, give generously, watch football and a technology lover.
