IS Careers, Jobs and Organizational Roles

Contemplative Questions  Would I enjoy a career in IS?  What type of positions are available in IT?  In what type of company would I like to work?  What career paths can I pursue?  What skills are required?

An IS Department Org Chart Fig. 1-3.

Organizational Responsibilities in Systems Development  Systems Analysts frequently work in project-based teams  Only one team works on a project, usually  The team includes diverse members  Users  Functional and IS Managers  Analysts  Programmers  Project Manager  Other specialists

Organizational Responsibilities in Systems Development  IS Manager May have a direct role in systems development if the project is small Typically involved in allocating resources to and overseeing system development projects.  Systems Analyst Key individuals in the systems development process The liaison between non-technical users and technical IT staff

Organizational Responsibilities in Systems Development  Programmers Convert specifications into instructions that the computer understands Write documentation and testing programs  Business Managers Have power to fund projects and allocate resources Set general requirements and constraints for projects 1.6

Organizational Responsibilities in Systems Development  Other IS Managers/Technicians Database Administrator  Involved in design, development and maintenance of databases Network and telecommunications experts  Develop systems involving data and/or voice communications Human Factors Specialists  Involved in training users and writing documentation Internal Auditors  Ensure that required controls are built into the system 1.7

Organizational Responsibilities in Systems Development  Hybrid Positions Programmer / Analyst Business Analyst Infrastructure Analyst Change Management Analyst  These positions either specialize in one area of systems analysis or require the prospective employee to do several types of work (programmer sometimes, analyst sometimes, e.g.) 1.8

Organizational Responsibilities in Systems Development  Skills of a Successful Systems Analyst Analytical  Understanding of organizations  Problem solving skills  System thinking Ability to see organizations and information systems as systems Technical  Understanding of potential and limitations of technology Management  Ability to manage projects, resources, risk and change Interpersonal  Effective written and oral communication skills