Information Systems is the study and implementation of the meeting between the business field and computer science. This means that you may be learning and then working within the field of computers and business – how you can use computers to streamline business practices and make more money for your company.

Typically, you will be using people, data, procedures, software and hardware to gather and analyze digital information. As the world expands digitally and we become more and more reliant on computers and what they can do for us – this could be a field in which to be involved.

What Will I Study?

When studying information systems you will typically be within the business and economics faculty of your university. As with all fields of study, you can go as far as your Masters and Doctorate in information systems, should you want it to go that far.

During your studies you will not only be studying computers and how the digital world will affect the business world, but you may be doing courses in business as well. This enables you to understand all the implications of information systems with different business models. You can also expect to be doing courses in mathematics and statistics.

How Long Will It Take?

Typically, you can expect to study 4 years to get your basic information systems degree. From there you can decide if you would like to take it further and expand your studying.

What Kind Of Career Options Will I Have?

As a graduate in information systems, you may have many options as to where you can take your career. Most large businesses may need your skills to help optimize their market offering. You can go into any of the following streams of information systems:

• Information systems strategy
• Information systems management
• Information systems development
• Information systems security
• Information systems iteration
• Information systems organization

If you have specialized technical skills and good communication skills, you can pursue becoming an information systems professional. If you can expand your skill set to include management and a good understanding of business practices, you can also ensure that you have great prospects when it comes to your career.

How Much Will I Make?

As an information systems analyst you can expect to make anywhere between $40,000 per year and around $85,000 per year. Obviously, as you move further up the food chain, you will have more opportunities to maximize your salary.

Information Systems (IS) Analyst

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Recommended Reading:

Introduction to Information Systems: Supporting and Transforming Business – An excellent beginner text on how information systems shape businesses today.

Author: R Kelly Rainer

Essentials of Business Processes and Information Systems – A detailed guide on information systems and business process engineering.

Author: Simha R Maghal

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