Computer and information systems managers
High opportunity occupation
Career Overview
Computer and information systems managers plan and oversee computer and information systems. They work for companies that design, develop and manage computer and telecommunications software, networks and information systems in both the private and public sector.
Job Titles
Duties
In general, computer and information systems managers:
- Create and carry out plans for computer systems operations and development
- Meet with clients, department heads and senior staff to work out the company’s computer and information systems needs, including cost
- Explain why a company should start a computer and information systems project and help to get approval for the project
- Build and manage teams to design, develop and manage computer and telecommunications software, networks and information systems
- Ensure the security of the organization's network and electronic documents
- Manage the budget of the project or department
- Prepare and discuss contracts and services
- Hire employees and oversee their training
- Come up with ideas to design, develop and put information systems and data warehouses in place
Earnings
Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.
Work Environment
# Workers Employed
10,375% Employed Full Time
87%People in this career usually work in an office and may work with or lead a team of people with varied backgrounds, experience and skills. Some team members may be in different offices, cities or even countries.
Computer and information systems managers should be able to manage teams virtually and hold meetings via conference call or video conferencing.
People in this job need to stay current with technology, understand how the system will be used and, depending on the project, understand government regulations.
Career Pathways
With experience, people in this position may move into senior leadership roles such as senior systems manager, information technology director or vice-president of technology.
Related Careers
Occupational Interests
It’s important to understand what kinds of occupations align with your interests.
For more about occupational interests visit Skills for the Future Workforce > Characteristics.
Here are the top occupational interest(s) for this career profile:
Education, Training and Skills
A computer information systems manager must have several years of experience in systems, analysis, software engineering, network design or computer programming. In order to be successful, they also need several years of supervisory experience as well as business and management skills. They may need to have a background in business strategy, finances, human resources or risk management, and must know how to deal with information technology management issues.
People in this role typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, business administration, technology management, commerce or engineering.
Education programs in B.C.
The following program areas are related to this occupation:
- Computer Information Systems/Science
- Computing Science/Systems Related
- Information Technology Management
Skills
Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.
Here, you will find the 10 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.
See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Keeping track of and assessing your performance, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Talking to others to share information effectively.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Being able to solve novel, ill-defined problems in complex, real-world settings.
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, while meeting the goals of the system.
Labour Market Statistics
Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.
Employment
Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.
Employment
10,375Employment by Region
| Region | Employment | % Employment of this Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | 55 | 0.5% |
| Kootenay | 155 | 1.5% |
| Mainland/Southwest | 7,990 | 77.0% |
| North Coast and Nechako | 30 | 0.3% |
| Northeast | 25 | 0.2% |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 650 | 6.3% |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | 1,465 | 14.1% |
Labour Market Outlook
The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.
Forecasted Job Openings (2024-2034)
8,850Forecasted Job Openings
Forecasted Employment Growth Rate
Composition of Job Openings
Job Openings by Region (2024-2034)
| Region | Job Openings | Avg. Annual Employment Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | 20 | 2.0% |
| Kootenay | 110 | 1.1% |
| Mainland/Southwest | 7,030 | 2.8% |
| North Coast and Nechako | Not available | Not available |
| Northeast | Not available | Not available |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 660 | 2.3% |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | 1,030 | 1.8% |
Industry Highlights
Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.
Forecasted Job Openings by Industry
| Industry | Job Openings (2024-2034) |
|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific and Technical Services | 5,710 |
| Information, Culture and Recreation | 620 |
| Public Administration | 370 |
| Retail Trade | 360 |
| Finance, Insurance and Real Estate | 300 |
Insights from Industry
This job involves more than managing technical team members on a project. Computer information systems managers are the go-between for senior management, clients and the technical workers. People in this career must understand the technology and be able to see business problems and opportunities.
Resources
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BC Tech Associationwww.wearebctech.com
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Canada's Association of I.T. Professionalswww.cips.ca
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First Nations Technology Councilwww.technologycouncil.ca
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Information and Communications Technology Councilwww.ictc-ctic.ca
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Information Resource Management Association of Canadawww.irmac.ca
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Information Systems Audit and Control Associationwww.isaca.org
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International Institute of Business Analysiswww.iiba.org
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Technation.ca formerly the Information Technology Association of Canadaitac.ca
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The Canadian Advanced Technology Allianceinnovationsoftheworld.com/canadian-advanced-technology
Career Videos
Watch the video below to see what a day in the life of a computer and information systems manager is like.
Watch the video below to see what a day in the life of a computer and information systems manager is like.
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