Career Pathway: Computer information systems

Haworth College of Business

The computer and software industry is rapidly growing and a computer information systems degree will provide you with a strong foundation in business principles, as well as extensive training in information technology—a winning combination that employers seek.

To succeed in this ever-evolving world, our undergraduate information systems program will instill practical skills to give you the broad and thorough business and technology knowledge you need for a successful career in the IT profession. Some of the many career opportunities include web and mobile application development, IT security, business analytics, database administration, customer relationship management and more.

Where do I start for a career pathway in computer information systems?

Start by making an appointment with the Zhang Career Center, which can assist you in discovering your career interests and values. The IT industry includes employees who tend to be investigative, conventional, realistic and enterprising. They value achievement, working conditions and support according to . Find out if your work preferences match careers in computer information systems by taking the Focus2 assessment.

What is computer information systems?

What skills are computer information systems employers seeking?

Technical skills are part of the what is required for a job in IT and may be developed in your major coursework. Strong technical skills, as well as experience with computers, electronics, customer and personal service are also desired.

Interpersonal skills enable you to succeed and are often developed outside of the classroom. These skills include active listening, service orientation, critical thinking, complex problem solving, judgement, adaptable learning strategies, and systems analysis and evaluation.

What careers involve these computer information systems?

How can I obtain an internship?

There are many different ways to acquire an internship, online or in person. Visiting the Internship Catalog and the Career Outcomes Report can help you learn about the companies that have previously employed IT students.

is 51��’s employment website. All students should set up an account and publish a resume. Resumes made public by the student are searchable by employers.

Students use their Handshake accounts to view internship and full-time job opportunities posted by employers and sign up for on-campus interviews. For more information, visit the Zhang Career Center.

Student groups and supporting events at 51�� Haworth

Computer information systems student groups include Business Analytics and Information Technology (BAIT). Other groups include Business Association of Mentors, DECA at 51��, Delta Sigma Pi, Leadership and Business Strategy, Phi Chi Theta and Women's Business Network.

Events supporting the computer information systems major include the following:

IT Career Day
Business Career Day

NACE Career Readiness Competencies

The Zhang Career Center at the Haworth College of Business empowers learners to launch successful business careers by engaging them in innovative programming focused on professional readiness, while developing partnerships with global, regional and local leaders who hire students. As pioneers in career readiness programs and experts in customer service, staff members in the career center strive to meet the needs of all students and employers.

Career readiness competencies include:

Career and self-development
Communication
Critical thinking
Equity and inclusion
Leadership
Professionalism
Teamwork
Technology

Visit the to learn more.

Careers in computer information systems:

CIS analysts and managers:

Applications analyst
Business analyst
Computer system analyst
Information system analyst
Programmer analyst
System engineer
Data processing manager
Information system manager
Information technology manager
Technical services manager

Software development:

Developer
Infrastructure engineer
Network engineer
Publishing systems analyst
Senior software engineer
Software architect
Software developer
Software engineer
Systems coordinator
Systems engineer

Information technology project manager:

IT manager
IT project manager
Manager of IT
Program manager
Project manager
Team coach
Senior project lead
Technical project lead
Transition program manager

Network and computer systems administrators:

Systems administrator
Network specialist
Systems engineer
Network manager
Local area network administrator
IT director
IT specialist

Computer programmer:

Analyst programmer
Application developer
Computer programmer
Computer programmer analyst
Internet programmer
Java developer
Programmer analyst
Web programmer

Information security analyst:

Network analyst
Network consultant
Network engineer
Network manager
Distributed systems engineer
Systems programmer

Computer network architect:

Network analyst
Network consultant
Network engineer
Network manager
Distributed systems engineer
Systems programmer

Business Externship opportunities

The Business Externship Program provides career exploration opportunities that connect students in Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business with mentors, many of whom are 51�� alumni. Current IT externship opportunities include Arbor Financial, Kellogg's, Rocket Companies, Vibracoustic and many more. Learn more about the program.