the campus computer services or teaching experience through assistantships or part-time jobs; keep abreast of the latest trends in operating systems and software packages What can I do with a major in... Management Information Systems MIS involves the application of computer technology and analytical skills to the solution of organizational problems and opportunities for innovation. It is a unique field of business administration. MIS graduates combine a thorough understanding of business functions with the technical expertise necessary to develop computer systems that support and enhance the business.* *Taken from the UNCC Dept. of Management Information Systems and Operations Management website Sample Occupations Project Manager Network Administrator System Analyst Systems Developer Information Systems Consultant Technical Support Specialist Web & Data Coordinator Database Administrator Network Specialist Application Developer Support Engineer Info. Resource Officer IT Manager IT Specialist Programmer Chief Information Officer Types of Employers Banks & Financial Institutions Accounting Firms Government Agencies Universities & Colleges Technologies Firms Consulting Companies Retail Firms Manufacturing Firms Preparing for your career in: Programming/Software Development: Take programming electives in addition to business courses; participate in an internship, co-op, 49ership or volunteer experience to develop skills and networking contacts; read technical/trade journals to keep abreast of new trends Management: Develop strong interpersonal and leadership skills by seeking membership/leadership opportunities in a student organization; take elective courses in management or industrial psychology; develop strong documentation skills; look for opportunities to learn about making budgets and policies in organizations Gaining any of these experiences or skills, along with participating in a 49ership, co-op, or internship will enhance your career development. Books in the UCC Resource Library: Your Bright Future in Information Technology 2007 Government Jobs in Information Technology Career & Academic Planning Weblinks: UNCC Dept. Business Info Systems/Operations Mngmt. http://belkcollege.uncc.edu/about-college/departments/bisom Occupational Outlook Handbook: Systems Administrator www.bls.gov/ooh/Computer-and-InformationTechnology/Network-and-computer-systemsadministrators.htm Occupational Outlook Handbook: Computer & Information Systems Manager www.bls.gov/ooh/Management/Computer-and-informationsystems-managers.htm O-net: Computer & Information Systems Managers www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-3021.00 Professional Association Weblinks: Association of Information Technology Professionals www.aitp.org Data Management Association www.dama.org Association for Information Systems (academic) www.aisnet.org How can I know if an MIS-related career is right for me? Participate in the Career Prospector job shadowing program. Job shadowing is a way to gain first-hand knowledge about the career you are considering. It is your opportunity to spend half a day to two days shadowing or an hour interviewing someone working in a field that interests you. The University Career Center maintains a database of sponsors and will work with you to find a suitable sponsor. For registration information, see a UCC staff member. Information Systems Operation: Take systems analysis and design electives in addition to business courses; participate in an internship, co-op, 49ership, part-time or volunteer experience to develop skills and contacts; specialize in an area of interest (i.e. database administration, computer security issues, etc.) Networking/Support: Keep abreast of innovations in computer hardware and software systems; learn to translate complex computer concepts into simple terms; seek parttime employment as computer support personnel (i.e., campus computer services, an internet provider’s help line) Training/Support: Become an expert with commonly used software and operating systems; develop experience assisting people with computer problems, such as through The University Career Center 150 Atkins Building *Developed in consultation with the UNC Charlotte Department of Business Information Systems and Operations Management 704/687-0795 www.career.uncc.edu