Black-eyed Susans are blooming outside the Haworth College of Business

Career Pathway: Computer information systems

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.

Accordion

  • 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 O*Net. 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.

    Handshake is WMU’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 WMU Haworth

    Computer information systems student groups include Business Analytics and Information Technology (BAIT). Other groups include Business Association of Mentors, DECA at WMU, 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 NACE competencies online to learn more.

Tasks and processes

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 WMU alumni. Current IT externship opportunities include Arbor Financial, Kellogg's, Rocket Companies, Vibracoustic and many more. Learn more about the program.

Major research tools

Book an appointment

Zhang Career Center

To schedule an appointment, book with online portal or call (269) 387-2711 today.