Topic

What can I do with a degree in Information Systems?

16 July 2024

Whether you want to be an Information Systems Analyst or a Systems Architect, see what you can do with a degree in Information Systems from UC.

HOW TO APPLY

Information systems (IS) are a major part of many organisations and impact our lives on a day-to-day basis. IS is the point where business studies and computer science meet and it deals with:

Development, support and delivery of information, information systems, and information technology
Effective use of information technology to help individuals, organisations and society better attain their goals, and
Management of information systems, personnel and projects.

Information Systems draws together computer science, management science, accountancy, business administration and organisational behaviour.

Through their Information Systems degree, graduates build transferable skills such as:

Practical application of computing knowledge to business
Programming and design
Logical and quantitative thinking
Interpretive and analytical thinking
Problem solving skills
Commercial and business awareness.

Opportunities to apply your learning outside the classroom are available through work-integrated learning (eg, internships) and international study tours. These experiences deepen your skillset, working knowledge and employability.

Graduates start their careers in a wide range of sectors, be it commercial, public or not-for-profit.
Recent Information Systems graduates have found work in a number of diverse destinations such as:

Banking
Financial services
Insurance
Information technology services
Telecommunications
Software companies
Healthcare
Materials sector
Retail
Enterprise and innovation
Professional, scientific and technical services
Advisory services
Sport and leisure
Tourism and hospitality

Information Systems graduates are employed in a wide variety of jobs — see some examples below.

Note: Some of the jobs listed may require postgraduate study. See the ‘Further study’ section.

Information systems analyst

Develops computer and information system strategies that align with business requirements
Provides technical and analytical services for a range of business departments
Trains any computer users within the business

Project manager

Manages an information system project plan, budget and schedule
Supervises project progress and manages risks
Liaises with project staff, contractors, clients

Systems architect

Analyses how IT can be and is being used by an organisation
Researches new computing applications including costs and benefits
Devises structural plans for new applications
Tests computing solutions and fixes issues
Delivers training on how to use the application

Programmer, software developer

Determines specifications and writes code
Builds prototypes of software programs
Tests and fixes computer programs/systems
Maintains and upgrades programs and systems
May develop and integrate technical aspects of websites/mobile apps along with other workers

Computer / IT / systems consultant

Maintains and monitors an organisation’s computer functions and ICT systems
Recommends programs and systems to use
Designs computer networks

Software engineer

Analyses customer needs, evaluates computer software and researches new technologies
Develops software programs for new products
Manages software development projects

Software tester, test analyst, quality assurance

Designs and creates testing tools
Carries out software compatibility testing with hardware and operating systems
Sets quality

Advisory consultant

Works with leaders to reduce, manage, and mitigate risk
Helps clients to improve processes and procedures in anything from cyber security to technology
Solves big, far-reaching challenges

Web developer

Develops website functionality and security
Designs interfaces and back-end web structuressuch as servers
Maintains and updates the website as required

Business intelligence consultant

Provides advice, expertise and specialist skills in data insight
Shares knowledge of Business Intelligence concepts and technology benefits to clients
Helps grow an organisation’s data warehousing

Data analyst

Analyses data and modelling to solve problems
Gains insight across differing domains and functions

Database administrator

Monitors and plans capacity
Controls access and privileges
Ensures storage, archiving, back-up and recovery measures are functioning effectively

Entrepreneur, Director and CEO

Develops an idea to form their own business
Gets involved in a start-up
Offers their services as a freelancer/consultant

Get started with Entrepreneurship here

As they progress, students and graduates often join professional bodies relevant to their area of interest. These organisations can provide regular communications and offer the chance to network with others in the same community.

Social media networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter can provide avenues to keep upto-date with industry knowledge, networking opportunities, events and job vacancies.