Information System (IS) refers to the overall information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure in an organisation. IS managers are responsible for ensuring that the ICT infrastructure is properly designed, tested, implemented and managed on a continuous basis.
The responsibilities of IS managers include management of a team of specialists and engineers, budgets and planning, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of business information, maintaining and upgrading software, and ensuring compliance with external regulations and policy controls.
Salary & benefits
Information System managerial trainees receive starting salaries ranging between £20,000 and £25,000.
New managers receive salaries between £25,000 and £50,000, while mid-level and senior managers can earn salaries between £50,000 and £100,000.
Employees in large, multinational companies earn salaries on the higher side, and benefits include company bonuses, pensions, vehicle allowance and standard benefits such as life and health insurance, as well as 25 days of annual vacation.
Working hours
An Information System manager’s work is not strictly governed by the standard working week schedule. ICT operations run around-the-clock and managers may work on a shift schedule, especially in the first few years on the job.
Working over weekends and holidays may also be required when deadlines approach or systems breakdown.
Entry
A 2:1 or higher degree, preferably in an I.T. or technology-related subject, is a standard requirement.
However, many companies accept graduates across disciplines, provided they are able to demonstrate a genuine interest and aptitude for ICT, basic computer skills and knowledge of office applications and software.
Training & progression
Information System trainees undergo a thorough induction about the company and its business, also covering soft skills such as presentation, negotiation, and management.
The rest of the training programme is focused on technical training, covering systems, coding and programming, technology infrastructure and architectural framework, and the software and hardware products used in operations.
Professional qualifications, while not mandatory, are encouraged by employers. Where the training and qualification is relevant and beneficial to the business, the costs are absorbed by the companies, who also provide extra study leave and resource materials to prepare for final assessments.
Industry-level bodies which provide various credentials for IS professionals are the Chartered Institute for I.T. and the Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS).
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