Information Systems Careers

Information systems are interconnected networks of hardware, software, and processing assets that compile, store, and distribute specialized data to authorized users. They mainly operate at organizational levels in business, government, and institutional settings.

Information systems are used in virtually every industry, creating diverse opportunities for trained professionals. Tech-savvy people interested in business and data analytics tend to make good matches for information systems careers.

This guide profiles multiple information systems jobs. It also introduces some of the certifications and organizations that can help you launch or advance your career. Read on so you can build an actionable understanding of this highly valued tech specialization.

What Does Someone With a Degree in Information Systems Do?

Information systems expertise is essential for virtually every organization that relies on data access and analysis. You may find that a major in information systems helps you qualify for professional opportunities in many different fields and industries.

Undergraduate information systems degrees can lead to entry-level support positions or to junior roles in analyst or administrator tracks. Graduate or professional degrees in relevant STEM fields and/or adjacent areas like business administration may help unlock higher-profile, better-paid jobs in advanced research and management.

The following table summarizes a cross-section of popular roles and job titles you can pursue as an information systems specialist. As you'll notice, many careers in information systems appear poised for rapid rates of near-term growth.

Additional Career Options to Consider

• Cloud Engineer: Cloud engineers specialize in information technology applications specific to cloud computing. Their work primarily revolves around designing, building, maintaining, and protecting cloud-related IT infrastructure.
  
  Numerous sub-specializations exist within the field, such as cloud network engineers, cloud software engineers, and cloud support engineers. If you're interested in a specialist track, look for opportunities to build professional expertise in your chosen area. Specialists typically graduate into differentiated roles after gaining multiple years of relevant experience. According to Payscale data, cloud engineers earn an average base salary of about $91,409 per year.
• Cybersecurity Analyst: Cybersecurity analysts help protect IT and network infrastructure by managing security tools, monitoring traffic, and evaluating system safety. They also create reports that colleagues and managers use to stay abreast of security performance and risks. To become a cybersecurity analyst, you'll usually need at least a bachelor's degree. According to Payscale, these specialists command average salaries of about $81,312 per year.
• Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker): Penetration testers apply the same techniques hackers use to identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities in their employers' cybersecurity defenses. Ethical hackers perform similar duties but on a broader overall scope. While penetration testers typically focus on specific systems or assets, ethical hackers take a longer-term approach to analyzing the security of entire IT environments.
  
  According to the U.S. Department of Labor resource O*NET Online, penetration testers will experience much faster than average job growth from 2022-32. As of April 2024, Payscale reports average penetration tester salaries of approximately $94,819 per year.
• Business Intelligence Analyst: Business intelligence analysts use specialized skills to source, clean, organize, and evaluate quantitative data and information. Their data typically relates to factors like market dynamics, customer engagement, sales and/or revenues, and other key performance indicators. O*NET Online identifies this as another professional track poised for much higher than average growth from 2022-32. Payscale places average business intelligence analyst salaries at about $74,363 per year.

Information Systems vs. Information Technology: What's the Difference?

The similarly named and overlapping fields of information systems and information technology share many common features, but they also differ in key ways:

Information technology can be defined as a subfield within information systems. This means information systems cover all the data and information contained and exchanged within a network; information technology refers specifically and exclusively to the hardware and software the system uses. Likewise, you can think of information systems as including not just hardware and software, but also processes and people.

You'll need differentiated training to enter and excel in either field. Professionals sometimes move between information systems and information technology, but advancing to upper-level roles typically demands an advanced specialization in one field or the other.

5 Certifications for Information Systems

An information systems degree can help you launch and build your career, but additional professional certifications may accelerate your rate of progress and give it an additional boost.

Consider these five certifications as a helpful adjunct or supplement to the skills you'll acquire as you build experience:

1. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

ISACA's CISA certification covers five key domains in information systems security, governance, management, and operations. Employers widely recognize ISACA credentials as elite, rewarding professionals who hold them with premium pay rates.

To qualify for the CISA exam, you'll need at least five years of experience as an information systems or information technology auditing, security, control, or assurance professional.

2. Certified Information Systems Manager (CISM)

This ISACA certification represents a combined focus on risk management, information governance, and incident response. The CISM credential most readily applies to experienced information systems and information technology professionals who want to advance into management and leadership roles.

You can sit for the four-domain CISM examination if you have five or more years of experience in management-level roles with a strong information security focus.

3. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Offered by ISC2, the CISSP designation signals advanced expertise in the cybersecurity applications of information systems specializations. This certification may help you qualify for management-level or leadership roles on information systems security teams.

ISC2's CISSP examination covers eight focused professional expertise domains. To qualify, you'll need at least five years of professional experience in two or more of the covered domains.

4. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

ISACA offers the CRISC credential to candidates with professional experience and specialized interest in the interactions between risk management and information systems. It signals advanced authority in risk assessment, risk response and reporting, and information technology governance and security.

You'll need at least three years of professional experience in information systems control and information technology risk management to sit for the CRISC examination.

5. Information Systems Analyst (ISA)

The Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP) issues the ISA credential, which is available at the Professional-Practitioner and Master levels. ICCP describes the ISA program as a certification for professionals who develop, manage, document, test, and evaluate information systems.

To earn the Professional-Practitioner credential, you'll need at least two years of information systems experience and a minimum score of 50% on ICCP's ISA exam. For the Master designation, you'll need four or more years of experience and a minimum exam score of 70%.

4 Professional Organizations for Information Systems

Professional organizations frequently offer career development resources, training programs, industry events, networking programs, and job search support. With a membership, you can take advantage of these and many other benefits.

Given these perks, you may want to consider joining one or more of these professional organizations to help advance your information systems career:

ASIS International

Headquartered in the Dulles Technology Corridor, ASIS International features a respected lineup of security-focused training and certification programs. Members can also build their personal and professional networks via the many organizational initiatives available through local chapters.

ASIS International also produces comprehensive industry reports on key trends in cybersecurity and information security. Available exclusively to members, these publications offer valuable insights that may help you perform at a higher level.

Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T)

Information systems and information technology overlap in many ways. ASIS&T recognizes these similarities and works to bridge the two tech specializations.

Members enjoy priority access to a wealth of resources, including mentorship programs, educational workshops, summits and conferences, and industry journals. ASIS&T also offers special value to emerging and established information systems and technology students. These include authoritative profiles of information science and technology career paths and academic program recommendations.

Association for Information Systems (AIS)

Industry insiders often characterize AIS as the leading information systems professional organization. Beyond a robust lineup of conferences and events, AIS publishes multiple journals and plays a leading role in information systems research. It also offers extensive continuing education and training opportunities.

AIS offers four membership tiers, including packages for students, academics, as well as active and retired professionals. Each option provides members with tangible tools for maximizing their community impact.

Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)

Established in 1984, ISSA International focuses on cybersecurity and information security principles specific to information systems. In addition to extensive industry research resources, members can seek information systems jobs using ISSA's exclusive job board.

ISSA International also offers extensive and well-regarded learning programs through its partnership with MindEdge, a joint initiative of Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Frequently Asked Questions About Information Systems Careers