What Can I Do With a Major In Management Information Systems?

CAMPUS STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

• Society for Management Information Systems (SMIS) • Women in Business  • Girls.Code()  • Minorities in Tech (MIT) • Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) • Classic Hackers UGA Linux Users' Group  • Women in Technology (WIT)  • Terry Student Consulting  • The MIS Advisory Board  • UGAHacks 
• To find additional clubs and organizations, go to the Involvement Network 

ADDITIONAL TRAINING

• LinkedIn Learning  - Free Technical Training
• Certificate in Computing  • Minor in Computer Science

POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS IN MIS

• Application Analyst - As an application analyst you'll combine the maintenance of IT services with working face-to-face users who need your technical support. Application analysts administrate, monitor, and maintain software infrastructures and applications. 
• Business Analyst - As a business analyst, you'll work within an organization, helping to manage change and plan for the future in line with company goals. This could be for one specific project, or as a permanent feature of the organization. You'll need to understand the current organizational situation, identify future needs, and create solutions to help meet those needs, usually (but not always) in relation to information and software systems. 
• Business Intelligence Analyst - A business intelligence analyst is in charge of producing financial and market intelligence by managing data. Business intelligence analysts analyze said data and create reports to deliver to business stakeholders for decision making. 
• Data Analyst - Data analysts are in charge of producing and tracking key performance indicators. Additionally, they gather, understand, and document business requirements using a variety of tools and techniques. Additionally, data analysts manipulate, analyze, and interpret complex datasets relating to the business they work for. 
• Data Scientist - Data scientists deal with the unknown by using more advanced data techniques to make predictions about the future. They might automate their own machine learning algorithms or design predictive modeling processes that can handle both structured and unstructured data.
• Database Administrator - Database administrators are in charge of the maintenance and security of databases. They test programs, fix errors, and make any necessary modifications to the databases they are in charge of. Additionally, database administrators are tasked with implementing security measures to ensure the integrity of said databases. 
• Information Security Analyst - Information security analysts monitor, upgrade, and implement security measures for the protection of computer networks and sensitive business information. They are sometimes responsile for responding to security breaches and computer viruses. Additional responsibilities include encrypting data transmissions and erecting firewalls to protect valuable information. 
• Information Systems Manager - Information systems managers direct daily department operations, analyze workflows, and coordinate activities in other areas related to information systems. Additionally, they review project plans and meet with stakeholders to resolve problems. 
• Consultant - Consultants work with a variety of clients and advise them on how to best use information technology to meet their business objectives and overcome obstacles. Consultants meet with clients, define project scopes, travel to customer sites, analyze IT requirements, and develop solutions to problems. Additionally, consultants help with the implementation of new systems in a business. 
• Network Systems Administrator - Network Systems Administrators are responsible for maintaining and administering computer networks, computer hardware, software, and applications. Additionally, they diagnose, troubleshoot and fix software and hardware problems related to the business' network and systems. They may also test website performance. 
• Project Manager - Project Managers are in charge of managing projects and ensuring that they adhere to the pre-established budget, schedule, and scope. They must also track project milestones and deliverables to ensure the successful execution of the project. Project managers help develop project plans, objectives, technologies, schedules, funding, and staffing as well. 
• Risk Advisory - Risk advisors manage risk by identifying, measuring, and making decisions on a variety of risks within an organization. Some key responsibilities include documenting key risks, communicating risks, maintaining data quality of risk management systems, and making recommendations on ways to control and reduce risk. 
• Systems Analyst - Systems analysts analyze science, engineering, business, and other data problems to improve computer systems by implementing solutions to these issues. They analyze requirements and procedures to automate systems, improve workflow, and minimize limitations. Additionally, systems analysts troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to resolve issues.  
• Web Content Manager - These individuals are incharge of the design, development, and maintenance of websites and web applications. In addition, web content managers back up applications and data for recovery should the website crash. They also determine sources of webpage errors and take action to resolve said issues. Finally, they are in charge of updating content and links in a timely manner. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - ANSWERED BY YOUR CAREER CONSULTANT

When should I start looking for jobs? The tech and business industries have two main recruitment seasons- September/October and January/February. May graduates are encouraged to recuit during both seasons. To support your search, the UGA Career Center hosts career fairs in September and January every year. To see the specific dates, look on Handshake. 

What skills should I emphasize with employers? Of course your technical skillsand business acumen are valuable, but don't forget about your soft skills! Remember that programming languages can be taught, but it's much harder to teach someone skills like communication, work ethic, and leadership. Look at page 26 in the Career Guide to see a list of skills employers and graduate schools value. 

What should my resume look like? A MIS resume typically follows standard resume formatting. To see a good example, check out the UGA Career Center resume samples.

What are cover letters? Why do I need to write them? A cover letter is a business letter written to the employer that explains why you are qualified and a good fit for their open position. It accompanies your resume when you apply for a job. While your resume is an overview of your experiences, a cover letter directly address how those experiences have qualified you for the role. The cover letter “builds the bridge” between your resume and the position description so that there is no miscommunication regarding your qualifications. For example, “My experience in ____ and ___ have directly prepared me for this role.” Good cover letters are tailored to the job you are applying to. Even if a cover leter is not required for a role, submitting one demonstrates your initiative and excitement about the role. To see an example cover letter, check out page 36-37 in the Career Guide. 

Are internships important? Internships are great tools to help you achieve your goals for full-time employment. MIS students typically complete an internship the summer before their final year, but you are welcome to search for an internship earlier if you would like. While they are excellent tools, they are not prerequisites for the workforce. You can demonstrate your skills and experiences through other mediums, like class and/or independent projects, part-time jobs, student leadership, and more. 

How can I meet with my career consultant for a one-on-one appointment? You can schedule an appointment with your career consultant by calling 706-254-3375 or logging in to Handshake. On Handshake, click on "Career Center" and then "Appointments." 

• O*NET Online – The O*NET database includes information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities, and interests associated with over 900 occupations.  
• My Next Move – An interactive tool for students and job seekers to learn more about their career options.  
• Occupational Outlook Handbook – The OOH is a career resource offering information on the hundreds of occupations that provide most of jobs in the United States.  
• Vault – Vault.com provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work in an industry, company, or profession – and how to position yourself to land that job.  
• Candid Career – This resource provides you with access to thousands of informational video interviews with real professionals through an easy-to-use website.  
• UGA Mentor Program – Connect with a mentor (alumni, faculty, staff) to research and explore industries and careers. Research industries and careers by connecting with a mentor for a quick chat or formal 16-week mentorship through the UGA Mentor Program.  
• Interstride - Interstride is an interactive tool for both international and domestic students to enhance their international experience and employment potential. The platform consists of job-listings, hiring trends, employer information, self-assessments, and up-to-date immigration guidance. 
• Glassdoor - Glassdoor is a free jobs and career community that offers an inside look at jobs and companies through "employee generated content" – anonymous salaries, company reviews, interview questions, and more – all posted by employees and job seekers.  
• Steppingblocks - Research your future career with real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with career and education searches designed to find your best path based on millions of others. It’s data-powered career exploration for doers like you.

GENERAL

• Handshake (scroll down to the bottom of the page; login with your UGA MyID and password)  
• LinkedIn (this popular networking site also has a job board!) 
• Idealist (non-profit jobs) 
• USAJobs (federal jobs) 

MAJOR/CAREER SPECIFIC

• Big Data/Analytics • Computer Jobs • Dice • Robert Half • Tech Careers

NEWS - Computerworld• E-Commerce Times • Entertainment Software Association • Gartner Group • Government Computer News • InformationWeek • Internet News • IT World • PC Magazine

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS - American Society for Information Sciences • Association for Computing Machinery • Association for Information Systems • Association for Women in Computing • Computer Software/Systems Jobs • Information Systems Security Association • Institute for the Certification of Computer Professionals • Internet Society  • Mass Technology Leadership Council • Software & Information Industry Association • Storage Networking Industry Association

COMPANY & SALARY RESEARCH - Career Bliss • GlassDoor • Salary.com

LINKEDIN- Join LinkedIn groups that are relevant to your career interests.  To search, select "groups" & type in your keywords. Review the groups that professionals in your field of interest have joined & consider joining those as well. To login, visit the LinkedIn main page.