Information systems careers offer a powerful bridge between technology and business strategy. These roles are perfect for people who love solving problems, using data, and applying technology to improve how organizations work.
Whether you’re a student, graduate, or career switcher, there are information systems careers that align with your goals and values—from traditional paths like systems analyst or database administrator, to fast-growing roles in cloud, cybersecurity, and analytics.
Why Choose a Career in Information Systems?
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High Demand: Roles like systems analysts, data scientists, and cybersecurity analysts are growing rapidly.
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Broad Industry Use: IS professionals are needed in healthcare, finance, nonprofits, education, government, and more.
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Mission Alignment: You can work for organizations that reflect your values—whether that means environmental impact, social good, or ethical tech.
Traditional Information Systems Careers
1. Systems Analyst
What They Do
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Improve business efficiency by analyzing current systems
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Act as a bridge between IT and business teams
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Recommend and help implement software or system upgrades
Where They Work
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IT consulting firms
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Healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and government
Requirements
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Bachelor’s in IS, computer science, or business
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Communication, analysis, and basic technical knowledge
Certifications
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CBAP (Certified Business Analysis Professional)
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Project Management certs (PMP, CAPM)
Career Path
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Junior Analyst → Senior Analyst → Project Manager → IT Director or CTO
Salary
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Median: $103,790
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Entry: $60K–$70K
2. IT Project Manager
What They Do
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Manage IT projects from start to finish
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Oversee team coordination, budget, and timelines
Where They Work
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Tech firms, financial institutions, hospitals, universities, governments
Requirements
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Bachelor’s degree in IS or business
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Project management and team leadership skills
Certifications
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PMP, CAPM, CSM (Scrum Master), PMI-ACP
Career Path
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Project Coordinator → IT PM → Program Manager → PMO Director or CIO
Salary
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Median: $100,750
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Range: $65K–$125K+
3. Database Administrator (DBA)
What They Do
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Manage and secure organizational databases
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Ensure fast performance and data integrity
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Set up backups and user access permissions
Where They Work
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Banks, hospitals, retail companies, universities, IT firms
Requirements
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Bachelor’s in IS or data management
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Strong SQL skills and attention to detail
Certifications
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Oracle Certified Professional
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Microsoft Azure Database Admin
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CDMP (Certified Data Management Professional)
Career Path
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Analyst → DBA → Senior DBA → Architect → Data Director/CDO
Salary
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Median: $104,620
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Entry: $70K–$80K
4. Network Administrator
What They Do
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Set up and manage company computer networks
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Handle routers, firewalls, VPNs, and connectivity
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Ensure network security and performance
Where They Work
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Schools, hospitals, corporations, government, telecom
Requirements
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IT or network engineering degree
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Hands-on experience with network hardware and protocols
Certifications
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CompTIA Network+
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Cisco CCNA or CCNP
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Microsoft Certified Administrator
Career Path
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Help Desk → Network Tech → Admin → Engineer → Manager
Salary
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Median: $96,800
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Entry: $55K–$70K
Emerging Information Systems Careers
1. Cybersecurity Analyst
What They Do
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Protect networks from hackers and data breaches
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Monitor security systems, respond to incidents
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Educate staff on safe tech use
Where They Work
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Banks, hospitals, government, tech companies, NGOs
Requirements
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IT/security degree or experience in networking
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Deep knowledge of security tools and frameworks
Certifications
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Security+, CISSP, CEH, CISA
Career Path
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Junior Analyst → Security Engineer → CISO
Salary
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Median: $124,910
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Senior roles: $130K+
2. Cloud Architect
What They Do
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Design cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, GCP)
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Advise teams on best practices for performance and cost
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Integrate cloud with existing systems
Where They Work
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Tech companies, banks, healthcare, startups, consulting firms
Requirements
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Background in IT or development
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Knowledge of cloud services and security
Certifications
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AWS Solutions Architect
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Azure Solutions Architect
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Google Cloud Architect
Career Path
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Developer or SysAdmin → Cloud Engineer → Cloud Architect → CTO
Salary
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Median: $145,000
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Experienced: $180K+
3. Data Scientist
What They Do
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Analyze large datasets to find patterns and insights
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Build machine learning models
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Communicate data-driven strategies
Where They Work
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Tech, finance, healthcare, nonprofits, education, retail
Requirements
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Degree in stats, computer science, or data science
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Skills in Python, R, SQL, machine learning
Certifications
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Google Data Analytics, IBM Data Science Cert, AWS ML Cert
Career Path
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Data Analyst → Data Scientist → ML Engineer → Director/CDO
Salary
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Median: $108,020
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Senior roles: $140K–$160K+
4. Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst
What They Do
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Create dashboards and reports for business decisions
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Use tools like Tableau and Power BI
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Analyze sales, finance, and operations data
Where They Work
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Any mid to large business, consulting firms, nonprofits
Requirements
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Degree in IS, analytics, or business
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SQL, Excel, and data visualization
Certifications
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Tableau Certified Analyst
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PL-300 (Power BI)
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Google Data Analytics
Career Path
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BI Analyst → Senior BI → BI Manager → Director
Salary
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Median: $99,864
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Entry: $60K–$70K
5. IT Governance Specialist
What They Do
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Set IT policies and ensure compliance
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Conduct audits and manage tech risk
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Align IT with business goals
Where They Work
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Financial services, healthcare, large corporations, consulting
Requirements
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IS, business, or IT law background
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Familiarity with frameworks (COBIT, ITIL, NIST)
Certifications
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CGEIT, CISA, CRISC, ITIL, CISM
Career Path
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Analyst → Governance Specialist → Manager → Director/CISO
Salary
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Median: $103,860
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Senior roles: $125K+
How to Launch Your Career in Information Systems
1. Build Hands-On Experience
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Create personal projects (home network, data analysis, simple app)
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Volunteer IT skills for a nonprofit or small business
2. Get an Internship
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Apply to college IT departments, local tech firms, or government agencies
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Entry roles like IT support or analyst are great starting points
3. Network Actively
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Join LinkedIn groups, tech meetups, or student IS organizations
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Attend virtual or in-person conferences and webinars
4. Learn In-Demand Skills
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SQL, Python, cloud platforms, Tableau, project management
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Soft skills: communication, problem-solving, leadership
5. Earn Relevant Certifications
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Choose one aligned with your career goals (e.g. PMP, AWS, CompTIA, CISSP)
Make It Purposeful
Information systems careers are more than just tech jobs—they’re powerful tools to help you align your work with your values. Whether you’re securing data, managing IT projects, or helping a nonprofit optimize operations, there’s a role in IS where you can thrive and make a difference.
With so many paths to choose from, the key is to reflect on what motivates you, gain real-world experience, and stay intentional. Your career in information systems can be rewarding, flexible, and filled with purpose.
Curious about other career options? Check out our full library here.
Sources:
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“Computer Systems Analysts.” Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts.htm.
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“Information Security Analysts.” Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm.
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“Database Administrators and Architects.” Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/database-administrators.htm.
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“Network and Computer Systems Administrators.” Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm.
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“Computer and Information Research Scientists.” Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm.
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“Project Management Specialists.” Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/project-management-specialists.htm.
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“Cloud Architect Salaries.” Glassdoor, 2024, www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/cloud-architect-salary-SRCH_KO0,15.htm.
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“Data Scientist Salaries.” Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm.
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“Business Intelligence Analyst Salary in the United States.” Salary.com, April 2025, www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/business-intelligence-analyst-salary.
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“IT Governance Specialist Salaries.” Glassdoor, 2024, www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/it-governance-specialist-salary-SRCH_KO0,24.htm.
