COMPUTER SYSTEMS MANAGER
Computer systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct research, development, design, production, and computer-related activities. They supervise a staff which may include engineers, scientists, technicians, computer specialists, and information technology workers, along with support personnel.
Computer systems managers determine scientific and technical goals within broad outlines provided by top management. These goals may include improvements in manufacturing processes, the development of a large computer program, or advances in scientific research. Managers make detailed plans for the accomplishment of these goals—for example, working with their staff, they may develop the overall concepts of new products or identify problems standing in the way of project completion. They determine the cost of and equipment and personnel needed for projects and programs. They hire and assign scientists, engineers, technicians, computer specialists, information technology workers, and support personnel to carry out specific parts of the projects. The managers supervise these employees' work, and review their designs, programs, and reports. They present ideas and projects to top management for approval or when seeking additional funds for development.
Managers coordinate the activities of their unit with other units or organizations. They confer with higher levels of management; with financial, industrial production, marketing, and other managers; and with contractors and equipment and materials suppliers. They also establish working and administrative procedures and policies.
Computer systems managers spend most of their time in an office. Some managers, however, may also work in laboratories or industrial plants, where they are normally exposed to the same conditions as research scientists and may occasionally be exposed to the same conditions as production workers. Most managers work at least 40 hours a week and may work much longer on occasion if meeting project deadlines. Some may experience considerable pressure in meeting technical or scientific goals within a short time or a tight budget.
Systems managers should possess administration and management skills in addition to their computer skills. They should have knowledge of the principles and processes involved in business and organizational planning, coordinating and execution of projects, because their jobs involve strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership and production management. These professionals must also possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a thorough understanding of their organization's policies and goals. A successful manager must have the desire to perform management functions. Many computer specialists want to be promoted but actually prefer doing technical work.
In addition to educational requirements, computer specialists must demonstrate above-average technical skills to be considered for a promotion to manager. Superiors also look for leadership ability, as well as managerial attributes such as the ability to make rational decisions, to manage time well, organize and coordinate work effectively, establish good working and personal relationships, and motivate others.
A bachelor's degree is usually required and a graduate degree is often preferred by employers. However, a few computer systems managers have associate degrees. Most computer systems managers have been systems analysts, although some may have experience as computer engineers, programmers, operators, or other computer specialties. Many have degrees in computer or information science, computer information systems, or data processing and have experience as computer programmers.
It is essential that computer systems managers have a base of technical knowledge that allows them to understand and guide the work of their subordinates and to explain the work in non-technical terms to senior management and potential customers. Therefore, experience as a computer professional is usually required to become a systems manager.
A typical career advancement progression in a large organization would be from programmer to programmer/analyst, to systems analyst, and then to project leader or senior analyst. The first real managerial position might be as project manager, programming supervisor, systems supervisor, or software manager.
Earnings for computer systems managers vary by specialty and level of management. According to Robert Half International, computer systems managers earned salaries ranging from $33,000 to well over $100,000, depending on establishment size. Managers often earn about 15 to 25 percent more than those they directly supervise, although there are cases in which some employees are paid more than the manager who supervises them. This is especially true in research fields.
According to a survey of workplaces in 160 metropolitan areas, beginning systems managers had median annual earnings of $60,900, with the middle half earning between $55,100 and $67,000. The most senior systems managers had median annual earnings of $84,200, with the middle half earning between $76,200 and $92,000.
In addition, computer systems managers, especially those at higher levels, often are provided with more benefits (such as expense accounts, stock option plans, and bonuses) than non-managerial workers in their organizations.
Engineering, science, and computer systems managers held about 343,000 jobs in 1996. Although these managers are found in almost all industries, about 38 percent are employed in manufacturing, especially in the industrial machinery and equipment, electrical and electronic equipment, instruments, chemicals, and transportation equipment industries. However, the two industries employing the greatest number of these managers were engineering and architectural services and computer and data processing services; each employed about 1 in 10 in 1996. The majority are most likely engineering managers, often managing industrial research, development, and design projects. Others work for government agencies, research and testing services, communications and utilities companies, financial and insurance firms, and management and public relations services companies.
Employment of engineering, science, and computer systems managers is expected to increase much faster than the national average for all occupations through the year 2006. Underlying much of the growth of managers in science and engineering are competitive pressures and advancing technologies which force companies to update and improve products more frequently. Research and investment in plants and equipment to expand output of goods and services and to raise productivity will also add to employment requirements for science and engineering managers involved in research and development, design, and the operation and maintenance of production facilities.
Employment of computer systems managers will increase rapidly due to the fast-paced expansion of the computer and data processing services industry and the increased employment of computer systems analysts. Large computer centers are consolidating or closing as small computers become more powerful, resulting in fewer opportunities for computer systems managers at these centers. As the economy expands and as advances in technology lead to broader applications for computers, however, opportunities will increase and employment should grow rapidly.
Opportunities for those who wish to become computer systems managers should be closely related to the growth of the occupations they supervise and the industries in which they are found. Because many computer specialists are eligible for management and seek promotion, there may be substantial competition for these openings.