As freshman at McCombs, MIS is the first concentration we've been familiarized with in a classroom setting. For many BHP students, MIS is now in the forefront of our minds when thinking of future careers because of Professor Konana's interesting classroom discussions. I was lucky enough to interview Andrew Houshian, a McCombs MIS graduate about his major. Here's what he had to say.
Why did you choose MIS?
I choose to major in MIS for a few reasons. First off, when I was a freshman, I had a friend who was a senior that majored in MIS. After he sparked my interest in the major, I did some research on it and found it had some great benefits. For instance, when looking for a job, each student with an MIS degree normally has 3-4 offers to decide from. In addition, you can work in several different fields ranging from consulting to computer programming. I always had an interest in technology and with an MIS major, I got to learn a variety of emerging technologies.
How difficult is it to secure an internship and/or job with an MIS degree and why?
As I mentioned in my previous answer, a degree in MIS allows you work in a variety of fields which makes finding a job a little easier. In addition, when I recruited for a job, I was able to select from four offers which gave me flexibility. Because MIS majors are a hybrid between businessmen and computer programmers, it provides an option in the type of work they do.
Are there certain traits that are essential for people pursuing a career in MIS?
There are definitely a few traits that help. I think one of the most important is to have a passion for technology. Throughout my career as an MIS major, one consistent I've found is the learning and exposure received in a variety of technologies. In college, I learned about Visual Basic, SQL, RFIDs, etc. Now with my job, I'm learning SAP, CAATs, and and Active Directory, so I'd definitely say the person must like learning new things constantly. Another key trait includes paying attention to details because with technology, the smallest detail can make an impact on its process.
Does your job get redundant or is it changing all the time (is it challenging to keep up with)?
The current work I do involves IT auditing, so at times the work can be a little redundant. However, there is constant exposure to different IT systems and processes, so it's never quite the same. I have had the opportunity to work with several big companies including ConocoPhillips and American Airlines which has allowed me to see the processes/skill sets behind successful companies. Even better is I get the opportunity to interact with key executives within these companies, so I get great exposure.
Andrew also wanted to add that that MIS isn't just for computer programmers with no social life, which is a common misconception. It is definitely a mix between technology and business, so there is a lot of interaction.
I also had the chance to ask Professor Konana a few questions about MIS.
How stable is the job market?
IT budgets are often tied to the economy. During boom time firms spend more on new applications, and cut-down capital expenditures when economy takes a downturn. This contradicts basic premise that firms should look for productivity enhancing investments during downturn. But, the reality is when economy is bad firms they try to cut down new expenditures to preserve cash.
What is the stress/income ratio?
Depends on the role within a firm! If you are a business analyst for a consulting firm, you are fine. But, you may be traveling most of the week days. It is also high-paying. Most MIS grads starting salary are in high 50s and early 60s. If you are in support-type of work it is 24-hour work to deal with emergencies (assume if your system is down and your firms is a global firm. Or, you work for financial services firms and your system is down - heads will roll). So, it depends on the type of work.
Are there opportunities for collaboration or is it mostly independent work?
This is mostly collaborative work. You need to interface with various business functions and IT folks. There is nothing independent. If you are in a global company often it is collaboration with different countries/cultures.
I hope Andrew Houshian and Professor Konana's responses to my questions are helpful in creating a better idea of MIS. Personally, MIS is one of my top considerations as a major because MIS students are in high demand and the work is interesting. Please feel free to comment.
Why did you choose MIS?
I choose to major in MIS for a few reasons. First off, when I was a freshman, I had a friend who was a senior that majored in MIS. After he sparked my interest in the major, I did some research on it and found it had some great benefits. For instance, when looking for a job, each student with an MIS degree normally has 3-4 offers to decide from. In addition, you can work in several different fields ranging from consulting to computer programming. I always had an interest in technology and with an MIS major, I got to learn a variety of emerging technologies.
How difficult is it to secure an internship and/or job with an MIS degree and why?
As I mentioned in my previous answer, a degree in MIS allows you work in a variety of fields which makes finding a job a little easier. In addition, when I recruited for a job, I was able to select from four offers which gave me flexibility. Because MIS majors are a hybrid between businessmen and computer programmers, it provides an option in the type of work they do.
Are there certain traits that are essential for people pursuing a career in MIS?
There are definitely a few traits that help. I think one of the most important is to have a passion for technology. Throughout my career as an MIS major, one consistent I've found is the learning and exposure received in a variety of technologies. In college, I learned about Visual Basic, SQL, RFIDs, etc. Now with my job, I'm learning SAP, CAATs, and and Active Directory, so I'd definitely say the person must like learning new things constantly. Another key trait includes paying attention to details because with technology, the smallest detail can make an impact on its process.
Does your job get redundant or is it changing all the time (is it challenging to keep up with)?
The current work I do involves IT auditing, so at times the work can be a little redundant. However, there is constant exposure to different IT systems and processes, so it's never quite the same. I have had the opportunity to work with several big companies including ConocoPhillips and American Airlines which has allowed me to see the processes/skill sets behind successful companies. Even better is I get the opportunity to interact with key executives within these companies, so I get great exposure.
Andrew also wanted to add that that MIS isn't just for computer programmers with no social life, which is a common misconception. It is definitely a mix between technology and business, so there is a lot of interaction.
I also had the chance to ask Professor Konana a few questions about MIS.
How stable is the job market?
IT budgets are often tied to the economy. During boom time firms spend more on new applications, and cut-down capital expenditures when economy takes a downturn. This contradicts basic premise that firms should look for productivity enhancing investments during downturn. But, the reality is when economy is bad firms they try to cut down new expenditures to preserve cash.
What is the stress/income ratio?
Depends on the role within a firm! If you are a business analyst for a consulting firm, you are fine. But, you may be traveling most of the week days. It is also high-paying. Most MIS grads starting salary are in high 50s and early 60s. If you are in support-type of work it is 24-hour work to deal with emergencies (assume if your system is down and your firms is a global firm. Or, you work for financial services firms and your system is down - heads will roll). So, it depends on the type of work.
Are there opportunities for collaboration or is it mostly independent work?
This is mostly collaborative work. You need to interface with various business functions and IT folks. There is nothing independent. If you are in a global company often it is collaboration with different countries/cultures.
I hope Andrew Houshian and Professor Konana's responses to my questions are helpful in creating a better idea of MIS. Personally, MIS is one of my top considerations as a major because MIS students are in high demand and the work is interesting. Please feel free to comment.
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