All organizations use information technology to store data and information. They need management information systems people to manage these systems to run the business efficiently. The scope for careers in this field is good. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics "2010-11 Occupational Outlook Handbook," employment of computer and information systems managers is likely to grow 16 percent over the period 2006 to 2016. Careers in MIS draw on core skills.

Technology Skills

Technology keeps changing. New technologies emerge all the time: social networking sites, cell phones, computers. These are technologies that have become widespread. One core skill for an MIS worker is to be current with technology. Companies use information technology for various purposes, and your job will be to manage these systems for them to be most effective. If you enjoy learning about technology and using technology to improve people’s lives, that’s a key skill required of an MIS professional.

Analytical Skills

Since MIS people use technology to improve business processes, you should know how to analyze business processes. You identify inefficiencies and problems in the processes and assess what the information requirements are. Then you come up with solutions that deal with these inadequacies. MIS professionals also provide expertise for the design and development of databases as part of analyzing the company’s information systems. For instance, a department store could use a database to track which products are selling best. The MIS professional is instrumental in managing this database.

Interpersonal And Managerial Skills

A career in MIS requires working not only with technology and systems but also with other people in the organization. As an MIS professional, you need data input and information from various functional areas in the organization. This calls for communication and interpersonal skills. And you need management skills to put into place the changes needed to improve the information systems. This calls for management of time and resources. In addition to seeing the big picture, you need a lot of attention to detail in managing information systems.