Expanding Opportunities in Information Systems
Maybe you’re old enough to remember floppy disks and DOS programming? Or perhaps you grew up with PlayStations and Xboxes? Whichever category you fall into, you have seen amazing growth in the technology industry, which is far from peaking—making this industry full of opportunity.
Bradden Blair, Director of the Information Systems Program at the David Eccles School of Business states, “Salt Lake has growing opportunities in Information Systems because of Governor Herbert’s initiatives to make Utah a top 10 center for technology jobs and businesses.”
The governor’s initiatives, along with the emerging jobs, are already significantly reflected in the Information Systems program. In the last year, there has been a 7 percent enrollment increase in the undergraduate program, and over 30 percent growth in the master’s program. The David Eccles School of Business program mirrors the industry needs with its variety and flexibility in curriculum. Students are exposed to everything from networking and servers to IT security, and from data management and business intelligence to creating mobile applications. Blair adds, “The programs provide a broad perspective that makes students more marketable after graduation.” He goes on to explain, “Graduates with Information Systems degrees help businesses to use data to make good strategic decisions and help companies bridge the gap between their business units and technology.”
Corporate partnerships with the some of the top technology industries in the state are an immense advantage to students as they connect for internships, build their networks, and begin to look at job opportunities. For example, “In the past, our MSIS Advisory Board has included senior managers from local business like Oracle, Goldman Sachs, Energy Solutions, and Fusion IO,” says Blair. These companies have helped the college stay current on the industry needs, as well as expose business students to strong connections. Capstone projects are one more way for David Eccles students to have hands-on experience collaborating with companies on real-world issues.
Blair concludes, “Opportunities are everywhere. Part of the reason is the explosion of the internet and the need for data management.” Companies are looking at issues of privacy, regulatory changes, and ways to protect themselves from hackers. These are not the only career choices available though. Some of the top jobs include:
- Systems analyst
- Online teacher-trainer
- Web/e-commerce system developer
- Application developer
- Database specialist
- Information security
- Network analyst
Many jobs that will be available two to three years from now have not even begun to be developed.
It is arguable that in today’s changing economic climate that a degree in Information Services will help you secure your place in the job market. Many students are now starting their career with a bachelor’s in IS to be part of the emerging job market. Others are coming back for their master’s to differentiate themselves, help them move ahead in their companies, or even pivot job careers. Whatever the reason you’ve decided to investigate, the David Eccles School of Business has the programs to meet your needs when you’re looking for a technology education.