Information Technology vs Information Systems: The 17 Most Common Tech Jobs Explained

Think of IS as bridging the gap between people and the system, helping them make sense of information within that system. Meanwhile, consider IT as a subset of IS, helping people better utilize information through technology. Image from Unsplash

Rina Diane Caballar April 27, 2019

Information systems and information technology are both highly profitable careers—but in order to land the top jobs, you'll probably need a master's degree.

In this course, participants learn core principles, concepts, and methods of continuous improvement and explore the history of continuous improvement efforts. In a series of lectures, Master Black Belt in Six Sigma Shane Wentz, Ph.D., enables learners to enhance, optimize, and stabilize business processes and to augment quality control through varied methodologies. Participants gain the skills and knowledge to reimagine internal processes, engage in advanced problem-solving, and empower employees. The course covers high-level foundational principles of Lean, Six Sigma, and DMAIC processes before diving deep into Lean Six Sigma methods. Learners will analyze the tools of process mapping, Kaizen (a continuous improvement method/tool deemed a prerequisite for Lean transformation success), Lean (a continuous improvement philosophy that emphasizes streamlined workflows and reducing waste), and the process improvement methodology driving DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.

Entrepreneurs fostering new ventures outside of well-developed entrepreneurial ecosystems like Silicon Valley face significant challenges. These markets are unlike Silicon Valley, and they will likely remain so. That doesn't mean they can't nurture and sustain new businesses. In transitioning markets that lack abundant private sector financing, creative approaches from government officials, donors, and business leaders can fill the void to support entrepreneurial activity. Northeast Ohio (where Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University are located) has become a laboratory for such innovative solutions. During our time together in this course, we will explore some of these creative approaches to promoting regional entrepreneurship. Northeast Ohio has seen a massive infusion of government and donor resources for over ten years. In that time, Northeast Ohio has promoted regional development (including job creation and follow-on funding) through alternative methods of financing startups. It has not been easy. The region has made progress, but it remains to be seen whether it has struck upon an enduring formula. A dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem takes many years, even decades, to develop. Government policymakers and donors typically seek quicker returns on their support programs, which makes long-term support for entrepreneurship challenging. This course includes case studies and first-person testimonials from entrepreneurs who have launched products and services ranging from medical devices to LED lights to whiskey. You will learn how these entrepreneurs discovered and procured resources from various programs and intermediary organizations. You will hear from business people still in the process of developing their companies as well as those whose ventures have flourished. Our focus will extend beyond Cleveland to selected markets around the world, including Greece, Vietnam, Tunisia, Argentina, Rwanda and China. You will learn about international incentives and other supports available to developing startups and small businesses across the globe. This course examines how different communities around the world approach implementing strategies and methods to support businesses. I will ask you to reflect on how to apply the principles we learn to growing entrepreneurship where you live. The social interactive features of the online platform will enable students from around the world to share ideas and learn from one another. Most MOOCs rebroadcast professors’ lectures; this course is different. Don’t expect to see me standing in front of the camera, talking and lecturing every module. Instead, the lectures will be relatively short in length. They have more of the feel of an engaging documentary than a static classroom setting. ## __What type of person takes the *Beyond Silicon Valley* course?__ - Active and aspiring businesspeople in communities looking to initiate new startup ecosystems or bolster existing ones - Current and prospective entrepreneurs who want to learn about funding sources, risk management, and the lifecycle of startups - Professionals who work in government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, philanthropic institutions, and various private funds that fund startups - Anyone curious about how to create and grow startup ecosystems outside the major tech hubs - The principles Beyond Silicon Valley teaches have been drawn from and applied to startups worldwide, from small villages to megalopolises. You'll study success stories spanning the globe from Vietnam to Kosovo to Botswana. ## __What will you learn in *Beyond Silicon Valley*?__ - How and where startups can find funding to get their businesses off the ground - What role government can play in encouraging startups and a healthy startup ecosystem - How anchor institutions such as universities and healthcare systems participate in startup ecosystems - How nongovernmental organizations support startups - How to raise funds from venture capitalists, angel investors, and accelerators - How to navigate challenging periods in the startup lifecycle - The importance of mentoring in successful startups

Article continues here

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the U.S. job market for computer and information systems managers is estimated to grow much faster than average, at a rate of 12 percent between 2016 and 2026. The same is true for computer and information technology professions, with a projected growth rate of 13 percent. As of May 2017, BLS reflects a median annual wage of $84,580 for computer and IT professionals. The average yearly wage for computer and information systems managers is even higher at $139,220, with the top 10 percent of workers earning over $208,000 each year.

Information systems and information technology may be profitable careers, but the terms are often interchanged and used synonymously, which can confuse anyone interested in pursuing a technology-related career. So what’s the difference between these two fields? What jobs can you look forward to and how do you know which path to take?

Information systems vs. information technology: what’s the difference?

Both fields deal with information, but the key difference lies in their focus. Information technology involves the design, implementation, maintenance, or support of the technology components behind a system—be it databases, networks, hardware, software, or other tools. Information systems, on the other hand, involves managing information within the entire system—from the technology to the people and processes designed to create, distribute, manipulate, and store information.

What are the most popular information systems jobs?

A lot of the skills you gain in information systems can be applied to various sectors. Some of the most common information systems jobs include:

Business Analyst ($69,163 average base pay) Business analysts assess and document the business requirements behind systems. They also manage the relationship between business and technology teams.
Business Intelligence Consultant ($86,889 average base pay) Business intelligence consultants evaluate a company’s existing processes and provide recommendations to improve them.
Information Systems Analyst ($66,680 average base pay) Information systems analysts design solutions to make systems more efficient and effective.
Information Architect ($96,435 average base pay) Information architects organize information to make it easily understandable by users. For example, in the case of a website, information architects define what information goes on which page, how pages relate to each other, and how information on each page helps users fulfill their needs.
Information Systems Manager ($91,587 average base pay) Information systems managers oversee the implementation of information systems activities, including evaluating upgrades, analyzing the costs and benefits of new technologies, and creating information standards, to name a few.

As you progress throughout your career, you can take on more leadership roles or even level up to a chief information officer ($146,212 average base pay), focusing on the long-term and big-picture information goals of a company and how to meet them.

What are the most popular IT jobs?

With the skills you acquire in information technology, you may be qualified for different roles. Some of the most common entry-level IT jobs include:

Computer Support Specialist ($52,810 average base pay) Computer support specialists provide technical support to organizations or assist users with their technical problems.
Database Administrator ($87,020 average base pay) Database administrators work with databases to manage, organize, and store data. They ensure data is always accessible and secure.
Information Security Specialist ($95,510 average base pay) Information security specialists devise and execute security measures to ensure the safety of data, networks, and systems.
Network Administrator ($81,100 average base pay) Network administrators design, build and maintain the networks that keep computers, applications, and systems connected.
Software Developer ($103,560 average base pay) Software developers write and test code for software programs and applications. Similar job titles include application developers, computer programmers ($82,240 average base pay), software engineers, and web developers ($67,990 average base pay).

As you go up the IT career ladder, you can move on to more senior roles, such as:

IT Project Manager ($97,312 average base pay) IT project managers track budgets and organize tasks and timelines of an IT project to ensure a smooth delivery.
IT Manager ($97,461 average base pay) IT managers are tasked to lead an IT team and make decisions on technical activities.
IT Director ($130,421 average base pay) IT directors oversee the entire IT department of a company. They supervise IT managers, implement policies, coordinate budgets, and play a role in hiring staff for their department.
Chief Technology Officer ($164,934 average base pay) Chief technology officers focus on technology plans and strategies for the entire organization.

What are the educational requirements for jobs in IT and IS?

Information systems jobs require an information systems degree. Some universities offer a bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems, with a focus on the business and communications side, while others offer a degree in Management Information Systems, where you’ll learn to use information and technology to make better management decisions. If you want to advance your career or boost your earnings, consider getting a master’s in information systems.

Most IT jobs require a computer science or information technology degree, where you’ll learn the fundamentals of computer architecture, computer networks, databases, and programming, among others. Getting a master’s in information technology might be worth it if you want to stand out from the competition.

Which is best for you: information systems or information technology?

Our ever-increasing thirst for information and the constant advancements in technology fuel the need for information systems (IS) and information technology (IT) jobs. This makes IS and IT lucrative fields to work in, and these careers will continue to be in demand for years to come.

With a booming tech sector and a solid occupational outlook for both information systems and information technology, choosing a career in either field will be a sound investment and a worthwhile endeavor.

Questions or feedback? Email editor@noodle.com