Management Information Systems Career Workshop

1. Management Information SystemsCareer Workshop Presented by Frank L. Ciminelli Family Career Resource Center

2. Areas of MIS • Web / Digital Design / Graphics • E-Commerce • Application Development / Programming • Database Design / Data Mining • Systems Development / Analysis • Networking • Security • Architecture & Project Management • Technical Sales & Customer Support There is lots of overlap, as you can tell by viewing job postings

3. Industries & Environments • Consulting Firms • Banks, Financial Institutions, Insurance, Accounting • Manufacturing • Hospitals, Healthcare Providers • Schools, Government, Not-for-Profits • From very small organizations to extremely large companies. • Jobs offer individual work environments to very collaborative environment . . . in essence, everywhere!

4. Web / Digital Design & Graphics • The “creative” types • 3D modeling, animation, multimedia • Consider minors or double major with art • Know Dream Weaver, FTP, Adobe, Corel, Flash, master the graphic editors & desktop publishers • Must have a portfolio, better yet, an e-portfolio

5. Web Design Sample Job Graphic Artist/WebProduction Designer for Nielsen Entertainment Create and manage a wide variety of Web-based graphics for various entertainment-oriented market analysis companies. Develop graphics and layouts for a variety ofprint-based graphics for associated publications / magazines. • Implement / update web pages and static pages. • Render logos for updates of corporate identity • Develop in-house company graphic s such as signage, memo’s, team sports, entertainment, awards • Create PowerPoint presentations for various departments. • Provide full scope of graphic design - from conceptual drawing to full functioning completion within browsers. • Create full GUI (Graphical User Interface) with navigation, etc. • Design numerous mock-ups for visual acceptance by management before final decision. • Pre-code graphics for programmer use. Requirements: • Extensive knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat Professional, In Design), Microsoft (PowerPoint, Publisher), PageMaker and Corel.  • Understanding of Java Script, HTML, XML, PHP, SQL a big plus.   • Ability to collaborate with variety of project stakeholders; management, programmers, etc. • Ability to coordinate between senior management and development team & printers, editors, publishers. • Multitasking and ability to meet all deadlines while delivering quality product.  • Portfolio, BS with 3+ years of creative experience.

6. E-Commerce • Distribute, buy, sell, market and service products or services over electronic systems such as the Internet and other computer networks • Not just EBay and Amazon.com! Online purchasing, online tracking of products for general public, but also inter- and intra- company, on-line banking, etc. • Started with “banner ads” in 1994

7. E-Commerce Sample Job eCommerce Technical Lead, Armstrong Flooring Armstrong's corporate IT organization has a terrific opportunity for a hands-on eCommerce expert within our web technical team. As part of a small team, you will leverage commerce software product suite tools to power Armstrong's marketing websites to attract new customers, build personalized relationships with shoppers and drive web sales with particular focus on customer ease of use.  Focus on the migration of our domestic and international marketing websites to ATG Commerce Suite. Design new solutions within the framework of Armstrong's web architecture and on-line commerce platform. Configure on-line commerce platforms. Lead a team of on-site and off shore contract developers on a project delivery basis. Work with project managers and business analysts, from concept to web publication, in building your team knowledge of the ATG platforms and capabilities.  Developing technical documentation for all assigned work, provide on-going maintenance of commerce sites. Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in computer science or MIS. • Collaborative mindset and energy. • Teamwork with technical professionals. • Highly motivated & self-driven IT professional who is eager to take a lead role in new technology. • Experience with development and implementation of Java-based websites and applications, in particular eCommerce applications. • Thorough understanding of web/Internet technologies, business concepts, security issues and networking standards. • Strong communication skills with the ability to relate to diverse groups of internal and external clients to include vendors, consultants, designers and developers.

8. Application Development / Programming • Creating software to serve the needs of the client or own business • Program using the following languages: .NET, Ajax, ASP, CSS, ColdFusion, Java EE, JavaScript, Perl, PHP, COBOL • Jobs usually for computer science candidates, but skill outweighs degree

9. Application Dev. / Programmer Sample Job Junior Programmer Analyst, CGI CGI is an international IT and Business Process Services organization. Provide ongoing maintenance and production support through problem analysis and resolution to correct deficiencies for existing applications. Travel to customer sites within Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio required. • Resolve production problems & user inquiries, document reported issues and their resolution • Analyze, design, develop, implement, and maintain moderate to complex computer programs & custom solutions for document management projects which use standard & custom developed CGI applications. • Code modules according to specifications and client standards • Modify/Develop code, perform Unit and System Testing, successfully move programs into production • Analyze software modules and other technologies and provide production support for projects/applications • Interpret process, data modules and business requirements into software code • Keep current with latest programming technologies such as Microsoft.NET, AJAX, etc. Requirements: • 1 yr. of experience with the following: Visual Basic 6.0; COM/DCOM/Active X controls; Classic ASP programming; VB.NET; ASP.NET;C#.NET; RDBMS-SQL Server; Oracle • BS or equivalent in Information Technology is required. • Excellent communication and documentation skills • Team oriented; ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and ability to complete assignments in an allocated timeframe. • Performs well under pressure, problem solving • Those with Microsoft Certification and/or experience in Document Management (Onbase, Kofax) and/or experience in a customer service environment encouraged to apply.

10. Database Design / Data Mining • Database managers use software to create files of info organized so a company can use appropriately. • They can recover data, make sure the data is accurate (data integrity), secure, available immediately, performing within a budget, and user-friendly • Database Management Systems include Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Access, MySQL, and FileMaker

11. Database Design Sample Job Database Developer, ABVI-Goodwill • The Database Developer will support Microsoft SQL 2000, Microsoft Access and Pervasive databases. • A total of 14 databases exist within the network. Additionally, the incumbent will perform all aspects of database administration, installation and deployment, security administration, backup and recovery planning, data modeling, performance tuning, research and evaluation of new tools and techniques, • Crystal reporting, automating processes, and developing policies, standards and procedures related to the database environment. • The Information Technology Director will assign other duties as necessary. Requirements: • 2-3 years experience required working directly with Microsoft SQL 2000 Databases, Microsoft Access 2000 and Crystal Reports. • Understanding XML communication and/or experience in upgrading from Microsoft SQL 2000 to Microsoft 2005 and 2007 is desired. • Experience in Pervasive, Delphi and Visual Basic is also desired. Applicants must possess a working knowledge of networks and basic troubleshooting and have proven excellent customer service skills. • Must have experience with database utilities to keep the integrity of the database in place, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

12. Networking • Computer networking is the concerned with communication between computer systems • From Bluetooth to the Internet • Sometimes considered a sub-discipline of telecommunications • A computer network is any set of computers or devices connected to each other • Examples: Internet, a wide area network (WAN) that is the largest to ever exist, or a small home local area network (LAN) with two computers connected with standard networking cables connecting to a network interface card in each computer. • WiFi – Wireless Local Area Networks to connect computers without wires.

13. Networking Sample Job Network Operations Manager, AT&T Manages exempt network engineers and professional employees in multiple complex network transmission and implementation areas. Responsible for a variety of activities for a specialized or large-scale area within Network Engineering. Requires strong knowledge of specialty area or broad knowledge of the organization and operation. Works closely with managers and project team members to assess/meet department goals. Plans and organizes work projects, budgets and resources. Assists directors and executive management with implementation, development of strategies, guidelines. Remains current with industry trends / technologies. Monitors and is responsible for budgets for area of responsibility. Ensures compliance with government regulations and system specifications. Requirements: • BS minimum, some management experience • Understand technical aspects of Network Operations • Understand business control systems • Microsoft Office Suite • Excellent written & verbal communication skills, ability to accurately document activity • Project Management skills, MS Project a plus

14. Security • Also called Information Assurance and Computer Security • Protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information • It’s more than just passwords! • Crucial for banks, hospitals/healthcare, schools, government, anywhere that financial, personal, health information is stored • Jobs in GOVERNMENT (homeland security) consulting firms, banks, museums, accounting firms, etc. etc.

15. Security Sample Job IT Advisory, KPMG IT Advisory Services (ITAS) professionals assess, design, and combine leading information management and operational processes, approaches, technologies, and controls to help enable sustained business value and risk management in support of the business. • Plan and oversee the execution of the day-to-day activities related to IT audits and other IT advisory engagements including project management, setting project scope and objectives, establishing milestone dates, identifying tasks and assigning responsibilities, tracking budget, reviewing project work papers, adjusting project plans when necessary and reporting to senior mgt. • Manage Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) section 404 compliance audits for clients • Test IT General controls and application controls, perform risk assessments, identify objectives and controls, document results, evaluate deficiency impact and recommend remediation steps • Perform security and controls review of various types of operating systems • Plan and manage network security and architecture reviews and assessments and perform IT controls audit and advisory reviews with focus on network security Requirements: • Bachelor's in Information Systems, Math, Finance, Business, Engineering (any), or Computer Science, MBA a plus. Experience with the following: • Business Development (Proposal Writing, Increase Sales etc.) • Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC): Design, Develop and Implement IT systems • Statement of Auditing Standards (SAS) No. 70 • Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Section 404 Compliance Audits • IT Controls Audit and Advisory reviews with focus on Network Security

16. Systems Development / Analysis • An operating system (OS) is a computer program that manages the hardware and software resources of a computer. • It controls and allocates memory, prioritizes system requests, controls input and output devices, facilitates networking, and manages files • A career in this area would involved setting up, testing and maintaining systems

17. Systems Sample Job IT Operations Analyst, Fiserv Lending Solutions • Primarily focusing on monitoring and supporting IT production systems. • Diagnose and troubleshoot technical problems as they arise and demonstrate excellent judgment in determining the proper response. • Develop scripts to assist with business process automation. • Participation in on-call, off-hours rotation for system problems. Requirements: • BS in MIS/ Computer Science/ CIS preferred or 2-3 years work experience in a similar function required. • Knowledge of office products including Microsoft Word, Project, PowerPoint, and Excel (Excel advanced user level, charts/graphs, pivot tables etc.). • Previous project management and meeting facilitation experience is recommended. • Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and demonstrate the ability to effectively convey technical information in a clear and concise manner.

18. Architecture & Project Management • Organizing and managing resources so that these resources deliver all the work required to complete a project within a defined scope, time, and cost constraints • IT Life Cycle • Coordinate with ALL STAFF and CLIENTS

19. Project Manager Sample Job Project Manager, HP Solution Center Coordinate IT operational deployments, and working with the project management group to manage IT projects independently and/or to act as an assistant project manager on large IT projects. Work with project leaders to schedule user-impacting deployments and system upgrades. • Maintain and update deployment calendar. • Work with Technical Support Project Manager and project leaders to coordinate IT-related projects through the project life cycle: monitor, track, document and report project progress. Requirements: • BS and 3+ years working in IT industry • Excellent writing and documentation skills • Highly organized person, with strong attention to detail • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills • Strong analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills • Ability to handle multiple tasks and work under time pressures • Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of personnel within the Firm • Ability to work independently and determine priorities • Strong understanding of Windows, MS Office applications, MS Project and MS Access • Strong customer service focus and experience

20. Technical Sales & Customer Support • A GREAT way to get into a company at the ground floor • Consider these jobs while you are IN school now • Develops your technical as well as “soft” skills

21. Next Step: Conduct more research • Watch CRC Skill-Building Workshop • Learn more about the IT field and specific areas • Read overview in Occupational Outlook Handbook http://www.bls.gov/oco/ • Read career / industry guides in “Vault” • Read more job descriptions • Network with IT professionals • Attend Employer Information sessions • Join MISA in School of Management • Join infoTech Niagara: www.infotechniagara.org

22. Citations for this Presentation • Wetfeet.com • Indeed.com • www.mgt.buffalo.edu/career • http://www.bls.gov/oco/ Make an appointment at the CRC 645-3232