I. JOB GROWTH

Economic volatility notwithstanding, there has never been a better time to be a CIO. The line between the business and IT is blurring, and new career trajectories are opening up in both the private and non-profit sectors. ("Career Strategist" columnist, CIO magazine, and Managing Director, IT Leadership Practice, ZRG, Inc., July 2008.)

As business execs become more enthusiastic about the importance of technology to their plans and goals, CIOs are reporting that, even in these times of tight budgets, demand is mushrooming. (Forrester Research, June 30, 2009)

In the most advanced firms the CIO is the best indicated executive to move to CEO, especially in technology intensive firms. (Portland International Conference on Management of Engineering & Technology [PICMET], 27-31 July 2008)

Employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to grow much faster than the average (16%) over the 2006-2016 decade. (US Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH, 2008)

Computer and Information Systems managers account for 30.2% of Virginia's employment. (OOH, 2008)

II. SALARIES

Virginia is among the highest paying states for Computer and Information Systems managers, with an annual mean wage of $131,320 (BLS, 2008)

Median total cash compensation nationwide, including bonuses and other cash payments, for IS managers in 2008 is $118,710, up 7.1% from 2006. (BLS, 2008)

III. TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS

Justin Sowers, Director of Global Business Technology, Pfizer, Inc. says “I like to find people with the depth of knowledge in business and a passion for technology, with the appropriate skills in both areas.”

Employers often prefer a graduate degree, especially with technology as a core component.  (BLS, 2008)

People with management skills and an understanding of business practices and principles will have excellent opportunities, as companies are increasingly looking to technology to drive their revenue.  (OOH, 2008)

We all possess the capacity for leadership, but only those who cultivate it will ever become truly effective leaders. (www.leadershipnow.com)

For the talented employee, a huge challenge is to rise above a single function and gain a broad understanding of the business, especially as it operates globally.  (HBS Working Knowledge)

IV. NATURE OF THE WORK AND ASSOCIATED FTEMS COURSES

(From the US BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition)

Titles include: Chief information officer, VP of IT, Chief technology officer, Chief Security Officer, Management Information Systems (MIS) Director, Project manager, LAN/WAN Manager.

Chief Information Officers (CIOs) are responsible for the overall technological direction of their organizations.

Computer and information systems managers play a vital role in the implementation of technology within their organizations.

• They plan, coordinate, and direct research and facilitate the computer-related activities of firms. (ISTM672, ISTM 673, ISTM674, ISTM675)
• They help determine both technical and business goals in consultation with top management (ISTM672) and make detailed plans for the accomplishment of these goals. (ISTM675) This requires a strong understanding of both technology and business practices.
• They are increasingly involved with the upkeep and maintenance and security of networks.  (ISTM676)
• They direct the work of other computer-related workers.  (ISTM671)
• They analyze the computer and information needs of their organizations from an operational and strategic perspective and determine immediate and long-range personnel and equipment requirements. (ISTM671, ISTM672, ITM673)
• They must possess strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills (ISTM672) because they are required to interact not only with staff members, but also with other people inside and outside their organizations. They must possess team skills to work on group projects and other collaborative efforts.  (ISTM671) They also must have an understanding of how a business functions, how it earns revenue, and how technology relates to the core competencies of the business. (ISTM672, ISTM673, ISTM679)

Chief technology officers (CTOs) evaluate the newest and most innovative technologies and determine how these can help their organizations. (ISM674) Once a useful tool has been identified, the CTO must determine an implementation strategy and sell that strategy to management. (ISTM672, ISTM674)

Management information systems (MIS) directors or information technology (IT) directors manage computing resources for their organizations. These managers ensure the availability, continuity, and security of data and information technology services in their organizations. (MODII)