Information Systems

Information systems (IS) allow people to access an increasing range of services and products from anywhere in the world, and they make a huge impact on most aspects of our lives. Government websites provide information on how to start a business, employment contracts, living standards in New Zealand and much more. Online banking, shopping and connecting with people on social media are other examples of IS.

The role of IS in business is to support the key aspects of running an organisation, such as communication, record-keeping, decision making, data analysis etc. Companies use this information to improve their business operations, make strategic decisions and gain a competitive edge. For example, an organisation may use customer relationship management (CRM) systems to gain a better understanding of its target audience, acquire new customers and retain existing clients.

• Cloud computing is becoming all-pervasive
• Mobile computing and applications are increasingly important
• Increasing use of big data analytics
• Robotic process automation (RPA), machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) are taking over many routine tasks
• Increasing use of virtual reality and augmented reality
• Growth of blockchain data
• Individual data privacy is now more important as a result of increased government regulation and policy enforcement
  
• The need to create superior user experiences that help to boost customer satisfaction is becoming an important factor in business process design

The World Economic Forum‘s latest ‘Future of Jobs’ report*, which identifies trends across 20 economies in 12 industry sectors, suggests that between 2018 and 2022, 75 million current job roles may be displaced by machines and algorithms. But 133 million new jobs will likely emerge during that same period. Amongst the top 10 jobs in 2022 will be:

• Data analysts and scientists
• AI and machine learning specialists
• General and operations managers
• Software and applications developers and analysts
• Sales and marketing professionals
• Big data specialists
• Digital transformation specialists
  

Closer to home, over 35,000 people in New Zealand currently work in computer systems design.** With the exponential growth of digital capabilities and new technologies emerging all the time, the future looks bright for IS professionals who are equipped to identify and exploit the opportunities created by these technology innovations.

*Source: figure.nz
**Source: EAB

• An in-depth understanding of information systems concepts and theories
• High level of technical and software knowledge
• Practical application of computing knowledge to business
• Programming and design
• Logical and quantitative thinking
• Interpretive and analytical thinking
• Problem solving skills
• Commercial and business awareness
• Collaboration and communication skills
• Relationship-building skills
• Good attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• A commitment to ongoing learning

By specialising in Information Systems, you may choose to concentrate on areas such as the analysis and design of systems or IS networks in organisations. Graduates are employed in a wide range of careers including:

• AI/machine learning engineer/developer
• Business analyst
• Business improvement analyst
• Cloud solutions architect
• Cloud support associate
• Computer support technicians
• Cyber-security analyst
• Data analyst
• Database administrator
• Digital strategy & architecture consultant
• Digital transformation consultant
• Information/data management advisor
• IT infrastructure specialist
• IT risk/systems consultant
• Lecturer
• Programmer/software developer
• Project manager
• Software engineer/tester
• Support technician
• Systems architect
• Test analyst 
• UX/UI designer
• Web developer
  

Or, if you have big ideas of your own, you could develop and manage a start-up in the entrepreneurial space.

With a major in Information Systems you could work in all sectors including: Banking; financial services; insurance; information technology services; telecommunications; software companies; healthcare; retail; professional, scientific and technical services; gaming; sport and leisure; tourism and hospitality and more.

Beta Alpha Psi – Auckland Chapter (BAP)

Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) is an international honours organisation for accounting, finance and information systems students and professionals. BAP recognises academic and professional excellence and complements members’ formal education by providing self-development opportunities and networking among students, faculty and professionals. Learn more

More clubs and societies at the Business School

• NZTech
  This organisation aims to connect, promote and advance the New Zealand technology ecosystem.
• IEEE
  A technical professional organisation dedicated to the advance of technology. 
• IT Professionals New Zealand
  With thousands of members, ITP is the largest and most trusted tech body in New Zealand.
  

Social media networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter can also help you to keep up-to-date with industry knowledge, events and job vacancies.

Careers New Zealand

The Careers New Zealand website provides useful salary information for a range of business and industry roles, as well as information on the difference a qualification makes to what you are paid, and advice on negotiating your salary. You can also search for salary information by job.
Careers New Zealand

Occupation Outlook

Occupation outlook is a great tool for exploring study and career options, with extensive information on labour supply and demand in over 100 occupations in New Zealand. It outlines how to enter each role, how many are studying in related fields, how many are employed, and what the average incomes are. It also outlines the prospects of getting a job in that occupation once you have the necessary qualifications.

Prospects

Prospects is a UK-based organisation that provides graduate career information.
Prospects - Information systems