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Job After MS in Information Systems: 10 Steps to 100% Clarity
- Lovish Rawal
- May 3, 2023
- 9:22 am
Finding a job after completing an MS in Information Systems can be an exciting yet daunting task. You’ve spent years of hard work and dedication to earn your degree. Now it’s time to take the next step in your career.
A manager in Information Systems is required to derive meaningful insights from data.
How to make the right moves and get the job you have always desired? Let’s dive right in.
Overview of the Job Market
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for MSIS graduates is exceedingly bright. Jobs in Information Systems are expected to grow by 16% annually between 2021-2031.
In 2020, the media pay was $151,000. There are many opportunities for jobs after MS in Information Systems that offer rewarding challenges and competitive salaries.
Some of the sectors that recruit MS in Information Systems graduates in large numbers include:
- Technology companies – These firms design, manufacture, or offer products, services, or software related to information technology. Examples include Microsoft, Amazon, Google, IBM, Dell, Oracle, and Cisco.
- Consulting firms – These businesses provide suggestions and remedies to their clients on how to make the best use of information technology. Examples include PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, EY, Accenture, and Unisys.
- Financial institutions – These firms offer financial services such as banking, investment, insurance, and others that rely on information systems to handle data and transactions. Examples include JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, and Goldman Sachs.
10 Tips to Land a Job After Your MSIS Degree
We have compiled a list of 10 practical tips and tricks to help you navigate the job search process. Following these increases your chances of securing a job after your master’s degree.
1. Networking goes along way
Even in the age of AI, networking remains your best friend. The biggest companies not only depend on campus placements but also on referrals to recruit fresh graduates.
Start small. Reach out to your existing contacts, such as friends, classmates, professors, mentors, or colleagues. Joining the alumni association is an excellent step. University of Maryland, College Park has an excellent webpage for freshers to connect with past students.
Networking is not about collecting contacts or asking for favors. It is about building authentic and meaningful relationships based on mutual trust and respect. Be yourself and show your personality and values.
2. Create an excellent resume
You cannot build a great resume in a day or even a week.
Make a draft. Return to it after a few days and edit out what seems incongruous.
Make changes. Show it to friends and seniors. Share it on a subreddit (r/jobs or r/resumes) and ask for errors to be pointed out.
Most fresh graduates make an error by creating a resume that is too pompous.
While it is excellent to share your academic and extracurricular activities in a positive light, do not use too much jargon and catchphrases to impress.
Choose a light template from Canva. Type out your CV without a single typo, and you are good to go.
3. Learn through internships
Theory only goes so far. You need hands-on experience. Hence an internship at a well-known company helps set you up for your first job.
Internships can help students gain relevant job experience that can boost their resume and qualifications. Internships can also help students learn about the expectations and requirements of their desired industry or role.
In addition, if you do well and perform impressively an internship could perhaps translate to a full-fledged job.
4. Online job search
Online job search platforms are websites or applications that allow job seekers and employers to connect and find opportunities.
Monster is well past its prime but other contenders have entered the race.
Indeed and ZipRecruiter are the two biggest job portals with thousands of jobs suitable for graduates who have completed an MS in Information Systems.
Before you take up a job, research the job description at Glassdoor. You will find all the relevant details including salary and bonus.
5. Build an online presence
LinkedIn, a social media platform for professionals with 65% of the U.S. audience reach in 2023, is vital to any job search.
Select a professional photo and use a few paragraphs to highlight skills, interests, goals, and achievements.
Change the default URL assigned by LinkedIn to something more personal, and build connections with those in your field.
Being active on LinkedIn. Engage with other users and share valuable content on the platform. You can like, comment, share, or post articles, videos.
6. Polish your interview skills
Before the interview, you should do some research on the company, and the specific role you are applying for.
Anticipate some of the common questions that interviewers might ask you and prepare some answers in advance. They may be about you, your goals, or your academic achievements.
Be honest and authentic during the interview and avoid exaggerating about your skills. In short, be eloquent, confident, and as knowledgeable as possible.
7. Follow up afterwards
Following up after an interview is a great way to show your interest, appreciation, and professionalism to the employer. It can also help you stay on top of the hiring process and increase your chances of getting a positive response.
To follow up after an interview via email, you should send a thank-you note within 24 hours, and wait for the agreed-upon time before following up again. Respect the timeline given by the employer, and stay positive and optimistic throughout the process.
8. Consider further education
MSIS is strongly linked to data science. Consider a course from a MOOC such as Coursera.
If you do not have a working knowledge of Python, and R language or technologies such as Apache Spark, it might be good to take additional certifications.
Data science and information systems are part of the same hierarchy. You could also consider some courses in AI and ML.
9. Be open to short-term employment
The economy moves at its own rhythm. You have no control over the general economic situation when you graduate.
If it is in a recessionary environment you have two choices – study more or take up contractual work.
While permanent jobs might be scarce at times, contractual work is always available. They pay less than a permanent position and offer fewer benefits. But you avoid the dreaded gap year in your resume and also gain experience.
10. Review and revise plan regularly
Review and revise your job search plan regularly. Evaluate what is working and what is not working in your job search. Adjust your goals, strategies, or expectations as needed. Seek new sources of information, inspiration, or support that can help you achieve your desired outcomes.
Be flexible and open-minded about your job options. Consider applying for jobs that are not directly related to your master’s degree but still utilize your skills and interests. Explore different sectors, locations, or types of organizations that may offer opportunities for growth.
In conclusion
Landing a job after completing an MS in Information Systems might require some effort and perseverance. Utilizing these ten tips, you can stand out to potential employers.
Keep on polishing your interview skills, improving your personality, and staying well-informed about the latest developments in the field.
MS in Information Systems is a valuable degree. By staying motivated and persistent, you can increase your chances of finding a job in your desired field.