Launching an information systems career — with or without a STEM background
A law firm may not seem like an obvious choice for an information systems career workplace, but it’s a great example of how this field is evolving. Many law offices increasingly rely on technology and data to analyze laws and regulations. And they aren’t the only ones.
As our lives become more digital, information systems are crucial for improving our quality of life, transforming data into knowledge, helping businesses stay competitive, and much more. This area of work encompasses an organization’s computer systems and related technology and infrastructure that collects, processes, stores, and distributes information, which is becoming increasingly complex.
But did you know that both professionals with a science or engineering background and those from non-STEM fields can launch a career in this expanding line of work? Northeastern University in Toronto provides two exciting opportunities: a traditional Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) and an MSIS – Bridge program specifically designed for individuals with non-STEM and non-technical backgrounds.
Here’s what you need to know to answer the question, “Is Information Systems a good major for me?” and see where your career can go.
How Information Systems Career Options Are Evolving
The key role tech plays in our lives can’t be overstated. Robot-assisted surgeries are rising in health care, and patient care relies on data. Ontario and other provinces are allowing the limited pilot testing of fully autonomous vehicles. In factories, Industry 4.0 integrates digital technologies into manufacturing and industrial processes. Law firms are turning to technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to complement their analysis and legal cases. Even law enforcement agencies use data to analyze crime patterns and optimize operations.
These advances and disruptions to various sectors require information system professionals — as do more established needs such as businesses processing their financial accounts, administering human resources, and building user-friendly applications.
What’s more, the field’s expansiveness creates a wide range of career roles. Whether you’re interested in designing and developing info systems, optimizing business processes with technology, or ensuring seamless user experiences, there is a role for you. Professionals may pursue positions such as software engineer, systems analyst, IT consultant, user experience designer, or solutions architect — helping organizations leverage technology for innovation and efficiency.
The Government of Canada reports that employment for information systems analysts, for example, is projected to grow significantly faster than the average for all occupations. This demand will continue to be driven by the need for businesses and governments to upgrade their information and computer technology systems to stay competitive with the latest technologies.
Is Information Systems a Good Major?
To reflect the diversity of this field, Northeastern University offers customizable MSIS and MSIS Bridge programs. The traditional program targets those with engineering or computing degrees. The Bridge option, meanwhile, welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds, such as finance or those holding a Bachelor of Arts. Bridge students gain a solid engineering foundation after completing a unique curriculum designed to ensure they gain the skills to succeed.
This flexibility is further enhanced by focus areas that allow students to gain in-depth knowledge in a particular area of interest. Both MSIS and MSIS Bridge students can choose from many focus areas, including:
• Software engineering
• User experience
• Big data system and analytics
• Smart contracts
• Artificial Intelligence systems
• Cybersecurity systems
• Fintech
Both programs earn students a MSIS degree.
Tech Jobs in Toronto
Northeastern University in Toronto is located in the heart of Toronto’s financial district, giving students a unique advantage. The program employs numerous practitioners, most of whom work in the industry and bring their real-world experiences, industry trends, and professional networks into the classroom. Additionally, the school is surrounded by the headquarters of Canada’s Big Five banks and tech conglomerates such as Google and Amazon. Other students go on to work in federal government departments, such as Health Canada. The possibilities for tech jobs in Toronto are both robust and future-focused.
By Izabela Shubair
Sources:
https://toronto.northeastern.edu/academic_program/master-of-science-in-information-systems/
https://toronto.northeastern.edu/academic_program/master-of-science-in-information-systems-bridge/
https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-is-information-system
https://occupations.esdc.gc.ca/sppc-cops/occupationsummarydetail.jsp?tid=80&