Having strong instincts is key to running a business today. But without the proper foresight, and with industries changing rapidly, and data now driving decisions, more than ever companies have a need for employees who are able to connect the dots between technology and strategic decisions. That’s where Information Systems comes in.
Information Systems carries the study and application of technology to support business processes to help get more done, faster and help organizations respond to the ever-changing nature of the world we live in by enabling them to plan and achieve their goals using the strategic use of data and technology.
Obtaining an Information Systems degree will give you a competitive advantage by giving you the tools needed to harness the technology (and data) that is now inherent to day-to-day communication and business operations in the 21st Century.
What You’ll Learn in an Information Systems (IS) Program
An Information Systems degree isn’t just about coding or working behind a screen. It teaches you how to use technology as a tool for business. You’ll learn to design and manage systems that support everything from day-to-day operations to big-picture decision-making.
Here’s a quick look at the kind of skills you’ll build:
- Creating and managing databases,
- Analyzing and mapping out business processes,
- Using data to spot patterns and make decisions,
- Keeping networks and data safe from threats,
- Managing IT projects from start to finish,
- Understanding how enterprise software like SAP or Oracle optimizes organizational operations.
If you’re aiming for leadership roles in tech-driven businesses, qualifications such as the Lamar University online masters in MIS provide advanced training that’s built to meet today’s demands. These programs blend hands-on technical learning with strategic insight, giving you the confidence to lead digital transformation.
How Businesses Use IS Every Day
Companies lean on Information Systems for almost everything they do. From tracking sales to managing staff, there’s a system running behind the scenes. And when those systems break down, it’s the IS team that steps in to fix, improve, or rebuild them.
Information systems provide companies with a competitive edge by optimizing operations, in the hands of a qualified professional IS impacts on the organization in a number of ways.
1. Making Data Useful
It’s easy to collect data. The real value comes from knowing what to do with it. IS professionals build systems that help teams understand what’s going on—so they can make better calls at the right time.
2. Streamlining Everyday Operations
A good system can cut hours off routine tasks. Think fewer spreadsheets, fewer mistakes, and fewer delays. Whether it’s automating approvals or syncing teams across departments, IS turns messy workflows into clean, efficient processes.
3. Defending Against Threats
Data protection isn’t a side task—it’s part of the job. With security risks growing every year, companies need people who can spot weak spots, build defenses, and respond fast when something feels off.
4. Improving Customer Service
Want to offer faster support, more personalized offers, and better service? That’s IS in action. It powers the tools that help teams understand customer needs and respond in ways that build trust and loyalty.
5. Adapting to Change
Markets shift. Trends come and go. Companies that can’t keep up fall behind. Information Systems helps businesses adjust—whether that means adopting a new platform or scaling existing tools to meet new demand.
Real-World Use Cases for IS
Information Systems shows up in every department. Here are a few of the most common places you’ll find it at work:
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
CRM tools help teams stay on top of leads, conversations, and follow-ups. Platforms like Salesforce and Dynamics organize this info so nothing slips through the cracks—and so every customer feels seen.
Supply Chain Systems
Getting products from A to B is no small job. With tools like SAP or Oracle, IS teams keep supply chains moving. That means fewer delays, more accurate inventory, and smarter planning.
Business Intelligence (BI)
BI platforms turn raw numbers into simple visuals. They help managers see what’s working, where there’s risk, and what to do next. With tools like Power BI or Tableau, teams make data-driven decisions that stick.
Human Resources
Hiring, payroll, scheduling—HR runs on systems. Workday and BambooHR, for example, handle all of that so HR teams can spend less time on admin and more time building great workplaces.
Security and Compliance
Regulations can be strict, especially in healthcare, finance, and government. IS ensures the right people have access to the right data—and that it stays protected at every step.
E-Commerce and Marketing
Online stores need strong backends. IS powers checkout systems, tracks performance, and helps marketers fine-tune campaigns using tools like Google Analytics and automated ad platforms.
Where This Degree Can Take You
One of the best parts about studying Information Systems? You don’t have to stick to one path. The skills you gain can lead to all kinds of roles across a variety of industries.
Here are some options you might explore:
- CIO or IT Director – Sets the long-term tech strategy and ensures it supports company goals,
- Business Analyst – Looks at how a business works and finds ways to improve it with smart tools,
- ERP Consultant – Helps companies roll out big systems that handle finance, logistics, and HR,
- Cybersecurity Analyst – Keeps an eye out for risks and builds systems that stay a step ahead,
- Systems Analyst – Reviews current tools and finds smarter ways to support daily operations.
These jobs don’t just pay well—they often come with long-term stability and growth potential.
Also Read: Making Money from Your Internet: Guide to Bandwidth Sharing
Why Employers Keep Hiring IS Graduates
It’s not hard to see why IS talent stays in demand. Companies want people who can make tech useful—not just build it, but optimize it to deliver real-world results.
Here’s why an IS degree stands out:
- Versatility: Your skills work in almost any industry—finance, healthcare, manufacturing, or education,
- Attractive Salaries: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics IS managers made a median of$122,090 in May 2024,
- Job Growth: As more businesses go digital, more IS experts are needed to guide and support change.
And it’s not just about the money. It’s about having a role where your work actually makes a difference.
A Smart Way to Move Forward
Information Systems isn’t just part of the tech world—it’s part of the business world. If you like solving problems, working with data, and helping people work better, this field gives you the tools to do it.
You’ll learn how to keep things running day to day and how to make long-term plans that actually stick. That balance—short-term thinking with long-term results—is what makes IS professionals essential in today’s economy. You won’t just be following trends. You’ll be shaping them.
