Technical training through a management information systems program in Virginia could earn you a job in the state that's quickly becoming the nation's center for high-paying information technology jobs.
Virginia is for Information Technology Lovers
by Jessica Santina
A new report issued by the nation's largest technology trade association, the American Electronics Association (AeA), has named Virginia the nation's new hot spot for information technology activity. Were you thinking California? Perhaps Colorado or Texas? Think again. Virginia is where it's at.
The report, entitled "Cyberstates 2007: A Complete State-by-State Overview of the High-Technology Industry," finds that the D.C. Capital Region, including Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland) is a growing hub for high-tech operations. Virginia added 7,700 tech jobs in 2005, making it the state with the highest concentration of high tech workers. Not only that, but the state was ranked 4th in growth for high-tech jobs. With an average high-tech wage of $83,600 per year, Virginia's wages are 5th in the nation.
If you're considering a career in information technology or management information systems, there are few places to begin your technical training than Virginia.
The 4-11 on Management Information Systems
Management information systems blends core technical training with business, accounting, and communications. A degree in management information systems helps students to understand the business aspects of the information technology industry, including security management, database applications and administration, software support and maintenance, sales and marketing support, project management, systems analysis and more.
A director of management information systems oversees the computing resources for an organization, helping to plan and direct information technology employees in their efforts to offer customer support. They also evaluate an organization's hardware and software, and make recommendations about upgrades, as well as help to ensure the reliability, availability, and security of that organization's information technology services.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of computer and information systems managers should grow faster than average through 2014--especially among people with computer-related work experience or technical training from a management information systems program.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers says that starting salaries for those with this type of undergraduate degree averaged $52,300 in 2005.
What Else Will You Love About Virginia?
Aside from its tremendous high-tech opportunities, Virginia offers opportunities in other areas of life as well. That's why Forbes ranked Virginia #1 on its list of the Top States for Business in 2006, based on strong economic growth, low business costs, and excellent quality of life.
So while Virginia may be "for lovers," as they say, technical training from one of the state's management information systems degree programs can make it all the more loveable for you.
Sources
AeA, "D.C. Capital Region is a Growing High-Tech Hub"
Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Computer and information systems managers"
Forbes, "Virginia: The Best State for Business" by Kurt Badenhausen
About the Author
Jessica Santina is a freelance writer with a background in media and marketing. She also teaches first-year college writing.