Management information systems (MIS) is one of the fastest growing career fields in the world, so there is a lot of room for success in that industry if you are intelligent and driven. If you are not where you want to be in your professional life, it’s time to make 2013 count. The three MIS career advancement tips below can help you improve your skill set, impress your boss and increase your long-term earnings potential.
1. Keep up with the latest trends in technology.
Ongoing training can be helpful to professionals in any industry, but it’s especially important in a technology-oriented field like MIS. When it comes to new advances in technology, you only have two choices. You can keep up with the latest developments by staying on top of news and taking courses, or you can fall behind and lose valuable advancement opportunities to one of your competitors. If you find yourself doing the same thing over and over again on a daily basis, you can really set your career back because you are not learning new skills. To show that you care about growing as a management information systems professional and improve your potential for getting a higher-paying job, your skills need to reflect the latest technological advancements.
2. Strengthen your weaknesses.
One of the biggest mistakes MIS professionals make is downplaying what they don’t know while emphasizing what they do know. If you make an amazing computer systems administrator but a mediocre software developer, it can prevent you from advancing past your current position. Management information systems is a diverse field that covers a wide range of topics. Having a well-rounded information technology skill set that extends beyond your formal education is a great way to show that you are a dynamic and motivated employee. It will also help you improve your resume for future opportunities.
3. Prove to your boss that you are ready for a raise.
Staying on top of advancements in technology and extending your skill set is sometimes not enough to get noticed. If you work in a big firm or a busy environment, you can easily get overlooked for advancement if you don’t take control of your own career path. If you believe that you are ready to move up to a higher-paying position within your company, speak up. Ask your manager for a private meeting to discuss your future with the company. Make sure that you have a list of points you can bring up to explain why you believe you are a good candidate for advancement. If your supervisor says no, ask how you can improve your chances of moving into a new position in the future. Approaching your boss with confidence and letting him or her know that you have evolved as a professional will automatically get you noticed and put you in the running for future opportunities.
Remember that management Information Systems is projected to grow in 2013, but you shouldn’t let that stop you from trying to reach your highest potential. MIS is still a highly competitive field, so putting your best foot forward every day is important.
