Information Systems
Information Systems graduates understand the connection between people and technology and work in diverse areas including web and app development.
Information Systems students study how information and communications technologies (ICT) can be used to solve challenges in business, government and society. They explore the use, application and design of technology and systems that continually transform and improve all areas of our lives. Students develop strong skills in analysis and problem solving, strategic thinking, risk management and communication as well as technical knowledge and commercial awareness.
Roles and career pathways
Information Systems graduates' ability to analyse existing systems and streamline individual business processes gives them a broad but unique skill set that is required in a growing number of jobs in technology, business, and professional services.
Graduates may work as business or systems analysts, UX designers, analytics specialists, software testers, database administrators, enterprise architects, application developers, management consultants, or IT project coordinators.The roles graduates work in reflect the focus that they have chosen, whether it be IT solutions or business analysis, and additional study or experience.
It is common for Information Systems students to study another subject such as Marketing, Management, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources and Employment Relations (HRER) or Computer Science. Postgraduate study can lead to more specialised work areas, certifications or research roles.
Where Information Systems graduates work
Graduates work across the private and public sector. Specific information systems roles are more likely to be for larger organisations that have the budget for in-house systems development, or in businesses that work in a consulting capacity. The growing importance of information systems means graduates’ skills are valued across a wide range of industries such as banking and finance, insurance, defence, manufacturing, the petroleum industry, telecommunications, transport, energy or market research.
Recent graduates have worked at organisations including
- Accenture
- ANZ
- Datacom
- EY
- GovTech
- Intergen
- Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
- Ministry of Social Development
Build relevant skills and experience
Relevant part-time work and volunteering during study all help to increase your job prospects when you graduate. Programmes such as Wellington Plus and the Wellington International Leadership Programme (WILP) develop leadership skills and global or local connections. Government programmes may offer specialised technology focused internship positions. Summer of Tech offers paid summer internships for students studying or with a strong interest in IT and technology. These internships have a comprehensive recruitment process that involves, networking and learning events.
The Vic Business Consulting club offers students the opportunity to work on business problems with local employers during competition events.
Make career connections
Networking associations such as the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Wellington Young Professionals offer various events and opportunities for networking. VicCom is a student led group that offers a range of business networking and social events for Commerce students. The Alumni as Mentors programme for final-year students can also help enhance your connections and employability while studying.
IT Professionals of New Zealand (ITPNZ) offers student memberships, networking and educational opportunities.
Graduate career stories
Moses Fruean
Moses combined a lifelong love of computers with studies in Marketing to build a career in technology and leadership.