Individual Career Plan

Career Objective:
To be employed with an institution that provides a constructive workplace where I can learn emerging
technologies and make use of them to improve the business and leave a positive impact on the world.
- Career Choice: Computer and Information Systems Manager
- Alternate Choice: Computer Engineer
Values and Interests:
- Strong mathematics foundation
- Appreciate challenging problems
- Work and communicate well with others
- Enjoy learning about new technology
- Extensive experience with computers
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Choice #1: Managers of Information Systems are responsible for directing and coordinating
computer-related activities in an organization. These managers determine their companys
needs in the area of technology, assign workers to projects and track their progress, and keep
hardware and software in the business up to date and properly functioning. It is very important
that a manager be up to date with new and emerging technology so that they may direct
employees and efficiently monitor a budget for computer systems.
-

Choice #2: Computer Engineers are responsible for a variety of things in the workplace such as
analyzing data and designing or modifying a software system. These engineers are also
responsible for coordinating the installation of hardware, monitoring the functioning of
equipment, and training other employees to use new computer systems. It is important that
computer engineers keep in contact with clients to preserve healthy relations and it is
absolutely necessary that skills are kept up to date through research and training.

Best School Options:

Considering the fact that the two career choices I selected are very similar in required knowledge, the
following in-state schools would be a good fit for pursuing either of these careers.
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- University of Georgia
- Kennesaw State University
- Southern Polytechnic State University
Admission Requirements:
Georgia Tech
-SAT or ACT
-High school transcript or
GED certificate
-Written essay or personal
statement
-Optional reccomendations

UGA
-SAT or ACT
-High school transcript or
GED certificate
-Counselor evaluation or
teacher recommendation
-High school GPA

Kennesaw
-SAT or ACT
-High school GPA
-High school transcript or
GED certificate
-Proof of immunization

Southern Poly
-SAT or ACT
-High school GPA
-High school transcript or
GED certificate
-Proof of immunization

Locations:
Georgia Tech
Atlanta, Georgia

UGA
Athens, Georgia

Kennesaw
Kennesaw, Georgia

Southern Poly
Marietta, Georgia

Finances:
Georgia Tech
In-state: $8,258
Out-of-state: $27,562
Fees: $2,392
Supplies: $1,200
Room & Board: $9,814

UGA
In-state: $8,028
Out-of-state: $26,238
Fees: $2,234
Supplies: $916
Room & Board: $9,246

Kennesaw
In-state: $4,973
Out-of-state: $17,556
Fees: $1,834
Supplies: $1,500
Room & Board: $6,199
Board & Tran: $8,621

Southern Poly
In-state: $5,322
Out-of-state: $18,920
Fees: $1,422
Supplies: $1,700
Room & Board: $7,280
Board & Tran: $4,400

Employment Outlook:
- Choice #1: As computer technology advances, the outlook for computer and information
systems managers improves. Most sizeable companies these days have some form of computer
system which needs to be managed. As computer technology has grown there has been an
increased threat of computer crimes so there is also a growing need for managers who can keep
computer systems secure. There are a very large number of opportunities for computer system
managers and as technology improves more opportunities surface.
- Choice #2: The demand for computer engineers is also expected to rise as technology in
computer systems improves. It is very common for even small business to have websites, and
software engineers are needed for jobs like this. Businesses are very likely to invest in software
that will protect their computer systems from attack, and the improvement of mobile
technology opens new doorways to aspiring computer engineers. The main factor that could
hurt the outlook for computer engineers is the writing of some software overseas.
Necessary Skills or Certifications:
Computer Systems Manager
-High school diploma
-Bachelors degree
-More than five years of IT work experience
-Time management and effective decision making
with employees
-Math and science skills
-Visualize how a system would work once set up
-Keep clear communication among workers and
keep up to date on new technologies
Related Careers:
- Computer Programmer
- Computer Security Specialist
- Database Administrator
- Mathematician or Analyst

Computer Engineer
-High school diploma
-Bachelors degree
-Communication skills
-Problem solving abilities and strong
understanding of math and sciences
-Analyze computer systems and create ways to
correct malfunctions
-Research emerging technologies

Passed Tests:
I have passed all required Graduation Tests and supplemental EOCs.
College Placement Tests:
-SAT January 2014 (Junior)
-SAT October 2014 (Senior)
-ACT October 2014 (Senior)