• $126KAnnual mean salary of computer network architects 
  • $104KAnnual mean salary of information security analysts 
  • $106KAnnual mean salary of database administrators 

Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022 Minnesota data)

Industry Overview

Employment of computer and IT occupations is expected to add about 377,500 new jobs from 2022−32, in part due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupations permanently (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Employers are looking for highly qualified people who can work in multidisciplinary teams, with both solid business acumen and “soft” skills, like communicating, problem solving, and adaptability.

IT Infrastructure Graduate Outcomes

Below is a snapshot of information we collected from our alumni in the first year after graduation (averages of the years 2013−2018).

Paid employment: 93%
Closely/somewhat related to major: 97%
Very/moderately satisfied with job: 90%

Some positions of our graduates could include:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning Engineer
  • Data Scientist
  • Information Security Analyst
  • Software Engineer
  • Computer Research Scientist
  • Data Analyst
  • IT Manager

Burning Glass Technologies: Program Insight™, accessed 8/31/21

Visit Career and Internship Services for job search and internship resources, employment listings, and alumni data.

Connect with other U of M students and alumni to share job, internship, and volunteer information on GoldPASS.

Career Paths by Track

Students will have a strong path into the data science industry with an applied knowledge of how companies and organizations are using data in new and different ways. Your business card might read:

  • Business Intelligence Analyst
  • Information Technology Analyst
  • Application Integration Engineer
  • Software Engineer
  • Program Research Specialist
  • Statistical Analyst

The ability to manage data is the key to making important decisions and creating new ways to improve business. Your business card might read:

  • Database Manager
  • Database Administrator (DBA)
  • Database Analyst
  • Database Programmer
  • Management Information Systems Director (MIS)
  • Programmer Analyst

Systems experts bring business and IT together by analyzing an organization’s systems and procedures and designs solutions to help it operate more efficiently and effectively. Your business card might read:

  • Applications Analyst
  • Business Systems Analyst
  • Information Systems Analyst (ISA)
  • Systems Engineer
  • Information Systems Analyst
  • Management Information Systems Manager

The growing capabilities of technology mean that there are more valuable data to manage and secure, and ensuring that security will always be an area worthy of examination. There will be a shortage of 1.8 million information security workers by 2022, according to a Center for Cyber Safety and Education study. Your business card might read:

  • Computer Security Specialist
  • Data Administrator
  • Information Security Manager
  • Information Security Officer
  • Information Systems Security Analyst
  • Information Technology Specialist

There is a tremendous demand to simplify and commoditize core tasks to create infrastructure, operating systems, and applications so that consumers will be able to use applications faster. Your business card might read:

  • Computer Network Specialist
  • Network Technical Analyst
  • IT Infrastructure and Operations Manager
  • System Engineer
  • Software Performance Engineer
  • Business Development Operation Manager

Networking is both a physical and a logical way to understand how data flows, but it is also critical in understanding how software enables computing devices to transmit data. Your business card might read:

  • Information Technology Director
  • Local Area Network (LAN) Administrator
  • Network Engineer
  • Systems Administrator
  • Network Analyst
  • Telecommunications Engineer

Find an Internship or Job

Take advantage of these resources to search for your next internship or your first job.

  • Visit Career and Internship Services for guidance on major and career exploration, internship planning, job searching, resume and cover letter writing, interview prep and practice, and more.
  • Set up job posting alerts on LinkedIn and Indeed.
  • Create an account in Handshake, a U of M-managed job and internship resource for U students and alumni.
  • Get comprehensive information about a wide range of careers including typical duties, salaries, employment outlook, skills, and interests on O*NET and Careerwise.