About Information Systems
The Information Systems concentration empowers you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s technology-driven world. Through hands-on learning and real-world projects, you’ll gain a deep understanding of how technology intersects with business. The coursework, and organizations offered within the concentration will equip you for career success. With a concentration in Information Systems from Cal Poly, you’ll open doors to exciting career opportunities in consulting, high-tech firms, startups, and more, commanding competitive salaries and making a meaningful impact in the global economy.
Career Pathways
Management consulting involves advising organizations on how to improve their performance and solve complex business challenges at the C-Suite level. Consultants work closely with clients to analyze problems, develop strategies, and implement solutions for sustainable growth and success.
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Key Recruiting Programs & Timelines
There are two main categories of companies who recruit in the management consulting space. McKinsey, Bain, and Boston Consulting Group (also known as MBB) start recruiting in June, one year in advance of their internship programs.
The Big 4 Public Accounting Firms (Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, and EY) recruit in the Winter for internships, 18 months before internship start dates, and in August for full-time, nine months in advance of Spring graduation.
Consulting On-Campus Organizations & Resources
- Cal Poly Consulting
- Mustang Consulting
- Net Impact Consulting
- OCOB Career Readiness Center Case Preparation
Technology consulting combines expertise in both technology and business strategy to help organizations optimize their IT systems and processes. Consultants in this field work with clients to identify technological solutions that align with their business objectives, improve efficiency, and drive innovation. From advising on software implementations to cybersecurity strategies, technology consultants play a crucial role in guiding businesses through digital transformations and staying ahead in today’s fast-paced technological landscape.
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Key Recruiting Programs & Timelines
Recruiting happens on a rolling basis for most business analytics programs, starting in Winter for the next Summer Internship cycle (18 months before internship start date) and August for full-time positions the following summer (nine months before start date). There are a number of Consulting programs for internships and early career opportunities, including:
- PWC Women’s Consulting Experience, Start
- Deloitte Discovery
- EY Launch
- KPMG Embark, Rise
- Accenture SLP
Consulting On-Campus Organizations & Resources
- Cal Poly Consulting
- Mustang Consulting
- Net Impact Consulting
- OCOB Career Readiness Center Case Preparation
Risk advisory/consulting involves helping organizations identify, assess, and mitigate risks that could impact their operations, finances, and reputation. Consultants in this field work closely with clients to understand their specific risk exposures and develop strategies to manage and mitigate these risks effectively. From regulatory compliance to cybersecurity threats, risk consultants provide valuable insights and solutions to safeguard businesses against potential pitfalls and ensure resilience in an ever-changing business environment.
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Recruiting happens on a rolling basis for most business analytics programs, starting in Winter for the next Summer Internship cycle (18 months before internship start date) and August for full-time positions the following summer (nine months before start date). There are a number of Risk Advisory programs for internships and early career opportunities, including:
- PWC Start
- Deloitte Discovery
- EY Launch
- KPMG Embark, Rise
Consulting On-Campus Organizations & Resources
- Cal Poly Consulting
- Mustang Consulting
- Net Impact Consulting
- OCOB Career Readiness Center Case Preparation
Cybersecurity careers involve protecting organizations’ digital assets and information from unauthorized access, breaches, and cyber threats. Professionals in this field work to develop and implement security measures, conduct risk assessments, and respond to security incidents to safeguard sensitive data and ensure the integrity of systems and networks. With the increasing prevalence of cyberattacks, cybersecurity experts play a crucial role in safeguarding businesses, governments, and individuals from potential cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
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Key Recruiting Programs & Timelines
Recruiting for internships and early career opportunities in cybersecurity happen on a rolling basis, usually starting in August for positions starting the following summer. Some cybersecurity programs include:
- Palo Alto Networks Leap, Systems Engineer
- Google Bold
- National Security Agency (NSA)
Cybersecurity On-Campus Organizations
- Cyber Security Institute
- Tech Sales Club
- Sales Engineering
Technology sales careers involve promoting and selling technological products and services to businesses or consumers. Professionals in this field build relationships with clients, understand their needs, and offer tailored solutions to help them achieve their goals. With a focus on communication, negotiation, and product knowledge, technology sales professionals drive revenue growth while providing valuable technology solutions to their clients.
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Key Recruiting Programs & Timelines
- Full time: year-round, very close to start date, limited ability to delay (interview June, start August)
Internship: - September – November
- Big Tech: Jan-March
- Google Bold
- Adobe Sales Academy
- Netapp S3 academy
- MongoDB Sales academy
- IBM accelerate
- Dell Sales academy
Technology Sales On-Campus Organizations
- Tech Sales Club
- Sales Engineering Club
- Mustang Media Group Advertising and Business Team
UX/UI careers involve designing and optimizing digital interfaces to enhance user experiences and satisfaction. Professionals in this field utilize a combination of creativity, empathy, and technical skills to create intuitive and visually appealing designs that meet user needs. With a strong foundation in information systems, students can leverage their understanding of technology and user behavior to pursue rewarding careers in UX/UI design, shaping the future of digital interactions.
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UI/UX On-Campus Organizations
- Iter8
- UX Fest
Product managers oversee the development and lifecycle of a product, guiding cross-functional teams to ensure that business goals align with customer needs and market demand. They strategize product roadmaps, coordinate development stages, and analyze market data to optimize product performance and success.
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Graduate Outcomes
Top Jobs
- Business Analyst – Identifies technological needs of business people
- Business Process Designer – Makes an organization more efficient and profitable
- Consultant – Assists organizations of all kinds in solving information problems
- Website Designer – Determines how web applications should “look and feel”
- Security Assessor – Discovers security weaknesses and makes recommendations to tighten them up
- Business Intelligence Analyst – Uses cutting-edge IS tools to solve complex business problems
- Application Developer – Uses cutting-edge technologies such as cloud computing and online social networking tools to develop business-related computer applications
- Project Manager – Uses critical thinking skills and knowledge of technologies to help plan, coordinate, and manage resources for various types of projects
- Database Designer and Coordinator – Designs and develops database systems that meets the business requirements specified by clients
- Digital Forensics Specialists – Conducts investigations and analysis of data collected from digital media. These skills can be applied in the area of criminal justice as well as corporate investigation(e.g., financial fraud, identity theft, etc)
Salary Report
- $82,000 - Median Based Salary
- $5,000 - Median Signing Bonus
*83 respondents from 2022-23 Graduate Status Report
Top Companies
- PWC
- Amazon
- EY
- Deloitte.
- Bain & Company
- RSM
- Protiviti
- Adobe
Information Systems Alumni Mentors
Allison Meyes: Program Manager @ Adobe
Allison just started my fourth year at Adobe working in Program Management for our Employee Experience (HR) function. She focuses on bringing cohesion, alignment, and consistent structure across all recurring annual HR programs (promotions, engagement survey, etc) that are owned by different teams. She ensures all the right teams are talking to each other so that they push out a unified and cohesive experience to all of Adobe’s employees.
Lindsey Verderber: Business Technology Risk Management @ Salesforce
After graduating from Cal Poly, Lindsey began her career in 2017 at KPMG within their Oracle Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) practice, focusing on IT Audit and SOX readiness for technology companies around the country. In 2020, Lindsey transitioned to Salesforce, initially working in their Internal Audit group focused on IT SOX compliance. She then moved to the SOX360 team and is now a Manager on the Business Technology Risk Management team, supporting enterprise compliance efforts, including SOX and Security. She loves to travel, hike, read, and spend time outside with her husband Riley and their chocolate lab, Cali.
Ryan Golmassian: Security Engineer @ Booz Allen Hamilton
Ryan works for Booz Allen Hamilton as a cybersecurity consultant specializing in cybersecurity risk management, assessment, and policy development. He mainly supported clients in the federal and Department of Defense (DoD) space helping them solve their challenging cybersecurity problems and concerns. Outside of my main work, he enjoy spending my time volunteering and learning new things.
Connect with Alumni
To gain mentorship from these alumni or other industry professionals, apply to the Alumni Mentoring Program or reach out on Cal Poly Career Connections. Mentors exist in various pathways in Information Systems and provide career-related support to launch your career.