2027 Best Career Pivot Options for People With an Information Systems Degree

Imed Bouchrika, PhD

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

What Career Pivot Options Are Available to People With an Information Systems Degree?

Career pivoting is increasingly recognized as a strategic and professionally sound move, driven by evolving market demands and personal growth ambitions highlighted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Workers today change roles more frequently than in past decades, and graduates with versatile degrees like information systems find themselves well-positioned to leverage their adaptable skills across diverse fields, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

LinkedIn Workforce Insights supports this by showing that technical graduates often shift into roles focused on data analysis, project management, or business intelligence, underscoring the flexibility of information systems credentials in high-growth career transitions for information systems graduates.

Information Systems degrees blend technical proficiency with business acumen, creating a foundation that opens multiple career pivot opportunities. These pathways align with industry trends and individual aspirations, offering a roadmap for graduates and professionals seeking greater compensation or fulfillment. Common pivot options include:

  • Data Analytics: Leveraging skills in SQL, data visualization, and statistical tools, graduates can become data analysts or business intelligence specialists, meeting widespread demand across sectors.
  • Cybersecurity: With rising cyber threats, information systems backgrounds provide critical knowledge of networks and systems, facilitating entry into cybersecurity roles.
  • Project Management: Coordination of technology projects and organizational change fits the skill set cultivated by information systems students, creating leadership opportunities in this area.
  • IT Consulting: Combining technical expertise and business insight, graduates can advise companies on technology solutions and process improvements.
  • Software Development: Although more specialized, many graduates add programming skills to transition into software development, focusing on application creation and maintenance.

This article aims to guide readers through credential enhancements, resume reframing, and network-building strategies tailored to these adaptable paths. Far from limiting, an information systems degree acts as a flexible gateway to deliberate, data-driven career moves rather than reactive shifts motivated by dissatisfaction.

For those exploring further education options, online resources such as fully online SLP master's programs illustrate the growing accessibility of specialized credentials that complement career pivots in technology and business fields.

Which Industries Outside the Traditional Information Systems Field Hire Information Systems Degree Holders?

Information systems degree holders find valuable opportunities in various industries beyond the traditional technology and IT sectors. These industries consistently hire graduates for roles that leverage their analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills-often recognizing the relevance of the information systems credential as a strong foundation.

  • Healthcare: This sector increasingly relies on information systems graduates for roles such as health informatics specialists, data analysts, and IT project managers. Healthcare organizations value these professionals for improving electronic health records management, ensuring data privacy compliance, and optimizing clinical workflows. Information systems are recognized here as a key pipeline bridging technology and patient care, making the credential highly relevant.
  • Financial Services: Banks, insurance companies, and fintech firms hire information systems graduates in cybersecurity, systems analysis, and risk management roles. The finance industry appreciates the overlap between information systems knowledge and regulatory, operational, and security concerns. The degree serves as a direct credential, opening doors to entry and mid-level positions with upward mobility.
  • Manufacturing: Graduates are employed in supply chain management, operations analysis, and automation systems. Although information systems may not be the primary focus, employers target candidates who can translate skills into improving production efficiency, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and quality control systems.
  • Retail and E-commerce: These sectors need expertise in customer relationship management (CRM), data analytics, and digital marketing technology support. Information systems graduates fill positions driving omnichannel strategies and online sales infrastructure, though emphasizing business and analytics skills strengthens candidacy.
  • Consulting and Professional Services: Firms engaged in digital transformation, data strategy, and IT advisory actively recruit information systems degree holders. The credential is respected, especially when combined with domain knowledge of clients' industries. Industry pivoting here broadens exposure to multiple sectors rather than changing roles entirely.
  • Government and Public Sector: Professionals serve in data management, cybersecurity, and systems development roles at government agencies. The degree is increasingly recognized, particularly for positions involving digital services modernization and information security compliance.
  • Education and Research: Beyond teaching, this field employs graduates as data coordinators, IT system administrators, and research data analysts. Credential relevance varies but is acknowledged in institutions focused on STEM and technology-enhanced education initiatives.

Strategically, switching industries while maintaining a similar functional role, such as data analysis or project management, generally requires less additional credentialing than adopting a new function altogether. Information systems graduates seeking to pivot should conduct informational interviews with professionals who have made similar moves to gather industry-specific insights.

This process helps develop a tailored list of target employers and learn how to position credentials effectively across sectors. Those interested in maximizing their career agility might also explore options like the fastest online MSW programs to complement their technical background with social work expertise, further expanding opportunities in emerging career paths.

What Transferable Skills Does an Information Systems Degree Provide for Career Changers?

Graduates with an information systems degree acquire a range of transferable skills that extend far beyond familiar IT roles, supported by O*NET data, NACE frameworks, and established program outcomes. These competencies open doors to various fields, making career pivots more accessible.

  • Analytical Thinking: Programs train students to interpret complex data and solve problems, useful in business analysis and financial planning.
  • Project Management: Skills in organizing schedules and resources apply well to marketing campaigns and nonprofit program oversight.
  • Technical Literacy: Understanding databases, coding, and system design benefits roles in digital marketing and operations.
  • Communication: Clear documentation and stakeholder engagement support professions like policy research and client services.
  • Systems Thinking: Grasping technological interrelations fosters strategic insights valuable in supply chain and organizational development.
  • Research Methods: Training in qualitative and quantitative techniques aids product management, market research, and public sector analysis.
  • Collaboration: Group projects simulate teamwork essential for roles in human resources and consulting.

Candidates should systematically assess their internships, academic work, and projects to align experiences with these competencies. For example, managing a database project may highlight technical and project management strengths, while research assignments reveal communication and analytic abilities. Crafting a tailored competency matrix clarifies and strengthens the presentation to potential employers.

Effectively communicating these transferable skills requires deliberate practice; relying solely on possession of abilities won't ensure recognition by hiring managers outside traditional fields. Subsequent guidance on resume reframing and networking will help graduates articulate their information systems background in terms that resonate strongly within pivot industries.

A professional who earned an information systems degree reflected on his transition: "Initially, I struggled to express how my skills applied beyond IT, feeling that my experiences were too niche. Creating a detailed map of my projects and pinpointing relevant skills helped me reframe my value."

"It was challenging to shift my mindset, thinking beyond the technical jargon and focusing on outcomes that mattered to other fields. Sharing this narrative in interviews was nerve-wracking at first, but it became a powerful way to connect with recruiters." This illustrates that mastering the art of transferring skills is as critical as developing them.

What Graduates Say About the Best Career Pivot Options for People With an Information Systems Degree

  • Truett: "Graduating with an information systems degree gave me a strong foundation in transferable competencies, especially problem-solving and data analysis, that have opened doors into cybersecurity and IT consulting. Starting in accessible entry-level positions, like a systems analyst, helped me build vital experience without feeling overwhelmed. I'm genuinely excited about the high-growth sectors of cloud computing and AI, which I plan to dive into next. This degree truly set me up for continual growth."
  • Charlie: "Looking back, one of the best moves I made was focusing on credential strategies to complement my information systems background. Certifications like CompTIA Security+ boosted my resume reframing efforts and made transitioning into tech project management smoother. Networking approaches that emphasized building genuine relationships, rather than just collecting contacts, have led to some unexpected opportunities in healthcare tech. It's a long-term career outcome I'm proud of and still building on."
  • Daniel: "From a professional standpoint, an information systems degree equips you with analytical thinking and technical know-how that are invaluable for pivots into business intelligence or software development roles. My entry-level pivot was into quality assurance, which acted as a strong springboard. The long-term outcomes are promising if you stay adaptable and keep engaging in sector-specific networking and continual learning. This degree is definitely a versatile asset in today's job market."

Other Things You Should Know About Information Systems Degrees

How should information systems degree holders reframe their resumes for a career pivot?

Information systems graduates should highlight their transferable skills, such as data analysis, project management, and systems design, rather than focusing solely on technical jargon. Emphasizing measurable achievements and relevant certifications can demonstrate adaptability to new roles. Tailoring the resume to align with the specific industry or position targeted in the pivot enhances the candidate's appeal to potential employers.

How do graduate school options help information systems degree holders formalize a career change?

Graduate programs, such as MBAs or specialized master's degrees, offer structured learning and recognized credentials that validate new expertise areas for employers. These programs often provide access to valuable professional networks and career services that facilitate smoother transitions. Graduate education can also fill gaps in knowledge, making candidates more competitive in their desired pivot sectors.

How do information systems graduates successfully pivot into technology-adjacent roles?

Successful pivots into roles like business analysis, product management, or cybersecurity leverage foundational technical skills combined with domain-specific knowledge. Building expertise through certifications, internships, or project work relevant to the new role strengthens candidacy. Demonstrating an understanding of both technical and business aspects helps information systems graduates integrate seamlessly into these adjacent areas.