Information Resource Management

<h2 id="section---IsInformationResourceManagementRightForMe">Is Information Resource Management Right for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3> <p>Information resource (IR) managers oversee <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_Computer_Information_Management.html">computer information management</a> systems, including the use and storage of data that companies use to make critical business decisions. While many IR managers are employed by the government or work as <a href="https://learn.org/articles/How_Can_I_Become_a_Computer_Technology_Consultant.html">computer technology consultants</a>, they can also be found in data storage companies or information technology (IT) departments within large organizations. </p> <h3 id="section---JobDuties">Job Duties</h3> <p>IR management professionals use computer hardware, software and other technologies to store, secure and search important data. Depending on the client, that data may include tax information, customer sales records, medical charts or other records that have been collected over a period of time. IR management personnel also provide information management support, design complex reports and manage databases. </p> <h3 id="section---EmploymentAndSalaryInformation">Employment and Salary Information</h3> <p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has projected an average growth in jobs for network and computer systems administrators from 2012-2022. By comparison, database administrators can look forward to a 15%, or faster-than-average, increase in opportunities through 2022. As of May 2013, network and computer systems administrators earned a mean annual salary of $77,910. In the same month, the mean annual salary for database administrators was $80,740, as reported by the BLS (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInInformationResourceManagement">How Can I Work in Information Resource Management?</h2> <h3 id="section---EducationalRequirements">Educational Requirements</h3> <p>Most employers prefer IR management professionals with a minimum of a bachelor's degree in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Computer_Science_BSCS_Bachelors_Degree.html">computer science</a>, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Information_Technology_BIT_Bachelors_Degree.html">information technology</a>, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Computer_Engineering_Technology_Bachelors_Degree.html">computer engineering</a> or a related field. If you're interested in a managerial position, you may need a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/%28MBA%29_Master%27s_Degree_Programs.html">Master of Business Administration (MBA)</a> with a concentration in information technology, according to the BLS. Approximately 2-4 years of previous work experience in information technology (IT) may also be required to work in management. </p> <h3 id="section---Curriculum">Curriculum</h3> <p>An <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Undergraduate_Degree_FAQs.html">undergraduate</a> IR management curriculum can provide you with training in computer programming, network management and the use of operating systems. For-credit internships may also be part of the program. At the graduate level, you might study applied statistics, database management and information architecture. You'll also conduct independent research for your thesis and participate in a graduate seminar. </p> <p>Requirements for a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/General_MBA_Masters_Degree_Programs.html">general MBA</a> program can include courses in managerial accounting, economics, strategic management and organizational behavior. You might also learn how to work with management information systems. </p> <h3 id="section---Certification">Certification</h3> <p>Voluntary certifications are available through Cisco, Microsoft and Oracle. Certifications include the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Certified_Database_Administrator_Certification_and_Career_FAQs.html">Certified Database Administrator</a>, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Does_a_Certified_Systems_Engineer_Do.html">Systems Engineer</a> and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/How_Do_I_Become_a_Certified_Network_Administrator.html">Certified Networking Professional</a> credentials.</p>