Information Managers

What do they do?

Information managers design systems for getting and saving information. They also develop procedures for collecting, organizing, and sorting information. They meet with management to determine long-range plans and priorities and then design systems to meet the future needs of the organization.

Work Activities

Design information system for computerized storage.
Develop methods and procedures for collecting and organizing information for input.
Arrange methods for retrieval of information.
Solve problems and redesign systems.

Talents & Skills

Ability to organize and analyze information.
Have good creative ability.
Ability to work independently or with others.
Be able to understand how current technologies such as computers and telecommunications can solve problems.
Have above-average numerical ability.

Knowledge of computer capabilities.
Skill in understanding symbolic languages.
Skill in training others to properly use computer resources.
Skill in responding quickly to requests for information.

Work settings

Environment: Work indoors in offices.
Hours: Work 40 hours a week.
Employers: Industries, law firms, libraries, banks, insurance companies, government agencies, data processing firms, scientific laboratories, and colleges.

Employment & wages

By 2000, it's estimated that 605 computer scientists, operations and research analysts will be employed in Nebraska. Growth and/or turnover create approximately 23 annual job openings. It is estimated that 1,583,000 operations research analysts will be employed in the U.S. by 2005. Information managers are a part of this group.

Projected growth
Nebraska - Faster than average, 30%
National - Much faster than average, 91%
Nebraska annual beginning wage: $24,000 to $33,000
Nebraska annual experienced wage: $33,000 to $68,000
National annual average wage: $30,000 to $35,000

Training

The minimum educational requirement is usually a bachelors degree in computer or information science.

Some employers prefer advance degrees.

Because of constantly changing technology, information managers must be continually updated on systems.

Helpful high school subjects

High school subjects that may help prepare individuals for this occupation include advanced English, literature, composition, algebra I and II, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, economics, foreign language, biology, chemistry, physics, computer languages, computer applications, government, business education, and accounting.

Bibliography

Nebraska Career Information System: Occupations (1996-97 ed.), pp. 76-77.
Complete Guide for Occupational Exploration (1993 ed.), pp. 430-432.
Dictionary of Occupational Titles (4th ed. Revised, 1991), p. 83.
Occupational Outlook Handbook (1996-97 ed.), pp. 44, 93.

Back to Industrial and Engineering Technology