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Information Science

Related Career Fields

Select a career field below to see some of the various areas it encompasses, types of employers, and some sample occupations.

Programming

Career Areas

  • Computer Programmer
  • Computer Systems Analyst
  • Computer Systems Engineer
  • IT Administrator
  • Webmaster
  • Scientific Applications
  • Business Applications: intelligence, warehousing, information delivery
  • Project Management

Employers

  • Computer vendors
  • Software and computer organizations
  • Large organizations: banks, retail chains, manufacturers, universities, government agencies
  • Management consulting firms
  • Contract and temporary employers
  • Research laboratories

General Information

  • Gain experience through part-time jobs and/or internships.
  • Develop an attention to detail and a flair for creativity.
  • Supplement degree with courses in business.
  • Stay current on programming languages.
  • Consider a master's degree for upper level positions.
  • Seek Certified Computing Professional designation.
Systems Development

Career Areas

  • Computer Aided Design Technician
  • Computer and Information Systems Managers
  • Computer and Information Scientists
  • Computer Application Engineer
  • Computer Customer Support Specialist
  • Computer Security Specialist
  • Computer Software Engineer
  • Computer Software Technician
  • Quality Assurance
  • Specialty Systems: Database, client-server

Employers

  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Insurance companies
  • Consulting firms
  • Manufacturers
  • Government: local, state, and federal
  • Computer companies
  • Research institutions

General Information

  • Develop interpersonal skills.
  • Gain programming experience.
  • Take business courses. Consider an M.B.A. degree.
  • Stay current on new computer languages/technologies.
Network Technology

Career Areas

  • Computer Network Engineer
  • Installation and Maintenance
  • Administration

Employers

  • Variety of organizations and institutions

General Information

  • Work in university computer labs.
  • Develop communication skills.
Education

Career Areas

  • Teaching
  • Research
  • Instructional Technology

Employers

  • Public, private, charter schools, K-12
  • Colleges and universities

General Information

  • Certification required for teaching K-12.
  • Earn a Ph.D. for college/university teaching.
  • Gain experience working in computer labs and tutoring.
Internet

Career Areas

  • Programming
  • Software Design
  • Systems Analysis
  • Hardware Production
  • Web Page Design

Employers

  • Network access points
  • Backbone operators
  • Online service providers
  • Internet service providers
  • Computer/equipment vendors
  • Internet-related companies: browsers, search engines, website design

General Information

  • Seek part-time jobs or internships.
  • Volunteer to create websites for student organizations and local nonprofit organizations.
  • Learn web-related programming languages.
  • Take graphic design courses to develop creativity.
  • Hone your communication skills.
  • Earn a master's degree for advanced opportunities.
Consulting

Career Areas

  • System Installation
  • System Implementation
  • Training

Employers

  • Consulting firms
  • Self-employed

General Information

  • Learn various programming languages and operating systems.
  • Develop analytical and interpersonal skills.
Non-Technical

Career Areas

  • Customer/Product Support
  • Technical Writing
  • Sales and Marketing

Employers

  • Software/hardware manufacturers
  • Retail stores
  • Software vendors

General Information

  • Develop communication skills.
  • Cultivate an interest in helping customers solve problems.
  • Work in a university computer lab.
  • Seek related work experiences.

Join Organizations

Being active in both student and professional organizations can help boost your career. You'll have the opportunity to network with and learn from peers, mentors, and professionals. Working within these groups helps build leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. You'll gain hands-on experience, showing employers your proactive attitude and commitment to growth, making you a stronger job candidate.

Student Organizations

Check out the organizations listed below, search Laker Life, or talk with a Career Coach to find others.

Join a Professional Organization

Search professional associations by name, industry, or occupation. Get involved to network, learn, and broaden your experience.

Learn about Careers

View videos of professionals describing their roles and what a day on the job is like. Browse a wide variety of career paths and industries. 

General Guidelines and Strategies

  • Having relevant experience is critical to most employers that hire information science majors. Obtain an internship, co-op, part-time job, or summer work.
  • Obtain vendor specific certifications or networking certifications to gain a competitive edge.
  • Develop strong interpersonal, communication, and other "soft skills." Learn to work well on a team.
  • Programming and consulting may go hand-in-hand. Many occupations in these areas have responsibilities that overlap.
  • Develop an attention to detail and a flair for creativity.
  • Supplement degree with courses in business.
  • Stay current on programming languages.
  • Consider a master's degree for upper level positions.
  • Seek Certified Computing Professional designation.

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