OVERVIEW
What Is an Information Manager?
Information managers are experts in information technology (IT). With a unique blend of project management, IT expertise, and interpersonal communication skills, they work within organizations to coordinate and manage the flow of data.
Recognizing systems and improving processes are part of what makes information management such an exciting career. Information managers are integral to the growth and sustainability of many organizations. They work in organizations across sectors, including retailers, hospitals, insurance companies, and more.
With the growth of digitalization, expansion of artificial intelligence, and continuing cybersecurity threats, information managers are in high demand. Above all else, information managers help organizations run smoothly, even as transformations take place.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does an Information Manager Do?
Information managers oversee and implement organization-wide information systems. From hospitals to corporations, information managers are responsible for ensuring smooth operations and protecting valuable data and information.
If you enjoy collaborating with others and thinking creatively to solve problems, then information management is the perfect role for you. Here’s what the day-to-day responsibilities of an information manager typically include:
- Providing recommendations. After auditing and understanding your organization’s needs and any gaps in information systems, you’ll provide recommendations. Using your IT knowledge, you’ll make sound decisions about which systems and procedures to implement. Also, you’ll stay up-to-date on new technologies to ensure your organization’s information is secure and optimized.
- Leading organizations through change. Information managers usually play a role in their organization’s change management. They lead departments and teams through shifts in organizational systems and processes.
- Negotiating with vendors. Another component of the role is ensuring you stay within budget and meet company goals. Sometimes, that entails negotiating with vendors to meet organizational needs and expectations.
- Overseeing projects and personnel. Information managers lead projects and personnel. By communicating expectations with staff and monitoring project progress, information managers ensure an organization’s standards and goals are met.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Information Manager?
Organization requirements vary, depending on size and individual needs. Most managerial roles require several years of IT-related experience. While lower-level IT positions often only require a few years, information directors need closer to 5 or 10-plus years of related experience. Meanwhile, as your career develops, a chief technology officer (CTO) often needs over 15 years in the field.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become an Information Manager?
If there’s one thing you need as an information manager, it’s technological expertise. Understanding digital systems is essential to your success as an information manager. With the right training and experience, you’ll gain the IT knowledge and leadership skills you need to oversee large-scale projects and initiatives.
Here’s how to become an information manager:
Step One: Obtain a technology-related bachelor’s degree
The first step to launching your information manager career is to pursue education. Typical entry-level roles in information management require a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related field like information technology, computer science, or IT business management. Whichever degree you choose, you’ll want to make sure you combine business skills with tech savvy.
Step Two: Get on-the-job experience
Step two depends on your goals and needs. If you’ve had an internship or want to get some experience before you dive into a master’s program, an entry-level or managerial IT role will be an excellent start to get your feet wet in the field. If you’ve already had some experience in IT, you may be able to jump into higher roles once you get your degree and move up the ladder much more quickly.
Step Three: Consider a project management certification
Beyond technology expertise, information managers are project managers. Kickstart your earning potential and stand out from the crowd with a PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification.
Step Four: Pursue your master’s degree
With a master’s degree or MBA in information technology management, students learn about specific programming languages, up-and-coming technology, and management systems. A degree in IT management can help you climb the ladder in information management, preparing you to enhance your career and expand your capabilities in the field.
There are a few ways to carve your path and launch your information management career. Start with your bachelor’s and as you explore the different roles and components of IT, you’ll discover what’s right for you.
Best Degrees for a Information Managers
Technology
Computer Science – B.S.
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:...
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:
Lay the groundwork for the computing breakthroughs that will enable tomorrow's technologies. Utilize your previous college courses or IT experience to help you complete your degree faster.
- Time: 60% of graduates in similar programs finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
You'll have the opportunity to earn these certifications:
- Linux Essentials
- Axelos ITIL Foundation
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Artifical Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning
- Logic
- Architecture and systems
- Data structures
- Computer theory
- Version Control
- Linux
Business
IT Management – B.S. Business Administration
IT managers are needed in nearly every organization:...
IT managers are needed in nearly every organization:
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 19 months
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 40 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- Team Leadership
- Operations Management
- Communication
- Agile Project Management
- Analytical Techniques
- Information Technology
Key competencies of these online courses align with industry needs: management and leadership, networks and security, and information systems management.
Technology
Information Technology – B.S.
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online...
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online program a top choice.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 39 months.
- Tuition: $3,725 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
- LPI Linux Essentials
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
Technology
Information Technology Management – M.S.
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead....
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead.
- Time: 60% of graduates finish within 18 months.
- Tuition: $4,040 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
Included in your program—at no extra cost—is the opportunity to earn the valuable PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification.
- Technology operations and integration
- Sourcing and planning
- Risks and influence
- Solutions development
- Project management
Maximize the opportunities that your IT career path has afforded you—earn your master's and keep moving up.
Technology
Accelerated Information Technology Bachelor's and Master's Degree
Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster...
Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster pace with fewer courses.
- Time: Approximately 5 years.
- Tuition: $3,835 per 6-month term for the bachelor's degree; $4,040 per term for the master's portion.
- Courses: 42 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
- PMI CAPM
- LPI Linux Essentials
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
This program allows students to earn their bachelor's degree in IT and move directly into a master's degree in IT management, cutting down on the total number of courses to complete.
Business
MBA Information Technology Management
Earn the online college degree that can move your career into IT upper...
Earn the online college degree that can move your career into IT upper management:
- Time: Graduates can finish in 12 months
- Tuition: $4,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program
Sample careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- Management
- Project Management
- Leadership
- Innovation
- Communications
- Information Systems Security
Learn to navigate emergencies, execute strategies, and optimize systems with the competencies within this specialty MBA.
How Much Does an Information Manager Make?
$164,070
An information manager’s salary depends on the level of experience and the industry served, whether that’s hospitals, corporations, small businesses, or government. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median salary for information managers was $164,070 in 2022, with the highest 15% making more than $208,000.
What is the Projected Job Growth?
15%
The BLS predicts a faster-than-average growth for information managers, growing by 15% from now through 2029. As more companies turn to digital platforms—and cybersecurity threats continue to rise—the demand for information managers will continue to increase.
SKILLS
What Skills Does an Information Manager Need?
Information managers direct daily operations, analyze workflows, and cooperate across teams. The ability to connect with others is a must, as you’ll be working with department heads, vendors, supervisors, and leading your team. You’ll also need to be comfortable making decisions under pressure.
Being an information manager takes a blend of analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. Some key qualities of a successful information manager include:
- Ability to think critically and analyze situations to make sound decisions.
- Strong interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills.
- Comfortable assessing strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions.
- Excellent collaboration and active listening skills.
- Ability to think outside of the box and approach problems in innovative ways.
- Understanding of database management software and enterprise resource planning.
- Comfortable with public speaking and leading group discussions.
- Strong reading comprehension with an ability to quickly assess and understand documents.
- Good organization skills and ability to manage conflicting priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to assess personal, team, and organizational performance to offer suggestions for improvement.
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