Information Manager Career Guide
How To Become an Information Manager
Remember how frustrated you were the last time you needed to print and mail a document? You knew you should have been able to email a PDF or fill out an online form. Instead, you were at the mercy of someone else’s process.
What if you could pursue a career that involved improving systematic processes every single day? That’s the life of an information manager. Find out if becoming an information manager is the right fit for you.
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.
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, information management is the perfect role for you. Here’s what the day-to-day responsibilities of an information manager typically include:
- Provide 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.
- Lead 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.
- Negotiate 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.
- Oversee 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 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 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 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 Information Managers
Computer Science – B.S.
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task: ...
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your...
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:
Lay the groundwork for the computing breakthroughs that will enable tomorrow's technologies.
- Time: 67% of graduates in similar programs finish within 30 months.
- Tuition and fees: $3,920 per 6-month term.
- Transfer: Your previous college coursework and existing certifications may waive course requirements, helping you finish even faster.
You'll have the opportunity to earn these certifications:
- CompTIA Project+
- Axelos ITIL Foundation
Professionals who need the skills a computer science degree provides include computer systems analysts, computer programmers, artificial intelligence specialists, software engineers, machine learning engineers, and more.
College of I.T.
Information Technology – B.S.
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this...
Award-winning coursework and value-add...
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online program a top choice.
- Time: 71% of graduates finish within 30 months.
- Tuition and fees: $3,920 per 6-month term.
- Certifications: Includes CIW, ITIL, LPI and CompTIA.
The CIW User Interface Designer, LPI Linux Essentials and ITIL® Foundation Certification are central to this program. Included CompTIA certifications are A+, Network+, Security+, and Project+.
College of I.T.
Business Management – B.S. Business Administration
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:...
Hone your business acumen and garner added...
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:
- Time: 68% of graduates finish within 36 months.
- Tuition and fees: $3,720 per 6-month term.
Sample careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- Account executive
- Business analyst
- Program manager
- Director or senior director
- Vice president
This online degree program is an excellent choice for kick-starting your organizational management career.
College of Business
Information Technology Management – M.S.
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead:...
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready...
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead:
- Time: 89% of graduates finish within 24 months.
- Tuition and fees: $4,235 per 6-month term.
Included in your program—at no extra cost—is the opportunity to earn the valuable PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification.
Maximize the opportunities that your IT career path has afforded you—earn your master's and keep moving up.
College of I.T.
MBA Information Technology Management
Earn the online college degree that can move your career into IT...
Earn the online college degree that can move your...
Earn the online college degree that can move your career into IT upper management:
- Time: 68% of graduates finish within 24 months.
- Tuition and fees: $4,675 per 6-month term.
Sample careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- Chief technology officer
- Director of IT services
- Senior systems administrator
- Management information systems director
- Computer and information systems manager
Learn to navigate emergencies, execute strategies, and optimize systems with the competencies within this specialty MBA.
Compare with M.S. IT Management
College of Business
Our online university degree programs start on the first of every month, all year long.
No need to wait for spring or fall semester. It's back-to-school time at WGU year-round. Get started by talking to an Enrollment Counselor today, and you'll be on your way to realizing your dream of a bachelor's or master's degree—sooner than you might think!
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
How Much Does an Information Manager Make?
$151,150
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 $151,150 in 2020, with the highest 10% making more than $208,000.
What is the Job Outlook for Information Managers?
10% Growth
The BLS predicts a faster-than-average growth for information managers, growing by 10% 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.
How Long Does it Take to Become an Information Manager?
Varies
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.