As organizations increasingly rely on data analytics and the robust IT infrastructures that facilitate them, job demand for information management professionals is expected to grow steadily. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in computer and information technology occupations is “projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations” over the next decade, creating over 350,000 job openings annually.
Many information management and information technology occupations rank high on US News & World Report’s list of the 100 Best Jobs, which considers factors like pay, stress and work-life balance. Nine of Glassdoor’s top 10 jobs are in technology management. The reasons for these professions’ appeal are no mystery. Information management professionals enjoy high levels of job satisfaction as well as solid earning potential.
Whether you’re looking to advance your information management career or pivot to the field, IM offers varied opportunities. This article explores a few top information management jobs and explains how a graduate degree, like the Master of Science in Information Management (MSIM) offered by the University of Washington (UW), can promote success in these roles.
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Career Outlook: Information Management Jobs
Information management offers career opportunities spanning business intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, information systems management, program and project management, and more. Continue reading to learn more about several desirable roles in the field.
Systems Analyst
Systems analysts apply expertise in business and information technology to help companies improve organizational processes using a variety of technologies and information systems. BLS data indicate 11% growth in the job market over the next decade.
Systems analysts most often work for consulting firms or in the technology departments within organizations in a variety of industries including finance, insurance firms, corporate management, government, and health care. Systems analysts earn an average annual income of $103,000.
Information Security Analysts
Information security analysts plan and implement security measures that protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. The BLS ranks it among the fastest-growing occupations, with employment expected to increase by 33% over the next decade.
Information security analysts are often employed by systems design companies, finance and insurance firms, information services, and management consulting industries. They earn an average annual income of $120,000.
Data Scientist
Data scientists collect, analyze and interpret complex data using statistical methods, machine learning and programming to uncover insights and solve real-world problems. They also create and test algorithms and models. Data scientists rank fourth on the BLS list of fastest-growing occupations, with employment expected to increase 36% over the next decade. This role also ranks eighth on the U.S. News Best Jobs list.
Data scientists often work in the computer systems, insurance, consulting, scientific research and development industries. They earn an average annual income of $108,000; the top 10% in the field earn more than $184,000 annually.
IT Product Manager
IT product managers oversee the development, strategy, and lifecycle of technology products, ensuring they meet customer needs, align with business goals, and are delivered on time. They can work in any industry that develops digital products, including software development, fintech, e-commerce, gaming and entertainment. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual pay for a technical product manager is around $159,000.
IT Manager/Senior Technology Manager
Information management professionals fill various leadership roles in the IT and information management fields. Leadership roles held by information management specialists include:
- IT manager: IT managers coordinate computer-related activities for an organization. This role ranks fourth on the U.S. News 100 Best Jobs list. IT managers earn an average annual salary of around $164,000.
- Chief information officer/IT director: These executives oversee an organization’s technology strategy, ensuring IT systems and initiatives align with business goals, driving innovation, managing technology budgets and leading teams to optimize operations. CIOs earn around $346,000 annually; IT directors earn an average annual income of about $217,000.
More to Explore: Additional Information Management Roles
The roles highlighted above are a small fraction of the jobs available in information management. Other options to consider include:
- Business intelligence analyst
- Data engineer
- Database administrator
- IT consultant
- Project manager
- Software engineer
A Master’s Degree Prepares You for Today’s Information Management Jobs
In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, upskilling and staying current with industry best practices are crucial for standing out in the job market. Qualifying for specialized and senior-level information management jobs typically requires years of experience and advanced training.
Many employers prefer (or require) candidates for senior roles to have a master’s degree. That’s because master’s programs provide students with in-depth, up-to-date industry expertise and crucial interpersonal skills like communication, time management, and problem-solving.
Choosing the Right Program: A Look at UW’s Master’s of Information Management
Earning an MSIM degree from UW is a proven pathway to qualifying for the information management jobs highlighted in this article. Reasons to choose the UW program include:
- Degree track options: UW offers three track options — Early-Career, Early-Career Accelerated, and Mid-Career — to enable you to customize your learning journey based on your experience and goals.
- Electives and specializations: UW MSIM students can choose electives to tailor their studies to their career goals. Specialization options include artificial intelligence, business intelligence, data science, information architecture, program/product management and consulting, and user experience.
- Modality options: Students can choose to complete the program 100% online or on-campus in Seattle.
- Highly flexible: Evening and weekend classes are available in both online and residential formats. Many students choose to complete their studies part time while working or balancing other commitments.
- Expert faculty: UW’s MSIM faculty is composed of experts with real-world industry experience.
Next Steps: Applying to UW’s MSIM Program
If you’re ready to take the next step in your information management career, consider enrolling in UW’s flexible MSIM program. Earning your master’s degree can prepare you for the information systems management jobs listed in this article and help you stand out in a competitive job market.
Don’t delay; review the admissions requirements and start your application today, or contact an enrollment advisor for more information and advice.