The careers available in information science are somewhat related to computer science, but they focus on how to use technology to solve business problems. These careers revolve around using information management to improve business efficiency and decision making processes, according to the Association for Information and Image Management. Below introduces four information science careers in administrative support and business management.
Information Systems Specialist
Information systems specialists are responsible for maintaining commercial information systems. They process and completes help-desk tickets from internal customers. Every day, they communicate statuses and developments regarding their projects. They update applications, install updates and enhance user functionality. They also work with IT specialists to maintain and support servers and systems. This may require them to troubleshoot a web-based platform, revamp a poor functioning page and develop solutions to improve content display and management. Information systems specialists should be familiar with CSS and HTML templates as well as SQL queries and standards.
Information Services Consultant
These IT professionals act as the primary contact for customers in designated departments, such as finance, distribution and manufacturing. They assess the needs of their clients and research how their business operates in order to create implementation strategies. This requires them to set up data transfer policies and guidelines for customer care teams. Thus, they continually document business procedures, business requirements and functional solutions. Information services consultants must have strong interpersonal skills, so they can work well in team environments and teaching skills, because they professionally train employees. Information services consultants generally work with ERP systems.
System Support Technician
System support technicians are responsible for maintaining and monitoring designated servers, applications and operating systems. They test, modify and implement new software and hardware and software on a regular basis. They provide end-user support through responding to and investigating help request and questions. They are expected to consolidate servers to minimum levels and keep network security systems functioning and continuously updated. Senior system support technicians review performance histories to detect potential problems. System support technicians need advanced knowledge in the administration of both Linux and Windows based server, network and workstation environments.
Product Support Technicians
Product support technicians provide proactive and professional customer support for clients. This involves helping them with logging into, troubleshooting and resolving problems related to specific enterprise applications. They work with a variety of IT professionals to troubleshoot problems, such as programmers, network administrators and software development techs. They monitor ongoing product issues and immediately respond to urgent problems. Product support technicians must have a strong background in both computer and information science. They also need analytical skills related to system analysis, debugging code and results-driven problem solving.
Information Management Supervisor
Information management supervisors perform managerial duties related to employee training, communication and documentation. They establish, lead and train units of employees who provide information management services. They apply their knowledge of information management standards, best practices and developments to promote continuous improvement. Information management supervisors analyze system performances, including usage trends, statistics and feedback. This also involves evaluating user profiles, information structures and usability inquiries. They evaluate the usability of programs and platforms within the contexts of user identified problems and employee suggested improvements.
Related Resource: Top 10 Best Online MIS Degree Programs
In closing, the careers available in information science can be found in the fields of finance, marketing, management and communications.