In the broadest sense, information science is processing data — determining where it comes from and how it is collected, organized, stored, distributed, protected and turned into actionable business intelligence.
Data is the fourth economic revolution, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF). The private sector uses it to gain a competitive advantage. The government uses it to plan and deliver services. Researchers use it to develop new medicines. People use it to shop, learn, network and entertain themselves.
“The types, quantity and value of data being collected are vast,” the WEF continues. “Data is increasingly building up on who we are, who we know, where we are, where we have been and where we plan to go.”
The increasingly digitized world has proved the prediction true, and more: artificial intelligence uses data to program computers with human intervention, and quantum computing is just over the horizon. Due to these developments, it is a sellers’ market for professionals with advanced information science degree understanding and insights.
What Are the Best Careers for Information Scientists?
According to CIO, recruiting in the information technology space in 2023 is expected to eclipse pre-pandemic demand. Three high-demand, lucrative jobs in this field are as follows:
- Network architect (average salary, $136,513): Demand is growing for professionals who can plan, design, deploy and manage networks as companies grow increasingly dependent on data. The core competencies for the role include understanding costs, performance and architectural principles of network and cloud systems. As the IT recruiter Robert Half notes, for many companies, “cloud computing is now a critical aspect of their technology stack” and “a cornerstone of digital business.”
- Information security analyst ($102,600): Cybercriminals use artificial intelligence and other advanced technology to corrupt systems and steal data. To meet the growing threat, businesses need information science professionals to monitor complex networks for vulnerabilities and develop forward-looking policies and procedures to manage risk. U.S. News & World Report ranks information security 1 on its 100 Best Jobs list and reports that “the opportunities are vast right now in the profession.”
- Computer and information systems manager ($159,010): Managing the tsunami of data that external sources and internal processes create requires constant optimization of information technology systems. Information science professionals in these roles plan, implement and maintain computer hardware, software and databases to support business strategies. Government statistics predict a strong growth rate of 16% this decade.
Competition for new tech talent — and retaining existing top performers — is so fierce, CIO says, that companies are offering bonuses and perks ranging from signing bonuses to remote work agreements and unlimited paid time off.
What Is the Best Way to Acquire Skills for Top Tech Jobs?
The online Master of Science (M.S.) in Information Science program offered by Texas A&M International University equips graduates with the knowledge that gives them an advantage in tech industry. Its broad, interdisciplinary curriculum includes the following:
- The Networks and Distributed Systems course addresses the technical and managerial issues in network development and administration, including client/server technologies, standards and protocols and strategic business applications.
- The Business Information Security course explores the information security CIA triad — Confidentiality, Integrity and Authentication — to model systems, detect intrusions, formulate policies, enforce enterprise cybersecurity rules and assess risks and vulnerabilities.
- The Information Systems and Analysis course focuses on integrating information technology in problem-solving for the complex business environment and concentrates on processes, principles, guidelines, tools and techniques for systems analysis.
Learn more about Texas A&M International University’s online M.S. in Information Science program.
