If you want to become an information officer, you should typically have a background in both computer science or information technology (IT) and business. While you can potentially focus on either IT or business and management, you should consider what position within a company you may ultimately want. To become a senior member of a company, such as a chief information officer (CIO) for example, you may need a stronger focus on business and management than on technology. You should then look for opportunities to gain experience in management, especially leading teams working on projects focused on information management or computer systems.
To become an information officer, you should begin by considering educational experience you can gain to help qualify you to work in the IT department of a company. While you may initially consider a degree in computer science or IT, you should also ensure you are prepared to handle the managerial aspects of the information officer position. Much like other officers in a corporation, the information officer is often responsible for overseeing multiple projects and a team of employees to achieve an ultimate goal. To become an information officer, especially a CIO in a company, you should have knowledge of computer systems and an understanding of how to lead and motivate people.
You might, for example, consider receiving a bachelor’s degree in IT or computer science, with a minor in business, and then go on to receive a master’s degree in business. This type of educational experience would prepare you not only to become an information officer, but to also work your up to CIO. As the business aspects of IT work have become more important for many companies, there has been an increased focus on choosing officers with managerial and team leading experience. You may even be able to become an information officer with a degree in business and a minor in IT or networking.
The information officer at a company is often a higher level position, which means you may also need a fair amount of professional experience to become an information officer. You should consider working in the IT department for a company, and express interest in moving upward to take over team leadership roles and positions. It may also be possible for you to work in a managerial capacity initially, leading smaller teams on individual projects, and then work your way up to become an information officer.