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SUNY Oswego - Career Services

What can I do with a major in information science?

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SUNY Oswego - Career Services

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Search for opportunities

Companies:
Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield
Accenture
Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of NY

Titles:
Associate Web Developer
Programmer Analyst
Software Engineer Associate

Search for employers hiring graduates in your major

Employers in NY: 1,707
Employers in US: 27,003

 

Explore the numerous career fields related to your major

Programming
Areas

Computer Programmer
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Engineer
IT Administrator
Webmaster
Scientific Applications
Business Applications: intelligence, warehousing, information delivery
Project Management

Employers

Computer vendors
Software and computer organizations
Large organizations: banks, retail chains, manufacturers, universities, government agencies
Management consulting firms
Contract and temporary employers
Research laboratories

Sample occupations

Gain experience through part-time jobs and/or internships.
Develop an attention to detail and a flair for creativity.
Supplement degree with courses in business.
Stay current on programming languages.
Consider a master's degree for upper level positions.
Seek Certified Computing Professional designation.

Systems Development
Areas

Computer Aided Design Technician
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Scientists
Computer Application Engineer
Computer Customer Support Specialist
Computer Security Specialist
Computer Software Engineer
Computer Software Technician
Quality Assurance
Specialty Systems: Database, client-server

Employers

Banks and financial institutions
Insurance companies
Consulting firms
Manufacturers
Government: local, state, and federal
Computer companies
Research institutions

Sample occupations

Develop interpersonal skills.
Gain programming experience.
Take business courses. Consider an M.B.A. degree.
Stay current on new computer languages/technologies.

Network Technology
Areas

Computer Network Engineer
Installation and Maintenance
Administration

Employers

Variety of organizations and institutions

Sample occupations

Work in university computer labs.
Develop communication skills.

Education
Areas

Teaching
Research
Instructional Technology

Employers

Public, private, charter schools, K-12
Colleges and universities

Sample occupations

Certification required for teaching K-12.
Earn a Ph.D. for college/university teaching.
Gain experience working in computer labs and tutoring.

Internet
Areas

Programming
Software Design
Systems Analysis
Hardware Production
Web Page Design

Employers

Network access points
Backbone operators
Online service providers
Internet service providers
Computer/equipment vendors
Internet-related companies: browsers, search engines, website design

Sample occupations

Seek part-time jobs or internships.
Volunteer to create websites for student organizations and local nonprofit organizations.
Learn web-related programming languages.
Take graphic design courses to develop creativity.
Hone your communication skills.
Earn a master's degree for advanced opportunities.

Consulting
Areas

System Installation
System Implementation
Training

Employers

Consulting firms
Self-employed

Sample occupations

Learn various programming languages and operating systems.
Develop analytical and interpersonal skills.

Non-Technical
Areas

Customer/Product Support
Technical Writing
Sales and Marketing

Employers

Software/hardware manufacturers
Retail stores
Software vendors

Sample occupations

Develop communication skills.
Cultivate an interest in helping customers solve problems.
Work in a university computer lab.
Seek related work experiences.

General information and strategies

  • Having relevant experience is critical to most employers that hire information science majors.
    • Obtain an internship, co-op, part-time job, or summer work.
  • Obtain vendor specific certifications or networking certifications to gain a competitive edge.
  • Develop strong interpersonal, communication, and other "soft skills." Learn to work well on a team.
  • Programming and consulting may go hand-in-hand.
    • Many occupations in these areas have responsibilities that overlap.
  • Develop an attention to detail and a flair for creativity.
  • Supplement degree with courses in business.
  • Stay current on programming languages.
  • Consider a master's degree for upper level positions.
  • Seek Certified Computing Professional designation.