Becoming an Information Specialist - VCE is just the beginning

As a VCE student you may have already found that the database and web authoring aspects of the VCE study in information technology are attractive, but did you also know that there are opportunities to study these further at university?

The VCE study in Information Technology can be a fine starting point for your career as an information specialist.

“I knew from my VCE studies that I enjoyed learning about information technology, but I also realised that I wanted to get into the information management side of that, rather than the systems side. Then when I went to university I got interested in document and records management. My studies, combined with the practical experience built into my university program, are helping me to be a clearer about the kind of job I want to do. So now I am still hoping to work in information management, especially document management, but have also become interested in knowledge management and organisations”. Gecel Soriano, Bachelor of Business (Information and Knowledge Management), Graduating student 2007.

What We Offer

In the School of Business Information Technology, we have an undergraduate degree in information systems, but we also have a degree in information and knowledge management. Some of you will be more interested in careers that involve the management of information in organisations, through the use information technology. Information specialists work as librarians, content managers for websites, information architects, document managers, and archives and records managers. There are also emerging roles, such as those in intranet support, electronic commerce and electronic government.

At RMIT University, in the Bachelor of Business (Information and Knowledge Management), students do core courses in information management, a core of business courses, and student electives. They also get great work opportunities. For starters there are three industry placements throughout the program that are organised by RMIT University, and there are also good prospects for part-time and casual work that students can apply for during their program. Students who are finishing often find their first job through the industry contacts that RMIT staff have been developing and maintaining for more than 30 years in this industry. Graduates are employed as information specialists in companies, libraries, government and cultural organisations, foundations and associations, research and educational organisations and community organisations. In these jobs they identify, select, organise, manage, disseminate, and add value to information to help create new knowledge and more efficient organisations. They are aware of the organisational context in which both internal and external information is stored and used to generate knowledge. They have the ability to analyse and interpret information, create environments that encourage the sharing of knowledge, and understand the principles and practices of managing information for a range of clients.

Employment Prospects

“At RMIT University we were recently approached by the investment banking section of a large financial organisation. The clients of this organisation need expert advice on corporate finance, which now involves billions of dollars and projects on an international scale. At the heart of the success of these projects there has to be successful management of information and they have told us they are looking to employ people who have a passion for document management. With both an electronic document management system and a records management system, their document managers work alongside the investment bankers as specialists in information retrieval and information control. For example a banker who is working with a client must have easy access to all the information from both published, government, legal and internal sources that relate to the client and their needs. Whether the project involves mergers and acquisitions, the development of products and systems, international financing or analysis of industries such as resources, property and telecommunications … information management is critical.” Dr Bonna Jones, Program Coordinator, RMIT University.

"I began the program because I saw that good information management is becoming an issue for companies. People need to rely on information more than they used to. As part of my program I enjoyed working in a bank in Asia and at an international trade company. I came to this program because of the work placements and I liked being able to try different placements as I studied. I also liked the business subjects and now wish to do more business studies." Andy Li, Bachelor of Business (Information and Knowledge Management), Graduating student 2006

And corporations are not the only employers of information specialists. There are a wide variety of opportunities in small and large organisations that range across the government, non-government and business sectors. Students can aim to work in local community organisations or can see their qualification as a global passport to a job in Europe, Asia or North America. Graduates in this field can choose to join the Institute for Information Management or be professional members of the Australian Library and Information Association.

Additional Information

So, if you are a VCE student who likes the VCE study on information and communications technology and feels more attracted to the ‘IT in action’ and ‘IT pathways’ units you should check out possible careers as an information specialist. Further information is available from Dr Bonna Jones (Program Coordinator, RMIT University), the Bachelor of Business (Information and Knowledge Management) Course Guide, and the School of Business Information Technology’s list of Academic Programs.