Information Brokers
Overview
Introduction
Information brokers, sometimes called online researchers or independent information professionals, compile information from online databases and services. They work for clients in a number of different professions, researching marketing surveys, newspaper articles, business and government statistics, abstracts, and other sources of information. They prepare reports and presentations based on their research. Information brokers have home-based operations, or they work full time for libraries, law offices, government...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Even if they have a great deal of research experience, self-employed information brokers first few years in the business may be lean ones, and they should expect to make as little as $20,000 or less per year. As with any small business, it takes a few years to develop contacts and establish a reputation for quality work. Eventually, an online researcher should be able to make a salary equivalen...
Work Environment
Most independent researchers work out of their own homes. This means they have a lot of control over their environment, but it also means theyre always close to their workstations. As a result, online researchers may find themselves working longer hours than if they had an outside office and a set weekly schedule. Online researchers are their own bosses, but they may work as a member of a team ...
Outlook
The Internet has made it easier for people and businesses to conduct their own online research; this is expected to help business for online researchers rather than hurt. As more companies and organizations recognize the vast amount of information available to them, the more they’ll seek out the assistance of online researchers to efficiently compile that information. There will be continuing d...