How Do I Become an Information Agent?

Individuals who enjoy interacting with people should become an information agent. Information agents work within a variety of fields ranging from government offices to finance companies to the entertainment business, mainly to deal with inquiries from customers and the press. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, you can become an information agent through education and experience. The exact qualifications vary depending on the specific job description, but in general, you also need to have good interpersonal skills and the ability to place information in the best possible light. If you are working in a specific field, such as finance, you need to have a solid understanding of the business before you can provide information to others about it.

In some industries, an information agent works directly with the customers as a form of customer service, which includes providing basic information about the organization and handling any problems that develop. Other job duties can include keeping records, clerical work, and answering phone calls. A lot of education is generally not required for jobs that meet this description, but a four-year bachelor's degree can greatly increase your chances for success.

Some positions as an information agent take place within organizations that rely on the person in the position to answer complex questions of the public and press. If you are interested in this type of job, it is necessary to have more education in the field. For instance, many publicly-traded companies hire information agents to explain complicated financial information to the stockholders. A person in this position would need at least a bachelor's degree in finance or accounting plus a few years of experience in customer service. To become an information agent in the entertainment business, you would need a bachelor's degree in public relations or marketing to be competitive in the field.

Experience is important to become an information agent in any field. A prospective employer needs to see that you are capable of handling problems, placing a person or organization in a positive light, and are professional. One way to gain experience is to obtain an internship doing information agent work while you are completing college, or by beginning at an entry-level job upon completion. Good interpersonal skills are extremely important to become an information agent, which means that you can talk to people easily and have a good attitude about your work on a daily basis.