High School

Take computer classes that teach word and data processing programs, presentation programs, and how to use Internet search engines. Any class offered by your high school or public library on information retrieval will familiarize you with database searches and such services as Dialog, Lexis/Nexis, and Dow Jones. English and composition courses will teach you to organize information and write clearly. Speech and theater classes will help you develop the skills to give presentations in front of clients. Journalism classes and working on your high school newspaper will involve you directly in information retrieval and writing. Advanced English classes will teach you the basics of composition and writing. Learning a foreign language (such as Spanish) will help you to become adept at searching for information in other languages, which will increase your appeal to potential clients. Since many information brokers work as freelancers, you should take classes that will help you operate your business such as accounting, mathematics, advertising, marketing, and business management.  

Postsecondary Training

It is recommended that you start with a good liberal arts program in a college or university, then pursue a master's degree in either a subject specialty or in library and information science. Developing expertise in a particular subject will prepare you for a specialty in information brokering. While working on your bachelor's degree, it is also important to take basic classes in computer analytics and marketing.

Many online researchers have master's degrees in library science. The American Library Association accredits library and information science programs and offers a number of scholarships. Courses in library programs deal with techniques of data collection and analysis, methods of graphical presentation of statistics and other information, research strategies, and information management. Internships are also available in some library science programs.

Certification 

The Strategic and Competitive Intelligence Professionals (SCIP) organization provides several certificate programs that may be of interest to certain types of information brokers. Contact SCIP for more information. 

Other Education or Training

Continuing education courses are important for online researchers with advanced degrees. Because of the rapidly changing technology, researchers need to attend seminars and take courses through such organizations as the Special Libraries Association. Many online researchers take additional courses in their subject matter specialization. Attend industry seminars, classes, or meetings, such as those offered by the Association of Independent Information Professionals. The Strategic and Competitive Intelligence Professionals organization also provides professional development opportunities. 

Certification or Licensing

No licensing or certification is available for information brokers.  

It is difficult to land a job or start a business as an information broker right out of college. If you've completed a few internships or worked as a research assistant or librarian while in college you have a better chance of becoming employed. The first step in this career is usually working as an assistant to a more experienced researcher or information professional. After working a minimum of two to five years and gaining valuable experience, you are more likely to advance in your career or be successful launching your own information business.

In addition to having excellent research skills, information brokers must also have very strong analytical, communication, organizational, and presentation skills. They must be able to pore over a set of data and be able to see relevant and important patterns. Information brokers must also be able to communicate their findings in writing or orally in a presentation. Excellent writing skills come in handy for these workers.

Information brokers must have patience and an eye for detail. Searching for information isn't always as easy as typing terms into a database. Finding very specific information can be like finding a needle in a haystack, and the research and information professional must learn where to go for certain information and be willing to spend many hours in search of it.

Independent brokers must also be self-disciplined, be comfortable marketing themselves to prospective clients, and prepared to spend extra time meeting with clients and attending industry and networking events.