To work as an Internet researcher, you’ll typically need to show that you can use the Internet to quickly find accurate information. As part of your job duties for an employer, you may become an Internet researcher in some cases. On the freelance market, you can also offer your services as a professional researcher. While no specific licensing is required for this type of work, many people find that taking classes in reference sources, database research, and competitive intelligence can help them develop professional skills and market themselves to potential employers and clients. You might also find that attending classes offered by vendors of proprietary databases and research tools is beneficial.
Many businesses and individuals rely on research to conduct business and make critical decisions. Companies and individuals may hire an Internet researcher to conduct their research for them in some cases. One of the most difficult aspects of conducting this type of research is that there are so many different sources of information available online, and it can be difficult to find accurate information using standard Internet research tools. If you work as an Internet researcher, you’ll be expected to evaluate these tools and learn how to use them so that you can find the information your clients or employers require quickly.
Degrees and certificate programs in library science and competitive intelligence may be available at colleges and universities, and they may provide you with training in how to use Internet-based resources. Holding an educational credential in such a program may make it easier for you to work as an Internet researcher, as employers and potential clients may perceive you to have more expertise than self-taught researchers. If returning to school is not an option for you, short-term training programs may be an option. You might want to take a continuing education course in Internet research skills, for example.
You might want to consider specializing in doing research in a specific subject area or areas to advance your career. You might want to start with a subject with which you are already very familiar. You could, for example, volunteer to conduct research on topics that you studied in school or that you have dealt with on a regular basis in your job or as part of a hobby or long-term interest. Your research will be better if you have a strong vocabulary in a subject area.