This document summarizes strategies for building a career path in records and information management (RIM). It discusses the importance of education, experience, and professional development, highlighting relevant certifications. It notes that education levels are rising within RIM and more employers require bachelor's or master's degrees. Experience in areas like supervision, project management, and technology is valuable. Certifications like the CRM and CDIA+ can increase salaries. The document recommends taking an inventory of strengths and weaknesses to guide professional development goals.

1. Continuing Education: Building a Career Path in RIM Raymond K. Cunningham, Jr. CRM, CA, CDIA+, CIPP, ERM-m University of Illinois Foundation Session # SU4-515

5. What are you seeking?

6. Careers are built – they do not happen by luck

7. You must be proactive in your career

10. Education

14. Entry into Records and Information Management Most records managers will freely admit that they either "fell into" or were "pushed into" records management, that they knew virtually nothing about the field before entering it. - J. Michael Pemberton Jobs vs. Careers in Records Management, July 1997

21. Professional Experience

22. Professional Experience Experience comes in a variety of forms What matters?

30. Professional Development

34. Certifications Technical Certification Yes – 3 yrs Yes Yes CMC No Yes No CDIA+ Yes – 5 yrs Yes Yes CA Yes – 5 yrs Yes Yes CRM Maintenance Exam Requirements Certification

35. Certificates No Yes No RM Certificate (Gatlin) No Yes No RIM Specialist Certificate (CVTC) Yes – 5 yrs Yes No ECM (AIIM) Yes – 5 yrs Yes No ERM (AIIM) Maintenance Exam Requirements Certificate

36. Education and Certification - What is worth doing?

53. Professional Organizations

57. Ceilings How to avoid them

58. Records and Information Management will change My personal view is that while the nature of the field will change, not all records managers will change with it; and many change-resistant records managers will not be able to continue in the field to the ends of their normal work lives. - J. Michael Pemberton Jobs vs. Careers in Records Management, July 1997

62. Job Security How do I find it?

66. Conclusions What should I do now? ?

71. There is plenty of room at the top in the Records and Information Management profession

72. Questions? Raymond Cunningham [email_address]