Information scientist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• through certification with a professional body

University

You could do a degree or postgraduate course to become an information scientist.

You can see approved courses and qualifications on the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP).

Courses include:

• information studies
• information management
• informatics
• data asset management
• library studies

Entry to postgraduate courses is very competitive. Before you apply for a course, you should try to get up to a year's work experience in a library or information services setting.

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

College

You could do a T Level in Management and Administration to get some of the skills and knowledge you'll need as an assistant information officer or information manager apprentice.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You could do an apprenticeship relevant to this role such as:

• Library, Information and Archive Services Assistant Level 3 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Information Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Archivist and Records Manager Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship

There might be opportunities to do an apprenticeship in different sectors like education, construction, engineering, health, transport or local government.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You could start as an assistant information officer or library assistant and work your way up by training on the job.

OtherRoutes

If you're already working in information science or management, you could get your skills and knowledge certified with professional registration from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP).

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• customer service skills
• management skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to read English
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• thinking and reasoning skills
• maths knowledge
• active listening skills
• excellent written communication skills
• knowledge of human resources and employment law
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Information scientists manage an organisation's information resources and make sure it's all available.

As an information scientist you could:

• catalogue and store information in line with data protection law
• research and buy new resources from a budget
• make sure that information is accurate, up to date and secure
• deal with research enquiries from colleagues, managers or clients
• write reports, briefings and website content
• manage a team of information assistants and train colleagues on how to use information systems

Location : You could work in an office.

Salary:

Starter : £21,000
Experienced : £45,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

36 - 38 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm flexibly

Career Path:

With experience, you could:

• progress into senior management
• become self-employed as an information systems consultant
• specialise in an area like medical, legal or science