Information scientist
Information scientists manage an organisation's information resources and make sure it's all available.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
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
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Career path and progression
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
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- 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 have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to become
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
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
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
More Information
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
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
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
To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:
- 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
More Information
You could start as an assistant information officer or library assistant and work your way up by training on the job.
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).
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) to help with your career development.
Further information
You can find out more about working in information science from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP).
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.