Career information officer : Entry requirements

Although this area of work is open to all graduates, a degree in librarianship or information science/management, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP)  may improve your chances.

A qualification in careers guidance or information technology may also be useful, although a degree background in almost any subject is acceptable when teamed with the desired skills.

Entry may be possible with an HND or foundation degree only, though a degree is increasingly preferred in most employing organisations. Entry with an S/NVQ Level 4 in Advice and Guidance, together with the relevant skills and experience may also be possible, particularly in private careers services.

Although a postgraduate qualification is not essential, an MA or MSc in librarianship or information science/management, accredited by CILIP, may improve your chances.

Relevant pre-entry experience in library, information or guidance work is advantageous, as is marketing or research experience, particularly in private careers services.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• the ability to deal effectively with people, using tact, courtesy and patience;
• good organisational and analytical skills;
• the capacity to work in a logical and methodical way;
• excellent oral communication skills to respond effectively to enquiries from a range of service users and work colleagues and associates;
• intellectual ability - breadth of knowledge, a retentive memory and the skills to think laterally;
• information retrieval and research skills, using hard copy and electronic formats;
• effective writing skills for communicating information in a variety of different mediums and to a range of audiences;
• good information technology (IT) skills, including knowledge of web applications;
• design skills for hard copy publications and the web, and knowledge of publishing are also increasingly important.

Voluntary work or work shadowing at your university or local private careers service may be advantageous and will provide a useful insight into the range of skills required and activities involved in careers information work.

Competition is keen for all posts, but especially for those open to new graduates. In some cases, entry at a lower level, e.g. as an information assistant, may be necessary before you can secure an information officer post.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.