Case studies : Information specialist: Joanna

Joanna completed a degree in history from the University of St Andrews. She then went on to do an MA in Medieval Studies at the University of York and an MSc in Information and Library Management from Loughborough University. She now works as an information specialist for GCHQ.

During my year as an MA student in York, I applied for and was successful in securing a job as a graduate trainee librarian at the University of Oxford. I had worked part time in libraries during my studies, and this definitely helped me secure the job on the Oxford scheme. The experience helped me learn what kind of information work might suit me long term.

After the trainee year I spent 12 months working as a secretary to raise enough money to fund myself through a CILIP (Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals) approved Masters year at Loughborough.

I really enjoyed the course at Loughborough. I worked part time in the university library throughout the year, and this gave me a great opportunity to put into practice the skills which were taught on the course. I think this helped me when I applied for the job at GCHQ.

All information specialist posts at GCHQ require the applicant to have a CILIP-approved information qualification so my Masters from Loughborough was extremely relevant. Since joining GCHQ I have achieved Chartered status with CILIP.

At the moment I am on secondment to another government department in London. I have been here for a year and will shortly return to GCHQ to a similar post. I work in an open source unit where we provide research services for staff throughout the organisation.

I start my day by checking my email and flagging up anything urgent that has come in overnight. I then scan the electronic press cuttings for news stories of note. I put together two daily bulletins to update particular staff on breaking news issues of relevance.

The pattern for the rest of the day is dictated by the research requests the team has received from staff. These are enormously varied and can range from ten-minute checks in a reference book, to two or three week projects researching a particular issue. I usually spend most of my day undertaking research, and writing up summaries for the customer. I often meet with the customer to discuss their requirements and I also consult colleagues when I get a bit stuck or want some advice on a particularly thorny issue.

I love the ‘treasure hunt’ nature of open source research. I never know what I’ll be asked next or how I’ll have to stretch my skills and knowledge to track down the answer.

It can be very very frustrating, however, if you can’t find the answer to the research question. Sometimes the things you are asked to research are quite technical, and occasionally a bit boring. The work is very satisfying, but it is not without stress.

If you want to get into this career, get as much experience as possible in as many different information services as possible (either paid work or as a volunteer). You will find that a public library is very different from a law library, or a university, for example. Work experience will help you decide whether the work really is for you. It’ll also help you decide which postgraduate course you want to apply for. Do your homework and research the courses available. The modules offered by each university are quite different, and this may influence your future career path.