Information Analysts

Simply put, information analysts take raw information and data, analyse it and create reports to inform an organisations decision making, strategy and processes. They also conduct research to gather the data, troubleshoot, fix issues and may require some computer programming or coding skills.

Information analysts usually sit within the IT or information management department and work closely with the management team on things like forecasting and risk management. Knowledge of information ethics, rights and governance is essential for these roles and, depending on the nature of the information they’re working with, information analysts also need to know about privacy and data protection regulations.

Qualifications and experience

Entry level roles in this field usually provide on the job training, but you will need excellent communication and interpersonal skills, an analytical mind and to be able to demonstrate an aptitude for programming. Knowledge of a statistics package such as SPSS and programming languages like R or C# is an advantage.

If you’re coming from an information management background, a LIS qualification is useful as is a knowledge of the field you’ll be working in e.g. Health care.

Relevant Special Interest Groups

UK Electronic Information Group