Information Management Graduate Career Profile

Average Information Management Graduate Salary

Information Management Graduate Career Path

A degree in Information Management opens doors to a range of careers, allowing graduates to specialise in different areas based on their skills and interests. This industry requires a mix of technical expertise, legal knowledge, and analytical skills to help organisations optimise their data and comply with industry standards.

Common Career Paths:

• Records & Archives Management – Ensuring organisations store, retrieve, and preserve critical data while adhering to legal regulations.
• Knowledge Management – Developing systems that help businesses and institutions structure and utilise their intellectual assets.
• Data Governance & Compliance – Managing data security and ensuring adherence to regulations such as GDPR and ISO standards.
• Intellectual Property & Patent Law – Assisting businesses in protecting trademarks, patents, and copyrights under UK and international law.
• Library & Information Services – Supporting research and cataloguing information for legal, corporate, and academic institutions.

Graduates typically start as Information Analysts, Records Assistants, or Trainee Patent Attorneys before progressing into specialist or managerial roles. With experience, professionals can advance to roles such as Chief Data Officer, Information Governance Manager, or Director of Knowledge Management.

If you’re looking for a career that offers variety, intellectual challenge, and opportunities across different industries, Information Management could be an excellent choice.

Qualifications and Skills Needed

What proportion of candidates as a percent we place into Information Management graduate careers and the typical qualities graduate employers look for.

Employers seek graduates with degrees in Information Management, Library Science, Business, Computer Science, or Law. However, candidates from other academic backgrounds with relevant skills can also enter the field.

Key Skills Needed:

• Strong organisational and research abilities – Managing large volumes of structured and unstructured data.
• Legal and regulatory knowledge – Especially for roles in data governance, compliance, and intellectual property law.
• Technical proficiency – Experience with databases, digital archiving, and content management systems.
• GDPR & Data Protection expertise – Crucial for corporate governance and cybersecurity roles.
• Excellent communication skills – Presenting technical or legal data in an accessible way.

For those interested in becoming a Patent Attorney, a STEM degree (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) is often required, followed by professional training through the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) or the European Patent Office (EPO). This qualification process typically takes four to six years, with significant salary progression upon certification.

While not always mandatory for entry-level roles, certifications from organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) or the Information and Records Management Society (IRMS) can enhance employability and career prospects.

Application & Recruitment Process

Applying for a graduate role in Information Management usually involves several stages, assessing both technical expertise and problem-solving skills. Employers often seek candidates with a solid understanding of data management, compliance, and research methodologies.

Step-by-Step Application Process:

1. Online Application & CV Submission – Emphasise any data management experience, IT proficiency, research projects, or legal knowledge.
2. Aptitude & Technical Tests (for some roles) – May include logical reasoning, database queries, or intellectual property case studies.
3. Interviews – A mix of competency-based and technical questions, often focusing on data governance, research methods, and legal compliance.
4. Assessment Centres (for larger firms and government roles) – Case studies, problem-solving exercises, and discussions on data security, ethics, and compliance.

Since professionals in this field often communicate complex data to non-experts, strong written and verbal communication skills are essential throughout the recruitment process.

Is Information Management the Right Career for You?

If you enjoy working with data, solving complex problems, and ensuring organisations make the most of their information resources, this could be the perfect career for you. Information Management requires a mix of technical, analytical, and legal expertise, making it a diverse and intellectually stimulating field.

This industry is well-suited to individuals who:

• Have a keen interest in data management and compliance.
• Are detail-oriented and organised.
• Enjoy research and analytical thinking.
• Have strong communication skills and can translate complex information for different audiences.
• Are adaptable and eager to learn new technologies and regulations.

With businesses increasingly relying on data-driven decision-making, Information Management offers a stable career with high demand, growth potential, and opportunities across various industries. If this sounds like the right fit, explore graduate opportunities in Information Management today.

Sources for Further Information

Chartered Institute of Patent Agents www.cipa.org.uk
Intellectual Property Office www.gov.uk
Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys www.citma.org.uk
Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals www.cilip.org.uk
National Centre for Social Research www.natcen.ac.uk
Society of Indexers www.indexers.org.uk
Society of Archivists www.archives.org.uk