Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Developing and Building Teams Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

The Work

Information scientists need to store information, find particular information requested by their employer or a client and distribute the information to the employer or client in a way that is easy to understand. 
 
They may produce information systems, or carry out research work. They may research how information is generated, stored and used. 

 
The work of an information scientist shares features with that of a librarian. Graduates from both information science and librarianship fill information posts. However, information scientists tend to work in smaller units handling specialist information. Also, they usually deal more with the dissemination than the storage of information.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Direct daily operations of department, analysing workflow, establishing priorities, developing standards and setting deadlines.
• Meet with department heads, managers, supervisors, vendors, and others, to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
• Review project plans to plan and coordinate project activity.
• Assign and review the work of systems analysts, programmers, and other computer-related workers.
• Provide users with technical support for computer problems.
• Develop computer information resources, providing for data security and control, strategic computing, and disaster recovery.
• Recruit, hire, train and supervise staff, or participate in staffing decisions.
• Stay abreast of advances in technology.
• Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to assess computing needs and system requirements.
• Develop and interpret organisational goals, policies, and procedures.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Network engineers/ administrators often start out in ICT support roles and then progress to the position of network engineer, or Systems manager. 

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship ICT/ Software and Tech development & support Comptia skills NFQ level 5 courses Search FET courses

FET Centre Post leaving cert Computer and Network Technician, Computer Networking, Computer Networks and Systems, ICT Networking (Pre-Apprenticeship), Pre-University Computing, Networks & Software Systems NFQ level 5-6 PLC Course search

Ecollege Online ICT skills & programming courses 

Apprenticeship Route

FIT - ICT Associate Professional Network Engineer is an IT apprenticeship-style (learn & earn) pathway to a career in the technology sector. FIT ICT AP is a ‘learning by doing’ format of ICT skills development which has been endorsed by the industry and government. This is a two-year programme during which candidates who are competent tech enthusiasts attain a Level 6 ICT and Professional Development Award, More

Higher Education CAO entry A Bachelor's degree is beneficial for career development and advancement. Relevant degree courses are available from most Institutes of Technology and a range of private colleges. Relevant subject areas include: Computer science, information technology, engineering and computer-related fields 

Professional Development 

Springboard courses ICT sklills coversion courses NFQ level 6-9 Search Springboard courses 

Post graduate study: Information & Network Security, Engineering - Computer Engineering, Management courses at NFQ level 9 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €45k - €95k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
CPL / Morgan McKinley / Lincoln / Collins McNicholas/ Azon/ Clark/ Osborne

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The annual average employment growth rate for this occupation over the five-year period was strong, with employment levels growing annually since 2018. Those employed were primarily male (70%), working full-time (97%) and the share of non-Irish citizens at 19% was in line with the national average.

The number of employment permits issued grew from 359 in 2021 to 974 in 2022; although the majority were for the ICT sector, they also spanned a range of other sectors, with roles including IT project/program manager and technical lead. Vacancies for IT project managers were identified in the Recruitment Agency Survey and by employers (Spotlight on Skills and Skills for Growth) as being difficult to fill. While demand may be slowing, shortages persist for this occupation.

• UCD School of Information and Communication Studies

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