Can I do a MIS Internship?
Yes! Internships are a great way to apply the knowledge and skills you gain from your MIS studies. You must have at least 18 credits completed before beginning an internship for S605 - Internship in Library and Information Science. An internship helps you better understand the industry you will be entering and can be very useful in deciding what remaining courses you want to take. It is also a great way to make contacts for future employment opportunities.
What are some examples of MIS internship placements?
SLIS Master of Information Science students have held interesting internships for S605 course credit. These MIS internships have enhanced students' résumés, and made them better prepared for a career in the field. Examples of placements that SLIS MIS students have held for S605 internship credit include:
- Systems Analysis - Sun Microsystems, Ltd. (Thailand)
- Web Development - IU Alumni Association
- Human Factors Engineering - IBM
- Information Technology and User Assessment - Cummins, Inc.
- Data Management Support - University Information Technology Services (IUB)
- Instruction; HCI; and Web Design - Senior CyberNet Community Network
- Research and Development - INFORMIT.com
- Website Development - Cinergy Corporation
- Usability Testing - UNext.com
- Database Development/Evaluation - WonderLab
- Information Analysis - Dow Chemical
- Knowledge Engineer - Semio Corporation
- Information Technology - Academy for International Development (Kazakhstan)
- Information Systems Development - Arizona Dept. of Environmental Quality
- Web Design/Usability - Digital Library Program, LETRS at IUB
- E-Commerce, Business Process - Harman/Becker Automotive Systems
- Instructional Technology - Batesville Primary School
- Usability/User Assessment Testing - Information in Place
- Business Information and Research - Business and Technology Division, Indiana Chamber of Commerce
- Web Development/Design - ICPAC (Indiana Career and Postsecondary Advancement Center)
- User Needs Analysis - Hannaford Brothers (merchandising systems)
- Information Researcher - Bloomington Hospital
- Internet Business, Entertainment - SK Telecom. (Seoul, S.Korea)
When can I do an internship?
There are two schools of thought about internships: do your internship immediately after 18 hours, or do it late in your program. Doing an internship early can be especially helpful for providing insight about the industry, allowing that insight to influence the courses you take, and being able to relate internship work experiences to your coursework. A benefit to doing an internship later in your program is that you are more knowledgeable and prepared. Also, because you are closer to finishing your program, the company might be more interested in extending you a full-time offer; however, that doesn't mean you won't be extended an offer if you still have a year left.
Even though people might debate the pros and cons of those two approaches, there is one point they all agree on: start looking early. Begin thinking about and looking for an internship during your first semester. If you begin the program in the fall and plan to do an internship the following summer, your application will be due midway through the second semester; so plan ahead. Whether you do the internship near the middle or end of your program depends on what works best for you.
Are internships paid?
It depends. They certainly can be, but it is not a requirement. Financial arrangements are between you and the organization for which you plan to intern.
SLIS internships for S605 - Internship in Library and Information Science are one form of internships. Students may also find summer internship programs with companies that provide résumé-building experience, but that are not for course credit. For example, we have had MIS students do internships with IBM both for course credit, and for summer work experience.
How do I find an internship?
The SLIS Internship Director maintains a section of our website that includes employers who regularly seek SLIS interns. Examples of internship possibilities in Bloomington include: web development work at the IU Law Library; projects with UITS (University Information Technology Services); usability testing with the Indiana Career and Postsecondary Advancement Center; database administration at the WonderLab; etc. Click here for more: Internships
The IU Career Development Center also has internship resources. They host regular job fairs too. Their IT (Information Technology) Career Fair is offered each fall, and provides a chance to meet employers. Think about where you might like to work after graduation. Then, explore the opportunities with that institution or company.
