August 29, 2002

During SLIS Orientation this year, one of the afternoon sessions was presented by Dr. Alice Robbin, an Associate Professor here at SLIS, "Planning an IS Career as a Graduate Student." The following is an edited synopsis of Dr. Robbin's notes for the session. The advice given is appropriate for both MIS (Information Science/IS) and MLS (Library Science/LS) career paths.

(Quotes in green are student comments made by MIS and MLS students who responded to questions Alice asked them in preparation for the presentation: Jamie Long - MIS, Maryam Fakouri - MLS, Eva Sanford - MLS, Michael Crowther - MIS, and Linda Heerdink- MIS.)

Why is it time now -- 15 or 18 months or even 2 years before you graduate -- to consider your career options? There are at least two reasons for this.

1) You want to be strategic about a career from Day One -- even if you don't know what career or job you want to prepare for. Indeed, over the next two years, jobs will be created for which no job or occupational title now exists!

LINDA -- MIS: Good idea to study want ads to see what new jobs are being created. For example, a Sr. Ontologist has a minimum start pay $66k, maximum start pay $95k.

2) Your concern about a job when you graduate.

There isn't a day that goes by without the media telling us about the state of the economy. During the last two years, as the dot.com failure rate escalated, as economic growth slowed down, as we saw the plunges in the stock market (for mostly overvalued stocks, I might add), and as corporate America stopped spending, potential applicants to the Program wrote to me to ask whether there was a future in IT (Information Technology). Would there be a job when they graduated?

LINDA -- MIS: When I did my internship at IBM San Jose, CA, it was interesting to note the current change from paper to databases and web sites [intranet]. This is a wave of the future, and IBM believes in a paperless information-sharing environment. The MIS program offers opportunities to learn not only the development procedures to implement a database or web site, but incorporates necessary skills to assure efficient information retrieval. Herein, lies the higher level of which I believe will be a high demand and not just anyone can do it. Skills: research, survey, analysis, design, information architect, metadata, ontology, knowledge management, usability, competitive intelligence, etc.

The short answer is Yes. There will always be jobs for good people. But also: We cannot imagine a world without IT, for it has become an integral part of work and every day life.

The longer answer has to do with the hype of the dot.com bubble and whether its failure rate looks any different from failure rates of small businesses. Economists who study these things don't think so, and people who study small businesses, which these dot.coms are, situate the failure rate in the too easy availability of start-up capital and investors who did not demand business plans; the lack of knowledge about managing firms; and a "Make it and they will come" strategy that was extremely naive and that did not understand the market economy, the social and technological infrastructure that needed to be in place. They did not understand how Web-based firms still depended on an older economic infrastructure (simple things like getting the customer order to the customer, inventory control, delivery of the item), and so forth. (Small business statistics indicate that a third of all new businesses fail within the first three years.)

Notwithstanding this situation, we can be prepared when the economic environment improves, which is projected to be just about when you graduate, if not sooner.

The following are some thoughts about how you go about preparing for your career -- the main reason for this session.

How You Ensure a Job, "Being Good" and Being Ready When the Economy Improves is What to Focus on Now and Over the Next Year or Two at SLIS:

* Don't focus on one specific track in the Program to the exclusion of other tracks.

LINDA -- MIS: Agreed, you almost need to know how to do everything because all aspects of IT are becoming intertwined, there is no specialization that stands alone. I do not regret keeping an open mind while attaining my MIS program, taking courses I had zero knowledge of, scared to death, but as I had said once before, I learned by "just doing it." It wasn't easy, but challenging and what a great feeling at the end of the course knowing what I had accomplished! In conjunction, even though I am now focusing (in a post-masters Specialist degree) on information architect, metadata, and ontology, I can't accomplish this career goal without the background of the MIS program.

MICHAEL -- MIS: I would agree that you should not exclude other areas. Strike a balance. Focus on something so that you can do that thing well; get a taste for some of the other areas, so that even if you can't do it yourself, you recognize its value and how it fits in -- relates to your focus.

MARYAM -- MLS: Don't focus on a specific track at the expense of others. Stay open. Explore. I was not aware of the strength of some of IU's programs when I enrolled. My track is changing as I go along; I'm trying to be focused on an area of expertise, yet open to other possibilities at the same time.

* Learn lots of things, and learn them well. It won't be grades that count with the employer, but how well you know something.

LINDA -- MIS: Absolutely, IBM expected me to KNOW how to do tasks, and if I didn't, IBM expected me to learn quickly by researching and collaborating with associates. You are only going to be prepared for these demands if you actively participate in class, team projects, assignments, etc. You really have to do it!

* Also, you're going to have multiple careers in your lifetime. Get as broad a knowledge base as possible.

Make theoretical knowledge as important a part of your experience here at SLIS as technology. Theoretical knowledge is what will make it possible for you to move through different careers and advance yourself. Technology changes every few months. They want people who can analyze problems and come up with solutions that are not just for the here-and-now. In a sense, you've got to become both a specialist and generalist, which the SLIS program offers you.

MICHAEL -- MIS: I agree that the theoretical is very important. It helps you understand issues on a more conceptual level than somebody who has only practical skills. The theoretical is what sets you apart, and gives you the edge as a better candidate for more managerial type positions.

You want to create possibilities for yourself, so knowing something about a number of different content areas is very important. At the same time as you learn something about a lot of different things, don't forget to learn a lot about a few things.

Do learn something well, so that you have content expertise. This may mean taking courses outside SLIS, which you can and we encourage OR extending your stay here. It's worth it, and it will pay off! Employers tell me that they are looking for people who have content knowledge.

MARYAM -- MLS: Related to your point about acquiring a broad knowledge base, at my internship, I heard stories about how seemingly disparate experiences gave someone the right edge for a job. For example, MLS students should have knowledge of business, collection development, and foreign languages to name a few. Management experience is also beneficial, as you state.

EVA -- MLS: Get library experience to show that you have scholarly skills. This counts in the marketplace, as well.

* You're going to end up having to work with a lot of different people who have different skills.

So, that's why we emphasize group work in our courses.

MICHAEL -- MIS: I agree. And again, this is why having the theoretical, and broad study is important. You can better understand the abilities, the strengths and weaknesses, and the pros and cons of different fields.

LINDA -- MIS: Absolutely, again, IBM operates on team collaboration. This is different than what most people think as a team, or what I thought was a team.

You will work with teams comprised of different expertise, different levels of skill, varying degrees of intelligence, some cooperative, some hostile, teams located around the world creating a need to have communication skills for a full understanding of assuring everyone is on the same page. You will need to schedule meetings, often finding scheduling for everyone to meet at the same time literally impossible, but you have to do it, you have deadlines to meet. It was a great, COMFORTING feeling when I worked with teams at IBM. I knew how to do this! What I learned in our group work at SLIS directly applied to the real world.

Lastly, you have to present (this requires articulate communication and excellent writing skills) what your team is doing, often to the higher level of management, or to an audience. For example, I gave a presentation via teleconferencing incorporating five geographic locations and a wide variety of teams, each team having a strategic interest in my team's results. I could go on and on, of how my group projects became invaluable knowledge when put on the "front line."

* Most important: New jobs will be created that don't now exist.

We talk about the jobs of "usability specialist," "content manager," "interface designer," "user experience analyst," and "information architect." These job titles didn't even exist a few years ago. And they certainly don't appear in the U.S. government's official Handbook of Occupational Titles published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

* Get both basic AND advanced technical skills.

Even if you do not use them in your job, you need to know them to make decisions about whom to hire, how to communicate with technical staff, and how to translate the technical language into ordinary language for your clientele and the people you supervise and work with.

* Get a knowledge base in management.

Employers tell us that they expect masters degree students to move into management and local leadership positions. They expect students to be supervisors and know how to work in and lead teams.

JAMIE -- MIS: Really emphasize this point. SLIS is not a technology degree. If you want to code, you don't belong in this program. SLIS gears you to be an information manager, not just a "techie."

* Learn how to write and communicate well.

Employers tell us that one of their great concerns is that employees can't write or communicate well. Even writing an executive memo or summarizing a budget requires good communication skills. Employers want more than coders. And recent articles in the IT press indicate that employers expect programmers and web designers to be able to write. They want people who can communicate, which means presentation and writing well. They want people who are detail-oriented. So, in the context of course work, that means writing good papers with cogent prose and correct citations, for example.

* Read the daily newspaper, the national library and IT press, and newsletters and other stuff published by professional organizations.

You need, and your employer will expect it: to know about what is happening. Importantly, the newspaper provides information about the state of IT, the economy, changes in the world, AND OPPORTUNITIES. It puts you in touch with potential employers.

Libraries, for example, are looking to people who know information systems, so reading the newsletters of professional organizations gives you that insight AND A LEG UP OVER OTHER JOB-SEEKERS.

MICHAEL -- MIS: I simply agree.

LINDA -- MIS: Again, do this constantly. Don't wait until the last semester before graduating. I have emphasized this to every student I talk to. This process alone will help you focus and remain general enough to meet the skills employers are seeking. Look for part time positions that will give you hands-on experience, this too may help in decision making toward courses to take in the MIS program.

* Take the full complement of credits for internships.

It turns out that a large number of permanent jobs that students get are the result of internships that students had. Importantly, however, employers want to see the more theoretical knowledge joined with practical experience.

For example, I taught organizational informatics last spring. Two of my students did summer internships and I heard from them that the course materials and homework assignments were right on target for what their internship supervisors were having them do.

MICHAEL -- MIS: An internship is a great opportunity to start applying what you are learning. It is also great for finding out what interests you, what questions you have, which can affect what courses you take to finish your degree. Not to mention create connections that help you get a job when you finish.

LINDA -- MIS: An internship might also help you rethink and regroup your focus. I had decided not to pursue usability after completing my internship.

* Start creating a portfolio from day one. You'll need a portfolio when you go for your job interviews.

In that portfolio, put your very best work, including also the instructions that generated that work, such as a homework assignment and the paper you wrote.

Put the descriptions of the internships that you had. Anything else that will help.

Put letters of recommendation, job descriptions that you wrote. You'll sort out the materials, as you move through the program, keeping stuff that shows you in your best light.

MICHAEL -- MIS: As important as the theoretical is, people want to see that you can actually do what you suggest you can. A portfolio will help a lot. It will certainly set you apart from the applicants who don't have one.

LINDA -- MIS: I'm finding that employers are asking for a portfolio vs. a resume. Here's my portfolio, always changing: http://ella.slis.indiana.edu/~lheerdin.

JAMIE -- MIS: Add the websites you designed and the software you wrote.

* Another recommendation that came from students was to get instructional experience, both with technology and also with skills that facilitate "life-long learning."

MARYAM -- MLS: For example, Mark Napier who is responsible for running the technology infrastructure here at SLIS advertises for lab consultants every semester (on the SLIS-L listserv). For library students, this means working at the reference desk and doing bibliographic instruction. Both look great on your resume, by the way.

* Network and get to know your fellow students.

Nothing can be more important to your career than getting to know your fellow students. This also means joining the professional student associations/chapters in SLIS and professional societies, like the:

o American Society for Information Science and Technology (ASIST) - Student Chapter
o Association for Computing Machinery(ACM) - Student Chapter
o American Library Association (ALA) - Student Chapter
o Special Libraries Association(SLA) - Professional Organization with an Indiana Chapter
o Society of American Archivists (SAA) Student Chapter

Students can also join the Indiana chapter of the American Library Association, as well as the Indiana University Library Association, and the Indiana chapter of ASIST.

All organizations have student membership rates that make membership affordable. It's also a good idea to get active in the student chapter, because, from a strategic point of view, it really looks good on your resume.

JAMIE -- MIS: This helps you keep in touch with what topics are important in industry, so you are prepared when you graduate (keep your hand on the pulse.

Also: don't think "inside the box." Technology and information are the lifeblood of every organization. So, the American Library Association, the Special Libraries Association (which, by the way, is hardly about libraries, since most of its people work in the corporate sector) are places to consider, even when you think of yourself as doing IS. Just think "organizations" and you'll create new vistas for yourself.

* Take advantage of special meetings hosted by other departments or local groups sponsored by the Bloomington STAR Center. For library students, participate in offerings of the Monroe County Library.
JAMIE -- MIS, Contribution

The Bloomington STAR Center is an incubator for small start-up businesses. The Director is Brian Kebler, a SLIS MIS student. There are often small organizations located at The STAR Center offices who could use student internship assistance.

* Get to know your professors and your advisor. They're the ones who will write the letters of recommendation for you. They have colleagues whom they talk to. They're experienced.

LINDA -- MIS: I didn't get to know my professors until the end of my program. This I regret, because once I started visiting my professors, I started learning more, think more, and become more involved in my projects, resulting in better satisfaction with my courses and the MIS program. So, I say, take advantage of the open doors the MIS professors offer.

MICHAEL -- MIS: As much as I agree with this, I haven't done it enough. I have been very impressed with how friendly and helpful the SLIS faculty is. The professors are very approachable.

MARYAM -- MLS: Use faculty and other students as resources. I don't think this can be stressed enough.

Faculty profiles are displayed at the SLIS web site. Read them over to know who the SLIS professors are. Visit them in their office. You can't imagine how lonely the life of a professor is because students don't visit. Send an email, stop by and ask when you could meet to talk.

JAMIE - MIS: Don't limit yourself only to office hours posted on the faculty.

* Keep yourself open to possibilities about a career from early on. Be flexible.

This may, indeed, mean a future job outside of Indiana, but be prepared for that possibility. This also means: Think about jobs in government, in the profit and nonprofit sectors, in libraries, school systems, in Indiana but also in California, Illinois, Washington, DC or Boston, and even abroad. We live in a global world!

JAMIE -- MIS: Take advantage of Careers Week in early October (week of October 7-11). There will be guest speakers from the library and IS worlds, recruiters who give advice, and exposure to different career paths.

(Notices will be sent out on the SLIS-L and SLIS-IS listservs, and be posted in SLIS News.)

* Become expert in managing your time. Graduate school is a different breed of cat from the job you had or undergraduate years.

Some of you have families and have many commitments. Perhaps nearly every one of you is also working at a full- or part-time job. So, putting it all together and doing well at graduate school is no mean feat. I know the situation well: I went to graduate school, raised a family, and had a full-time job, all at the same time.

You're here for the long haul, so that means that many fun things will have to be set aside while you concentrate on your studies. Never fear. We faculty have gone through it and are here to help.

Finally, enjoy your stay with us. This is a really, really great place to be. Again, welcome!

-- Professor Alice Robbin

Posted Aug. 30, 2002