Navigating Internships in the San Jose State University MLIS Program
The San Jose State University (SJSU) Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program strongly encourages students to participate in internships to gain practical experience and course credit. Internships offer invaluable real-world experience, allowing students to apply skills learned in the classroom under the guidance of experienced information professionals. This article outlines the requirements, processes, and benefits of participating in an internship within the SJSU MLIS program.
The Value of Internships in the MLIS Program
The INFO 294, Professional Experience: Internships course, provides students with the opportunity to gain valuable professional work experience under the supervision and guidance of information professionals in the field while pursuing defined learning outcomes and earning course credit towards their degrees. It is designed to provide students an opportunity to test theories and to apply skills learned in other courses taken during the MLIS program. Our school’s MLIS and MARA graduate students and Post-Master’s Certificate students are strongly encouraged to complete an internship (we offer on-site and virtual internship opportunities) and gain valuable real-world experience and course credit. Internship supervisors collaborate with our faculty to provide rich, structured field learning experiences for our students in a variety of professional settings.
Key Requirements and Application Process
Planning is essential when considering an internship. INFO 294 does require some planning. It's best to start investigating internships at least one term prior to when you want to be doing the internship and be enrolled in INFO 294. For MARA 294, students must work with the MARA internship faculty supervisor during the spring semester before their final year to determine if the internship experience is right for them.
To apply for an internship, students must complete the Professional Experience: Internship - Student Application. Submitting your application to the iSchool internship faculty supervisor for review around 4-6 weeks prior to the start of classes is recommended. While this may not always be possible, the more lead time the better.
Understanding the Internship Checklist
A checklist is available to guide students through the internship process. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the details of the internship process and experience. Review each task for more information. When a task has been completed, you can check it off. form in the future (if you are using the same computer and browser and have not cleared your browser cookies).
Read also: Master's Program Costs at SJSU
Internship Hours and Credit Units
MLIS students have the option to enroll in internships for varying credit units, which correspond to the number of work hours required:
- 2 units: Minimum of 90 hours of work
- 3 units: Minimum of 135 hours of work
- 4 units: Minimum of 180 hours of work
Students can enroll in only one internship during a semester.
Finding and Securing an Internship
Potential internship sites sometimes advertise opportunities on job sites or through listservs. These may or may not meet the requirements for a iSchool credit internship. Students have several avenues for finding internships:
- Existing Opportunities: Students can explore listed internship opportunities within the iSchool database.
- Creating Your Own Internship: If an existing opportunity doesn't align with a student's interests, they can create their own internship, provided it meets iSchool internship requirements to be taken for credit. If you don't see an opportunity that's right for you, you can create your own internship, but it must meet iSchool internship requirements to be taken for credit.
- Contacting Internship Sites: Students may identify a new internship that more directly relates to their professional interests and goals by contacting an internship site that is unlisted.
It is crucial to contact the site supervisor of the internship you're interested in. Please make sure the internship site and the site supervisor are aware of and will comply with the requirements for a INFO 294 credit internship (see Internship Site Supervisor Handbook - Eligibility and Guidelines).
Developing Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) and Job Descriptions
A key step in the internship process is developing an internship job description and writing Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) to fit the job description and your learning goals. Be sure your site supervisor understands and agrees to the SLOs. You may need to make adjustments based on their input. The SLOs should align with the student's learning goals and the requirements of the internship site. It is important that the site supervisor understands and agrees to the SLOs.
Read also: SJSU Freshman GPA
iSchool Internship Application and Approval
Once the listing is in the iSchool database and you have applied and been accepted, you will complete the iSchool internship application form for the course. Your iSchool internship application will be reviewed by the appropriate iSchool faculty supervisor, and he or she will contact you with questions or approval.
Seeking Guidance and Support
Students with general internship questions can contact Dr. Mary Ann Harlan, associate director. Connect Dr.
Internships and Career Goals
An understanding of your career goals is very important. Internships can be a valuable way to get practical experience in a specific area of librarianship, such as academic libraries. Suggested meeting with a faculty advisor. I met with former faculty advisor, Dr. to get information on how to get a job in the academic field. For MLIS student and applying for a residency when I graduated. opportunities.
Academic Library Positions and Residencies
The experience gained during an internship can be particularly beneficial for those interested in academic library positions. Types of library positions available for academic librarians. MLIS student and applying for a residency when I graduated. Some residencies may offer tuition waivers for continuing education at the institution.
Resources for Library Positions
library positions, I have provided some resources.
Read also: California MSW Programs
tags: #sjsu #mlis #internships #requirements
