This past summer, more than 375 students in the University of Michigan School of Information secured internships at leading companies and organizations. Internships allow students across degree programs to apply their coursework in industry settings and try out careers of interest.

The 2023 UMSI student internship reports highlight the experiences of students in the Bachelor of Science in Information, Master of Science in Information and Master of Health Informatics programs. 

UMSI’s Career Development Office provides support for students through all phases of their internship search. Students can take advantage of one-on-one advising with career education experts, career and internship courses, and the annual career fair.

Across degree programs, the average length of students’ internship search was 4 months, and many students reported finding their internships through networking. "Networking is one strategy we know is critical,” says Katie Dunn, associate director of career development. “Our team not only educates students on how to network but also provides events and programs, such as the Alumni Career Connections Program, for them to practice this skill and gain access to alumni."

97% of BSI students said their internship made them better prepared for their future career. Top industries included finance, technology and consulting, as students stepped into sought-after roles like product design intern at Ford Motor Company, data intern at Bloomberg and associate area scout for the St. Louis Cardinals.

An equal number of BSI students reported accepting an internship offer in the fall and winter semesters. “I think this is especially important for students to keep in mind,” says Jordan Hansen, assistant director of undergraduate career education. “It can be stressful when it seems like others may have plans for the summer already, but each person's internship search timeline is unique based on their experience, industry interests and personal career goals. Wherever you are in the internship search process, the CDO team is excited to help.” 

MSI students pursued internships across industries and around the world, with technology, archives, manufacturing and finance among the top industries. The majority accepted internship offers between March and May. Internships included junior fellow at the Library of Congress, analyst at Dick’s Sporting Goods and product designer at Meta. 

MHI students, who are required to pursue an internship as part of their degree program, landed at top companies and organizations including Biogen, Novartis and Michigan Medicine. 97% said their internship was inclusive and supportive. They gained experience working in healthcare systems and hospitals, in consulting, and at universities and nonprofits.

Notably, UMSI funded 100% of the unpaid and underpaid internships of students who applied for this support in 2023, awarding a record total of $193,500 thanks to support from donors. 

“I was able to focus on my internship rather than worrying about how to make ends meet,” says Preksha Kamleshkumar Shah, an MHI student who interned at the Interoperability Institute. “The chance to work with leading health IT experts and contribute to a nonprofit has always been a part of my to-do list, and the organization was a perfect fit for me.”

“Knowing that unpaid and underpaid internships continue to exist, I am grateful that the UMSI Internship Grant enables students to not be as limited by financial barriers,” says Krystle Forbes, assistant director of graduate career education. “This support ensures students can access experiences that meaningfully prepare them for their future careers.” 

Read the full 2023 internship reports. 

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2023 student internship experiences

UMSI students try out their dream jobs