This past summer, nearly 400 students in the University of Michigan School of Information secured internships at leading companies and organizations. Internships allow students to explore potential career paths while applying their coursework in industry settings. 

The 2024 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 in all degree programs, through every phase of their internship search. Students can take advantage of one-on-one coaching with career education experts, career and internship studio courses and peer career coaching. 

The majority of interns across degree programs found their internship in four months or less. “We know the internship search takes perseverance and the ability to be resilient when faced with rejection or setbacks,” says Jordan Hansen, assistant director of undergraduate career education at UMSI. “If you are running into roadblocks in your search, please come talk to the CDO. We want to support you wherever you are in the search process.” ​​ 

96% of BSI students said their internship made them better prepared for their future careers. Top industries included finance, technology, consulting, consumer goods and start-ups, as students stepped into sought-after roles like software engineering intern at Google, UX design intern at GoDaddy and data analytics intern at the J.M. Smucker Company. 99% said their internship was inclusive and supportive. 

“My mentor supported and encouraged my ideas, and challenged me when he felt it was necessary. He also provided insightful feedback, advice and knowledge throughout the internship,” said BSI student Sarah Penrose, who spent the summer as a UX design intern at information management company Iron Mountain. 

95% of BSI students secured a paid internship, making an average of $29 per hour. The UMSI Internship Grant helped to support unpaid and underpaid internship experiences for students in all UMSI degree programs.

MSI students pursued internships across industries and around the world, with technology, finance, consumer goods, universities and colleges, and manufacturing as the top industries. Placements included product data science intern at Meta, experience design intern at Adobe and special collections intern at National Geographic. 95% of MSI students said their internship made them better prepared for their future careers.

“This internship was such an amazing experience and provided me with skills I will value and use to build a career as an archivist and researcher,” said Jordan Rhym, an MSI student who interned at National Geographic. 

The majority of master’s students at UMSI accept positions in the winter term. According to assistant director of graduate career education Krystle Forbes, “Fall is a great time to focus on gathering and honing experience, set search goals and prepare materials. Winter term is the time for summer internship applications, interviewing and accepting offers.” 

MHI students landed at top companies and organizations including Amgen, Corewell Health and Stanford Health Care. They gained experience working in health care systems and hospitals, in consulting and biotechnology, and at universities and nonprofits. 98% said their internship made them better prepared for their future careers, and 98% said their internship was supportive and inclusive. 

“My supervisor provided valuable support and feedback throughout my internship. He facilitated numerous opportunities for professional growth, including training sessions and workshops,” said MHI student Hibah Al-Jabur, who interned as a technical project manager at Michigan Health Information Network. “The overall experience at MiHIN has significantly enhanced my skills and prepared me for a successful career in health care IT.”

Across programs, networking remained a top strategy for securing an internship. UMSI students have access to robust networking opportunities, including the Alumni Career Connections Program, alumni panels hosted by the CDO throughout the year, and the annual UMSI Career Fair. 

Read the full 2024 internship reports.