The University of Michigan School of Information’s (UMSI) Career Development Office (CDO) offers a one-stop shop for UMSI students looking to get an edge on career readiness. Through a team of career development experts, the CDO offers professional career education support and resources to help students navigate and land valuable internship opportunities, develop and practice networking skills, career coaching and mock interviews, and more. Students also have access to many employers through a robust campus recruiting program, career fairs and iTrack.

Career preparation begins at orientation. This is why the CDO leads workshops on effective job search skills, connects students with potential employers and offers career courses throughout students’ time at UMSI. Last year, despite the pandemic, students continued to take advantage of unique and valuable internship opportunities. 

“Although COVID-19 continued to have an impact on summer internships, there were many more traditional internships available across industries in 2021,” says Joanna Kroll, director of the CDO. 

Last year, 96% of UMSI students said internships made them better prepared for career success. From working at the NFL, to gaining lifelong connections at the ​​Library of Congress, UMSI students took their skills to work. 

“I am thankful to have experienced a bit of the technical, production side of library and archives preservation work and look forward to cultivating the new skills I acquired at the Library of Congress,” says Master of Science in Information student Sarah Lundy. 

In last year’s UMSI internship report, 93% of Bachelor of Science in Information students received paid internships and 100% of employers indicated they would hire the candidate again. Most importantly, 96% of students say their internship made them better prepared for their careers.  

These opportunities aren’t just limited to undergraduate students. For graduate students studying for a Master of Science in Information or Master of Health Informatics degree, 88% of students received paid internships. More than 96% said their internship provided them with a supportive and inclusive environment, and 95% say their internship made them better prepared for their careers. 

UMSI offers internship grants to support students who wish to participate in an internship that may be unpaid or underpaid.

Learn more about the resources available to UMSI students from the Career Development Office here.