University of Michigan School of Information

Career education

Career insider

What if you had an entire office of experts teaching you the skills you need to build a successful career?

At UMSI, the Career Development Office provides comprehensive career education. These opportunities are offered in multiple formats — from single-day workshops to semester-long courses where you’ll earn credit to prepare for the job search alongside your peers. Your career education will also include opportunities to connect with employers and alumni.

Credit-based career education courses

SI 210: Career Exploration in Information

  • 1 academic credit
  • Optional for BSI students

SI 300: Career & Internship Studio: Design Your Success

  • 1 academic credit
  • Required for all incoming BSI students

SI 505: Career & Internship Studio: Design Your Success

  • 1 academic credit
  • Optional for first-year MSI and MHI students 

Credit-based internship courses

These internship courses are offered online or asynchronously and designed for reflective learning. They run concurrently with your approved internship. 

SI 390: BSI Internship Course (typically summer, but also offered for fall and winter)

  • 1 academic credit 

SI 690: MSI Internship Course (typically fall and winter)

  • 1-9 academic credits

SI 681: MSI Internship Course (summer)

  • 1-6 academic credits 

SI 688: UMSI Facilitated Internship Experience

  • 6 academic credits

Co-curricular career education workshops

In addition to credit-based career courses, the CDO team leads multiple career education workshops throughout the academic year. Workshops are designed to prepare you with skills to ensure job and internship success. Topics include resume development, cover letter development, portfolio development, interview preparation, networking strategies and negotiation strategies.

The CDO also offers specific workshops designed for the career development and job search needs of specific populations of students (i.e., international students, LGBTQ students, students with disabilities and more).

Access to employers and alumni

Access to employers is an important part of your career education at UMSI. The CDO hosts multiple employer-related career education activities for students throughout the academic year: mock interviews, resume reviews, portfolio reviews, design jams, panel sessions and networking events. 

The CDO also facilitates mentorship from employers and alumni across industries. These opportunities — ranging from information sessions to one-on-one coffee chats and formal mentorship programs — not only build your professional network but allow you to hear industry perspectives, explore fields of interest and gain insider expertise.