Career Planning: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where do I begin?
   
   Your faculty advisor (can be found on MySlice)
   OR
   The Center for Career Services
   Room 235
   Schine Student Center
   http://students.syr.edu/careerservices/
   315-443-3616
2. What resources are available to me to find an internship or job?
   
   • OrangeLink—The primary source of job and internship listings for the University
   • Help Desk: 315-443-9093
   • Open an account: http://students.syr.edu/careerservices/alumni/startingorangelink.htm
   • Mentor @ SU—Networking program linking SU alumni mentors with students
   • Learn more: http://students.syr.edu/careerservices/Mentor/search.htm#overview
   • Career Fairs—Recruiters connect with students in on- and off-campus fairs held annually.
   • iSchool listservs
   • LMS (formerly WebCT)—Career and internship opportunities are often posted to the Career/Internship site with the iSchool’s Learning Management System. (coming soon)
    
3. What is the internship and job application process like?
   For a detailed description of the internship and job process, refer to the iSchool’s Winning with Teamwork guide book, available from Kathy Benjamin in Student Services in 114 Hinds Hall or online.
4. How do I prepare a strong application for an internship or job? Meet with your faculty advisor, or schedule an appointment with Center for Career Services staff for:
   • Strategies for getting an internship
   • Resume and cover letter editing
   • Interview techniques
   • Networking leads
5. Do I have to do an Internship or Co-op?
   If you are a graduate student from the Information Management or Library and Information Science Master's programs —yes. IM students must earn 3- 6 credits through internship or co-op; MSLIS students must earn 3 credits. If you have significant professional work experience, you may petition to have some of these credits waived, or substitute with an independent study.

   For students in the Master’s Telecommunications and Network Management program, the internship is optional, but there is still an exit requirement. If you are an undergraduate student—no. However, it is strongly recommended.

6. What is the difference between a co-op and an internship?
   A co-op is usually a paid experience, lasting at least 12 weeks. A 6-credit internship can last for one semester, sometimes longer. Undergraduate students only may earn up to 12 credits during their program of study (usually junior and senior years).
7. How and where must I register?
   You must register through MySlice for your internship, just like any other class. Graduate students register for IST 971. Be sure to register for the correct class number as there are different sections for your program of study. School Media students register for IST 972. Undergraduate students register for IST 471 for all paid and non-paid internships. Undergraduate students should register for IST 472 if they are pursuing a GET (Global Enterprise Technology) internship. In addition, all students MUST submit paperwork and assignments for the internship through the Learning Management System (LMS, formerly WebCT).
8. What if my internship won't end by the end of the semester?
   You should notify your faculty advisor. Once the assignment is completed and your evaluation forms have been turned in, a grade wil be issued for you. Make sure that your faculty supervisor is aware of this situation before the end of the semester.
9. What if I want to extend my internship for another semester?
   Keep in mind that you may only earn a total of 6 credits in a particular work setting for graduate students. To extend the work experience, contact your faculty supervisor to determine if you can earn additional credits, and to ensure that your grade is not withheld for the work you have completed.