We asked three iSchool students: what is the iSchool? Learn how Chris, Nidha, and Tyler answered that question and learn the different ways they discovered the iSchool.
Chris Yin ’18
Intra-University Transfer: Chris Yin ’18
Chris is currently a senior studying Information Management & Technology.
What was your major before IM&T?
Before I became an IM&T major, I was an undeclared pre-med student in the College of Arts and Sciences.
What was your motivation for coming here? When did you make that decision?
I had realized that I had lost my sense of purpose and motivation within the medical field. I couldn’t see myself applying what I was learning in the classroom to what I wanted to do with my life. Also, the thought of taking science classes for the next 10 years of my life was not a something I was looking forward to. This was all during my freshman year of college.
What did you know about the iSchool before transferring?
A lot of my friends were iSchool students. When I would be doing work or studying with them, I would always see the kind of work they were doing. However, in order to get a full grasp of what the iSchool was about, I was advised to take IST 195 with Jeff Rubin. This is where I came to really understand what I would potentially be learning at the iSchool. Along with the vibes that came with being an iSchool student.
If you could describe the iSchool to someone who doesn’t know anything about it, what would you say?
If you were to look at a Venn diagram comprised of business, communications, and computer science, we are right at the intersection of all three. The iSchool teaches students how to think like a programmer, analyze the situation like a business, and then be able to communicate that to your audience in an effective way. Additionally, the iSchool will give you an opportunity to explore and further dive into different fields or concentrations. Whether it be web design, project management, or information security.
What do you hope to do in the future?
Ultimately, it would be to find a job where I would be able to balance doing something I love while being able to give back to the community. Aside from all of the skills that I have been able to learn in my classes, there’s this constant theme of giving back that I have really been able to experience and learn from the iSchool. As of now, I will be a Business Analyst at Avanade located in Seattle. However, I am open to anything and am confident that the iSchool has prepared me well to be able to adjust to any job!
iSchool Dual Major Nidha Ahmed ’19
Dual Major: Nidha Ahmed ’19
Nidha is currently a junior pursuing an iSchool/Whitman dual major in Marketing Management and Information Management and Technology and is considering a minor in finance.
What college are you a dual in? What is your complete major title?
I am a dual with Whitman, majoring in Marketing Management and Information Management and Technology.
Did you always want to be a dual? What helped you make that decision?
I got an alternate offer to join the iSchool when I originally applied to Whitman. After being in the iSchool for two semesters I began to enjoy the subject and grew passionate about it. I still wanted to incorporate the focus of business in my major, which is what lead me to being a dual.
Do you think the iSchool has helped your other major?
It definitely has helped me in marketing. I can apply aspects that I learned from the iSchool, such as new technologies as a new marketing campaign for businesses in the future.
If you could describe the iSchool to someone who doesn’t know anything about it, what would you say?
The iSchool is a perfect mix of technology and business because it teaches you the technical skills required for technology jobs. Along with that it also teaches students the soft skills of business such as presentation techniques and organization systems.
How do you hope the combination of your dual major will help you in your future?
I hope these majors will help me become a problem solver in my future career. The iSchool helps teach students how to come up with techniques and ideas to create solutions for businesses which can be a strength that I can carry with me always.
iSchool Student Tyler Youngman
Alternative Decision: Tyler Youngman ’20
Tyler is currently a sophomore studying Information Management & Technology with minors in Music History & Cultures and Music Performance.
What college or major was your first decision?
I didn’t really know what I wanted to do at Syracuse University. The iSchool was my top choice along with Newhouse, but I ended up only being accepted into the iSchool, and it was exactly what I was looking for. I look back now knowing that I made the right decision to stay in the iSchool.
What did you think the iSchool was when you were accepted?
I was beyond excited to be accepted to Syracuse. I knew that the iSchool had an incredible reputation of providing real world experience and in-depth learning opportunities, but I still had a lot to learn about it!
What is the iSchool’s best kept secret?
Definitely the flexibility to pursue your interests. I like the idea that everything relates to technology, so what students study within or out of the iSchool can be related back to technology. I think that is useful for people with interests outside of the iSchool.
If you could describe the iSchool to someone who doesn’t know anything about it, what would you say?
The iSchool that teaches the importance of information technology in our daily lives. It’s interdisciplinary in that we work in fields like communications, business, engineering, and entertainment and we learn the practical skills needed to succeed. We learn how to convey information to a variety of audiences. We learn how technology has changed over time and continues to amaze us. There isn’t really a definition for an iSchool because it is so broad.
What do you think the iSchool has taught you thus far? Not just in education but about yourself too?
Time management, accountability, collaboration, and responsibility. It also gave me a sense of appreciation for the impact that technology has on interconnecting our world. Also how we are tasked to maintain that connection when we go out into the professional world. I met countless friends and learned so many things, and I am excited to continue on this journey while at Syracuse.
