I chose the MLIS at SJSU because I liked the flexibility and the range of options that a large, online program offered. My original plan for my studies was to cover the basics of librarianship while also developing and expanding my technical skills, in order to give myself the greatest range of options in my job search after graduation. My career plan, as I near graduation, is still to be flexible; the kinds of roles that interest me most are found in a wide variety of information environments.
By choosing a course of study that included Information Technology Tools and Applications, User Experience, Information Visualization, and a Virtual Internship in Mobile App Design and Development, I’ve been able to add my previous professional skills in design, writing, and editing to my work as an information professional. These skills and experiences greatly improve my ability to connect users to their information in useful, usable, and desirable ways. The combination of my coursework, previous experience, and new practical skills will greatly benefit my future professional endeavors.
Some of my most valuable lessons over the course of my studies came from activities outside of class. Over the course of several group projects and my year on the SJSU ASIS&T Executive Committee, I developed project management and leadership skills, and discovered a passion for these kinds of roles. This is a radically different view of myself than the one I had when I began my MLIS, and this new understanding has opened up career possibilities I would never have considered previously.
As I finish my MLIS, I look forward to continuing my education in several aspects of my studies. Volunteer projects have often allowed me to explore and practice new skills while contributing to my community, and I intend to continue volunteering my time and skills for local organizations. I also plan to submit some of my work for publication in both academic and industry journals, and to continue as an active member in professional organizations.
My favorite part of my experience at SJSU has been working with a truly diverse crowd of passionate, thoughtful, committed students, researchers, and practitioners in library and information science. My instructors and classmates came from all over the world and with a tremendous range of experiences, backgrounds, and interests that they were willing to share and compare and examine. Alumni have generously offered advice and encouragement both online and in person—I’ve met a number of SJSU iSchool alumni in lines and in sessions at conferences, and I have found that willingness to share and contribute carries on after the coursework is done. I am looking forward being one of them, and to serving the LIS community.
Affirmation
All introductory, reflective, and evidentiary work submitted is mine alone (except where indicated as a group or team project), and has been prepared solely by me.
I am protecting the privacy of the contents of my e-Portfolio by password protecting it or by sharing the URL only with my e-portfolio advisor.
Before making my e-portfolio public, I will respect the privacy of others by removing mention in this e-Portfolio of information that could lead to the identity of individuals (team members in group projects, internship supervisors, interviewees, etc.) and institutions.
Suzanne Rogers Gruber, October 2014