Links to Your Best Resources as You Start the SJSU iSchool

iStudent Blog

Published: January 20, 2016

The spring semester is about to begin, and whether you’re brand new to the iSchool, checking it out as you decide to take the leap into graduate school, or in the middle of your coursework, there is a whole slew of resources available to help you plan your program, focus your studies, help you with the tech side of online learning, and give you an in-depth look at some of the courses and opportunities available through SJSU’s School of Information.

Here’s a look at some of the best of the iStudent blog and some resources from the iSchool website.

Looking to Apply or Just Getting Started?

If you’re just getting started here at the iSchool or you’re thinking about applying to SJSU’s School of Information, take a look at these posts about the core courses and the iSchool’s introductory class about online learning, Info 203.

If you’re a little intimidated by starting graduate school or enrolling in an online program, or if you just need an extra boost of encouragement, take a look at a couple posts here about time management, staying organized, and learning to thrive in an online class environment.

Need Help from a Professional?
The iSchool has a wealth of resources on its website that will help you get started, like the New Student Checklist. If you have a question about admission, enrollment or anything related, check the advising toolkit. And when you get into your classes on Canvas don’t just jump over to your course pages. Make sure to check out the Canvas Advising site. Learn more about the extensive resources there from this post and interview with online student advisor Sheila Gurtu.

For technical help, check out this interview with learning management systems coordinator Alfredo Alcantar. If you need research assistance, be sure to contact Ann Agee, the iSchool’s library liaison. She gives some great advice in this post.

Want Directions to Figure Out Where You’re Going?
Even if you’re only in the midst of Info 203, you’ll want to cruise the website to explore the possibilities—what kind of careers are available for information professionals with an MLIS or MARA degree, or certificate. The Community Profiles pages will give you insight to what alumni, professors and students are doing in the world.  The Career Pathways pages will give you an idea of how to focus your coursework with a specific career goal in mind.

My favorite part of planning is looking at all the courses available and seeing which ones strike my fancy. But don’t get too crazy selecting courses willy-nilly until your required units run out—be sure to get in touch with your advisor early on to discuss your interests and ideas. Your assigned advisor is listed on your Canvas page under the Courses and Groups dropdown bar, and then on the right under Groups. My advisor has been a great help, giving me the nitty-gritty on when I might really need a course or when I can wander off and take something that really fascinates me and will give me that edge for my job search.

Whew! That’s a lot of links to a lot of information, so bookmark this post in the way that works best for you and check out the pages that best suit your needs now. Be sure to really use the resources at the iSchool to help you make the most out of graduate school and your future career!

For more great content to get you started in grad school and your career:
Make Your LinkedIn Profile Look Amazing and Help You Land That Dream Job

Master Your Skills with the Advanced Certificate in Strategic Management of Digital Assets and Services

Core Competencies at the iSchool Build the Foundation for a Successful Career

image courtesy of Stuart Miles

 

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