Published: November 22, 2015 by Jill Klees

Here is a secret formula for success to making it as an informational professional. Alumna Christina Mune (MLIS 2011) shared her 3 hints for making a smooth transition from student to professional in what I like to call, secret tips for success. Hint #1 is to expand your horizons. Hint #2 is to be strategic, and hint #3 is to get good at something.

Hint #1 – Expand your horizons of LIS possibilities.

• Take a class or two outside of your track of interest to gain a broader perspective.
• Go on A LOT of informational interviews inside and outside your areas of interest.
• Vary the topics you choose to use in your class assignments – be open-minded and diverse. This is the time when you get to experiment and try out different areas of interest.
• Do internships at a variety of places to diversify your experience and to reality test different options.

Hint #2 – Be strategic.

• Read A LOT of job descriptions and job postings to see what is possible and where you might fit.
• Identify the skills and experience employers are seeking, than compare this list to yourself. What skills do you have and what are your skill gaps?
• Make a plan for how you can start to develop your skill gaps.
• Create a strategic plan of where you want to go and plan at how you are going to get there. Have a back-up plan just in case.

Hint #3 – Get good at something.

• Find your niche. What makes you unique?
• Reflect upon what you like best in your classes, internships, volunteer experiences and past jobs.
• Do A LOT of research to identify what is possible and where your interests overlap into these areas.
• Take jobs that will make you good at something you like, even if it’s not the “right” job title or it doesn’t have librarian in the title.

Christina Mune (MLIS 2011) is the Head of IT for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library in San Jose, California. View her past career colloquia on From the Trenches: Three SLIS Alumnae Discuss How to Succeed and Thrive in Academic Libraries