Professional Development Opportunities for iSchool Students

iStudent Blog
Graphic of people working.

One of the biggest advantages of graduate school is the opportunity to connect what you learn in the classroom with the professional world. From professional associations, student groups, conferences, and workshops to networking events and research collaborations, the iSchool offers many opportunities to help students build experience, expand their networks, and explore career pathways while completing their degree.

Whether you’ve just begun your academic journey at the iSchool, are striving for a new career within the information field, or are here to climb the proverbial ladder in your current field, the specialized topics you master while studying here are indispensable. Beyond taking core classes and deciding on a specialization, using what you’ve learned in professional contexts can help you feel closer to your studies and work. Opportunities for networking, such as conferences, skill-based workshops, and connecting with professors you feel aligned with, can provide valuable experiences to apply to your career.

Whether through iSchool alerts in your email inbox, announcements in your classes, or a little research in your spare time, professional development opportunities are plentiful in the field of information. These events and opportunities allow you to make connections with people who can help your career down the road. No matter your program or concentration at the iSchool, there are many professional development opportunities available to you. As you consider your next step in your professional development trajectory, let the list below of professional associations, student groups, and upcoming opportunities inspire you as you make your spring and summer plans.

Professional Development Opportunities

Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)

ARLIS 2026 conference poster.

ARLIS Conference Poster.

The iSchool hosts a variety of nationally-recognized student chapters, societies and groups pertaining to work in libraries. Below is a list of student chapters and groups that provide discounted student rates to join. 

American Library Association Student Chapter (ALASC):
ALASC promotes involvement in the American Library Association while encouraging scholarship and awareness of key issues in library and information science. It also provides a supportive space for members to share ideas, skills, and experiences while learning from one another. At the iSchool, we have our own student chapter!

Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS/NA):
ARLIS/NA Is a dynamic organization of over 1000 individuals devoted to fostering excellence in art and design librarianship and image management. 

Other Student Organizations to Consider: 

  • Special Libraries Association Student Chapter (SLASC): SLASC is the student chapter of the Special Libraries Association, a professional association that brings together information professionals working in government, law, technology, non-profit, academic, or other special libraries. 
  • Library Advocacy Student Group (LASG): LASG facilitates educational opportunities and activities to influence decision-making that results in funding or policy changes in support of public, school, and special libraries.

Master of Archives and Records Management (MARA)

The iSchool hosts a variety of student chapters of nationally recognized societies and groups concerning work in archives and records management. Below is a list of student chapters and groups that offer discounted membership rates to students:

Society of American Archivists Student Chapter (SAASC): SAASC strives to promote archival interests in our academic community, provide a platform for discussing archival issues, and engage students in professional activities to enhance career development.

Other Professional Organizations to consider: 

  • National Association of Government Archivists & Records Administrators (NAGARA): The National Association of Government Archives and Records Administrators is a nonprofit professional organization dedicated to improving government archives, records, and information management at the federal, state, and local levels. It supports archivists and records professionals through training, resources, networking, and advocacy for best practices in the field.
  • ARMA International (ARMA): ARMA International is a global nonprofit professional association focused on records management and information governance. It supports professionals by providing education, standards, resources, and networking opportunities to help organizations effectively manage and use information.

Master of Informatics

Photo of ASIS&T Annual Meeting.

Annual Meeting: from ASIS&T webpage

Association for Information Science & Technology (ASIS&T): ASIS&T provides a space for professionals and Information Science and Technology enthusiasts to connect and expand their skill set and professional network. We also have our own student chapter!

Other professional organizations to consider: 

  • The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS): HIMSS is a nonprofit that works to improve healthcare by advancing the use of information and technology. It serves as a thought leader and professional community, offering research, education, events, and policy guidance to support innovation and transformation in the health sector
  • American Nursing Informatics Association: The American Nursing Informatics Association was formed in Southern California to provide networking, education, and information resources that enrich and strengthen the roles of nurses in the field of informatics

Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology

AECT 2026 conference poster.

AECT 2026 Conference in Illinois.

Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT): The Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) is a professional association of instructional designers, educators and business professionals who provide leadership in the area of Educational Technology research and application in order to sustain a continuous effort to enrich teaching and learning nationally and globally. 

  • Upcoming Professional Development Opportunity: 2026 AECT International Convention: Building Bridges, Chicago, Illinois, November 3-7, 2026

    • The annual AECT convention is an opportunity for members to engage in conversation and collaboration, as well as share their varied expertise from different locations and contexts. Participants are invited to share practical technology solutions, high-quality research, hands-on workshops, and demonstrations of innovative approaches to instructional design, performance improvement, and educational uses of technology.

Other professional organizations to consider: 

  • International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE): The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is a global nonprofit that promotes the effective use of technology to improve teaching and learning. It supports educators through standards, professional development, research, and events that help drive innovation in education. 
  • Learning Guild: The Learning Guild is a global professional community for learning and development (L&D) practitioners, including instructional designers, developers, and training leaders. It provides resources, research, events, and networking opportunities to help members share knowledge and improve workplace learning experiences. 
  • Association for Talent Development (ATD): ​​The Association for Talent Development (ATD) is a global nonprofit professional organization that supports individuals who develop workplace learning and employee skills. It provides resources such as research, training programs, certifications, and events to help professionals improve performance and drive organizational success. 

Professional Workshops and Opportunities

Along with national professional organizations and associations, the iSchool boasts many subject-focused student groups. These organizations enrich your time at the iSchool by building deeper connections with your peers across disciplines and leave you with work and experiences you can take into your professional career. Making connections in these spaces can prove fruitful in the long term and could lead to advancement as an information professional.

Some organizations to consider: 

  • Cyber Intelligence & Security (CIS): The Cyber Intelligence and Security Club at San José State University is committed to developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals by fostering knowledge, skills, and abilities through projects, competitions, professional networking, and industry presentations.
  • Sports Analytics Club: The Sports Analytics Club at San José State University is sponsored by the iSchool and has a mission to provide students with hands-on experience in a sports analytics environment, with faculty assistance, by analyzing and producing relevant data for SJSU athletic teams to improve their on-field performance.
  • Student Research Journal (SRJ): The Student Research Journal (SRJ) is the foremost double-blind, peer-reviewed, open-access journal developed and led by current graduate students at San Jose State University’s School of Information. 
  • User Experience Student Group (UXSG): UXSG aims to bring together those interested in usability from all backgrounds and offers study sessions, webinars, and speaker events. UXSG aims to bring together MLIS, MARA, Informatics, and BSISDA students interested in User Experience, but welcomes all iSchool students.
  • Women in Cybersecurity, San Jose State University Student Chapter (WiCyS): Women in Cybersecurity is a national organization dedicated to the recruitment, retention and advancement of women in the cybersecurity field. SJSU now has its own student chapter, aiming to help foster an inclusive environment in cybersecurity spaces. WiCyS student chapter operates in tandem with CIS.

Professional Development Insights from the Ready or Not: Emergency Preparedness Workshop 

Photo of lecture slides at a Wet Salvage workshop.

This past month, I had the opportunity to attend the Northeast Document Conservation Center’s Ready or Not series, a hands-on workshop that provided emergency preparedness training to library and archive professionals. They offered workshops across California, and I attended the Palm Springs location at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum.

While there, I connected with fellow attendees and met some amazing information professionals who are making significant changes in their communities. I passed out my business card, exchanged emails, and witnessed others connecting over possible collaborations. 

I brought back valuable information to my organization regarding emergency preparedness, which inspired me to get more detailed in my approach to this subject as an archivist. It was a great event, and made me want to attend other similar opportunities in the future! 

Finding an Organization

If there’s one takeaway from this post, it’s that iSchool students have many ways to get involved and begin their journey as information professionals. Exploring organizations doesn’t have to be a long-term commitment—attend informational sessions, join a meeting or two, and see what aligns with your interests and career goals. These experiences can help you better understand different paths within the field while building confidence and connections.

Participating in conferences is another valuable way to explore your options. They offer opportunities to learn about current trends, hear from experienced professionals, and engage in meaningful conversations that can expand your perspective. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your goals, getting involved in these ways can help you build skills, grow your network, and find the communities that support your professional development.

Have you attended something similar before? How was your experience, and do you feel it positively impacted your career as a student and professional?