Internships & Careers
Internships
All IS majors must complete 150 hours of approved professional computer information systems experience before graduation. You have two options for meeting this requirement: ISOM-520 Internship in Information Systems and ISOM-560 Experiential Component. To complete either option, you must first fill out the Practicum Approval Form [PDF].
ISOM-560 (noncredit course)
Most students complete ISOM-560: Experiential Component to satisfy the practicum requirement. You must work at least 150 hours in a position related to IS or IT before graduation. You should enroll in ISOM-560 in the term when the 150 hours will be completed. This is a non-credit, pass/fail course, and no tuition is charged.
When choosing a position for ISOM-560, look for one that provides experience working on software issues, programming, web design, or database design. This position may be paid or voluntary. More than one job can be used to achieve the 150 hours. Voluntary positions at Suffolk University are available. Examples of acceptable positions include:
- Help Desk position
- Network administrator
- Database management (programming, publishing, developing software using database software, incorporation with the web, NOT data entry)
- Website management and development
- Working with hardware
- Information Technology Department positions
- Information Systems Department positions
- Quality assurance software engineers
It is your responsibility to verify with your ISOM faculty advisor whether a specific job can be used to satisfy the requirements of ISOM-560. The 150 hours of professional information systems or information technology experience can be completed through a non-credit practicum, internship, part- or full-time employment, or through a cooperative education position through Suffolk’s Career Development Center.
Upon completion, or before the end of the semester, obtain a letter from your employer that includes the following:
- A description of the position, including tasks, primary accomplishment, and other pertinent information
- A statement that you have worked more than 150 hours or the number of hours you have worked in an information technology or information systems-related position
- Evaluation of your performance
- Your supervisor’s email and telephone number for verification purposes
The letter must be written on company letterhead and can be faxed to 617-994-4228, by email, or mailed to:
ISOM Department
ATTN: Practical Experience Coordinator
Sawyer Business School
8 Ashburton Place
Boston, MA, 02108
ISOM-520 (credit class)
If you’re a junior or senior IS major, you may satisfy the practicum requirement by enrolling in ISOM 520: Internship in Information Systems (0-3 credits). This course provides work experience that helps you bridge the gap between education and practice. You receive a letter grade for this course and may need to pay tuition.
Careers
Whether you’re interested in a career in information systems, information technology, or operations management, you’ll be prepared for high-demand jobs in the tech sector.
Information systems jobs are integral to everyday life. Without information systems experts, virtually all aspects of everyday life would come to a halt. The information systems profession has become that important.
Here's a sampling of IT professions that keep our world functioning:
IT Manager
Computer and information systems managers, also called IT project managers, help set and achieve the technology goals for businesses. In this role, you would typically analyze your organization’s computer and technology needs, install and upgrade computer systems and software, learn about technology innovations, and direct the work of your technology team.
Computer Systems Analyst
Analyze your organization’s computer systems and make recommendations to improve procedures, cost, and efficiency. Leverage your business and IT knowledge by applying your skills and experience in both areas. Learn about business analysis and design techniques using the UML through a term project in our Systems Analysis & Design course.
Computer Programmer
If you like to write code, this is the career for you. Turn program designs, software, and applications into language a computer understands.
Software Developer
Be the creative mind behind computer program development. Design, create, and upgrade applications and software for computers and mobile devices. Provide instructions to programmers to write the computer code and test for usability. Learn the skills required and create web applications projects in our Advanced Internet App Development course.
Network Architect
As a network architect or network engineer, you design and build local or global communications systems such as LANs, WANs, and intranets. These systems require your expertise in planning the layout for the network, and determining the hardware, software, drivers, and cables needed.
Web Developer and Web Designer
A web developer designs the look and technical aspects of a website using programming languages such as HTML5, CSS3, XML, and scripting. Get hands-on training in our Web Application Development course and produce a term project. If you’re interested in the layout, graphics, typography, and color composition used in a website, you may want a career as a web designer.