The Association of Information Management students have put together this helpful guide written by the students of the MSIM program to help you get started
Exec Questions.
Q: I hear a lot about internships, do I need to have one.
A: No. Only day students need internships.
Q: I hear a lot about faculty advisors, do I need to have one.
A: No.
Q: What kinds of materials will I need to transport to class?
A: It depends on the class, but generally speaking bring your laptop, readings for the lecture, and notes. A lot of readings are referenced throughout the duration of the quarter so it can be helpful to have all of them with you, but it isn't essential.
Q: What is your experience with the work/school/life balance of the exec MSIM program?
A: The balance can be a challenge, but know yourself and your job and adjust accordingly. The first quarter is always quite an adjustment and it will get easier as time goes by.
Q: How many hours a week would you say you spend on MSIM stuff outside of class time?
A: Most students spent at least 10 hours per week outside of class on course work.
Q: How important is it to own a laptop?
A: Answer: it's not essential, but very useful. A cheaper option might be a netbook, which is great to bring to class and has a lower cost than traditional laptops.
Q: Are there student rates on software?
A: If you use Microsoft products, MSIM students get access the all the MSDNAA software. Also, as a UW student you are eligible for some discounted software at the UW Bookstore technology center.
Exec Tips
- If you find yourself getting overloaded, ask your professors for help.
- Things to bring to class: an extension cord to plug in your laptop, food/snacks/coffee/water bottle (most campus stores/restaurants will be closed).
- The work/school/life balancing act is very personal, but we would like to share a few of our observations. For each facet of your life, there is a gradient from “Good enough” to “Perfection”. Go easy on yourself; no one has yet hit “Perfection” in all three areas. We MSIMers tend to be the kind of people that like to live in the “Perfection” zone, but it’s going to be important for you to find a balance where you are comfortable.
- Competitive academic tendencies should be checked at the door. Grades aren’t the end-all here, internalizing the knowledge is. Forging strong relationships and working together with your classmates will make you more successful in the long run.
- Socializing with your cohort is a great way to kill several birds with one stone: replace some of the social time you will be missing with your other friends, provide a venue for figuring out the MSIM program, give you a chance to vent, etc… Last year’s cohort would go out for food and beer after class on Friday.
- Do your readings. Follow the professor’s instructions and don't be afraid to go to them with questions. Take on different roles within your groups (i.e. don't always lead).
- Plan ahead so you don’t cram on Friday nights and spend Saturdays dozing off.
- Obtain support from your employers on limiting overtime commitments.
General TIPS:
- Take time for yourself and stay sane. Go to the gym, hang out with friends, etc...
- Use second year students as a resource. They have invaluable information!
- Set reminders for homework and projects.
- Try and mix up the group members for projects -- meeting new people is a good experience.
- Consider that not all meetings have to be in person—go virtual, often, as a way to keep tabs on progress.
- Make time to read at least 2-3 hours per day, this leads to meaningful contributions to class and team work.
- Be curious. Play with new applications/tools, this is the time to investigate and rehearse.
- Don’t be shy. Engage your fellow classmates on best practices and workflow considerations—we’re all here to learn, especially from each other.
- Volunteer for activities and events you are interested in.
- Relax! It's not that bad.
Tools
Networking & Staying in Touch
- Q&AIMS (http://www.aimsuw.org/qandaims.php)
- Mail Lists (imsim, ichat, iprojobs, iworld, etc.; http://www.ischool.washington.edu/resources/listservs.aspx)
- Facebook (Association of Information Management Students - UW MSIM)
- LinkedIn (University of Washington Association of Information Management)
- ASIS+T UX Nights (Elysian Brewery)
- AIMS Social Nights
1 This guide has been written by students. Some questions are unsuitable for students to answer and should be directed to Mike Crandall or Kathy Wong.
