IS Applied Learning Experience Info for Students

Today’s job market is extremely competitive.

Employers want to hire the candidate who has both a strong education and valuable work experience.

The IS Applied Learning Experience provides an opportunity to network with great people and sharpen your skills before entering the workforce. This experience helps tremendously with figuring out your true passion. With the emphasis on training and development, you gain real-life experience in the workplace and field you hope to break into. View this as a trial period for both you and the organization. Answer the question: is this the best fit?

ENRICHING & BENEFICIAL

• Earn academic credit (3 credit-hours) toward your degree
• Use this to fulfill an IST elective
• All positions are salaried which can help pay for tuition
• Explore different areas of professional experience and career opportunities
• Develop and apply communication skills
• A unique networking opportunity –  companies often use these programs to recruit full-time professionals

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Students can apply for the IS Applied Learning Experience once they have met the following requirements:

• Must have completed all courses through the freshman year
• Enrolled as a full-time student in the BS-IS or BBA-BA Degree program
• Minimum 2.5 GPA, in good academic standing
• Enrolled in, or have completed, IST 211

Transfer students must complete at least one semester of coursework at CSU

FLEXIBLE SESSION LENGTHS

View the timeline here.

Any full-time session length beyond 8 weeks

• 8 – 10 weeks (summer semester)
• 15 weeks (fall or spring semester)
• 6 months (January through June OR July through December)

IS APPLIED LEARNING EXPERIENCE PROCESS

• Apply during one of the two enrollment periods (3^rd week of August or 3^rd week of January) for positions starting any time from January through December
• Once accepted into the program, attend mandatory resume and interviewing workshops to prepare for the interviews
• Peruse job positions made available by the program coordinator and apply for those that appeal to you in terms of job descriptions and session length
• Work closely with the program coordinator to obtain an assignment
• Once you receive an offer and have determined your session length, register for IST 300 IS Applied Learning Experience  in the appropriate semester (i.e. when the session ends)
• With your company supervisor, develop and submit Learning Objectives
• Prepare a final report based on guidelines from the program advisor.
• The student and employer complete evaluation forms for the IS Applied Learning Experience

NOTE:  IST 300 is a 3 credit-hour pass/fail academic course that can only be taken ONCE