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IS Experiential Component Graduation Requirement

ISOM 560(noncredit class) or ISOM 520 (credit class)

In today’s competitive job market employers are no longer looking just at the educational achievements and knowledge, they are also looking at the job experience a candidate possesses and work skills one brings to the table.  Students who complete an internship secure employment more quickly and obtain a higher salary than others without a career-related internship.

All IS majors must complete an IS practicum prior to graduation.  Most students complete ISOM 560, a noncredit, pass/fail course to satisfy this graduation requirement.  No tuition is charged for ISOM 560.  Students may also satisfy this requirement by enrolling in ISOM 520:  Internship in Information Systems (1 to 6 credits).  Students electing ISOM 520 will receive a letter grade and may need to pay tuition for this course.
 
ISOM 560: Experiential Component is designed to give students experience in the IS field prior to graduation.  A student must work at least 150 hours in a position related to information systems (IS) or information technology (IT) prior to graduation.  Students should enroll in ISOM 560 in the term when the 150 hours will be completed.
 
There is a difference between a data entry and an information systems related position. Simple data entry or just using a computer on the job is NOT acceptable for completion of this requirement.  An ideal position will include working with software issues, programming, web design and database design.  This position may be paid or voluntary.  More than one job can be used to obtain the 150 hours.  Voluntary positions at Suffolk University are available.  Acceptable positions include but are not limited to the following:
  • Help Desk position
  • Network Administrator
  • Database management (programming, publishing, developing software using database software, incorporation with the web NOT data entry)
  • Web site management and development
  • Working with hardware
  • Information Technology Department positions
  • Information Systems Department positions
  • Quality assurance software engineers

It is the student's responsibility to verify with his/her ISOM faculty advisor that a specific job can be used to satisfy the requirements of ISOM 560. It is suggested that students send the proposed job description to their advisor for review.  Students are encouraged to use ISOM and Career Services Department resources to secure a job.

Upon Completion or before the end of the semester, a letter from the employer is needed. (If more than one job is used to satisfy this requirement, a letter is required from each employer.) The letter should be on company letterhead.  The letter must include:

  • Description of the position including tasks, primary accomplishment and other pertinent information.
  • A statement that the student has work over 150 hours or the number of hours the student has worked in information technology or information systems related position.
  • Evaluation of the student's performance.
  • Student’s supervisor’s email and telephone number for verification purposes.

This letter can be mailed, faxed to ( 617) 994-4228, or emailed to isom@suffolk.edu.  The letter should be addressed to:

    ISOM Department
    ATTN: Practical Experience Coordinator
    Sawyer Business School
    8 Ashburton Place
    Boston, MA, 02108  

We will phone the employer to verify the student’s employment and performance.  Students will receive a Pass or I (Incomplete) grade in ISOM 560.

The required Experiential Component, ISOM 560, enables students to receive professional information technology experience. 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 Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education.