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Graduation Requirements for ISOM 560
(No extra tuition, no extra credit hours)

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. ISOM 560: Experiential Component is designed to give students experience in the IS field prior to graduation.  A student must work at least 320 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 320 hours.  Students who have completed an internship secure employment more quickly and obtain a higher salary than graduates without a career-related internship.
 
There is a difference between data entry and computer related position. Simple data entry position or just using a computer on the job is not acceptable for completion of this requirement. Ideal position will include working with software issues, programming, web design and database programming and design. This position may be paid or voluntary.  Voluntary positions at Suffolk University are available. 
 
Acceptable positions include 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
  • Quality Assurance Software Engineers
  • Other Computer related positions
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 (December 6 of Fall 2007 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 and can be faxed to (617) 994-4228. 

The letter should be addressed to:

    Professor Beverly K. Kahn, Chairperson
    ISOM Department
    Sawyer Business School
    8 Ashburton Place
    Boston, MA, 02108  

  The letter must include:
  • Description of the position including tasks, primary accomplishment and other pertinent information.
  • A statement that the student has work over 320 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.

Professor Kahn 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 320 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.