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Guide toMIS SuccessDepartment of Management Information SystemsSchool of Business AdministrationUniversity of MontanaMissoula, Montana2016-2017410273519050000Table of Contents TOC \o "1-2" \h \z \t "Style3,3" Mission Statement PAGEREF _Toc462818095 \h 1MIS Learning Outcomes PAGEREF _Toc462818096 \h 1School of Business Administration PAGEREF _Toc462818097 \h 1SoBA Learning Outcomes PAGEREF _Toc462818098 \h 1What Is Management Information Systems? PAGEREF _Toc462818099 \h 2How Does MIS Differ from Computer Science and Computer Technology Programs? PAGEREF _Toc462818100 \h 2Characteristics of MIS Graduates PAGEREF _Toc462818101 \h 3MIS Majors are not Computer Programmers or Computer Technicians (unless they WANT to be!) PAGEREF _Toc462818103 \h 3Employment in MIS Fields PAGEREF _Toc462818104 \h 4Jobs Titles in IS PAGEREF _Toc462818105 \h 5Required Courses PAGEREF _Toc462818106 \h 6Selecting Electives PAGEREF _Toc462818107 \h 8Internship PAGEREF _Toc462818108 \h 9Certificate Programs PAGEREF _Toc462818109 \h 9Documenting Your Learning PAGEREF _Toc462818110 \h 11The Power of Experience PAGEREF _Toc462818111 \h 12Student Organization PAGEREF _Toc462818112 \h 13Staying In Touch PAGEREF _Toc462818113 \h 13Developing Your Exit Strategy PAGEREF _Toc462818114 \h 14Advice to Students from Our Graduates PAGEREF _Toc462818115 \h 15Mission StatementThe mission of the Management Information Systems Department is to provide service courses in MIS, quantitative analysis, operations management, and business law, and to equip MIS graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to: (1) apply information systems and technology in an organization; (2) work effectively as an individual, a team member, and a leader; and (3) communicate clearly and effectively within the MIS team and the organization.MIS Learning OutcomesMIS graduates will demonstrate command of the technical skills appropriate for the MIS major.MIS graduates will be able to analyze complex organizational problems.MIS graduates will be able to design appropriate technological solutions for organizational problems.MIS graduates will be able to develop technological solutions that address organizational problems.MIS graduates will work competently as part of a team or in a leadership role.School of Business AdministrationThe University of Montana's School of Business Administration enhances lives and benefits society by providing world-class business education in a supportive, collegial environment.We accomplish this mission by acting on our shared core values of creating significant experiences, building relationships, teaching and researching relevant topics, behaving ethically, and inspiring individuals to thrive.SoBA Learning OutcomesSoBA graduates will possess fundamental business knowledge.SoBA graduates will be able to integrate business knowledge.SoBA graduates will be effective communicators.SoBA graduates will possess problem-solving skills.SoBA graduates will have an ethical awareness.SoBA graduates will be proficient users of technology.SoBA graduates will understand the global business environment in which they operate.What Is Management Information Systems?The study area of MIS is a relatively new field that facilitates the relationships between information, technology, people, the organization, and society. The MIS curriculum at The University of Montana prepares students to manage an organization's information resources. The major focuses on: analyzing and managing the flows of information within and across the organization's business processes; managing the acquisition and utilization of information technology; and using both information and technology to enhance the organization's business operations, processes, strategic advantage, and extract as much value as possible out of the business rmation systems are a part of all organizational functions, including accounting, finance, marketing, operations, and human resource management.How Does MIS Differ from Computer Science and Computer Technology Programs?020701000Most computer science (CS) programs focus on software engineering and require more study in mathematics than is required in most MIS programs. CS students are prepared to write complicated scientific programs and to develop sophisticated systems software. Most MIS curricula, on the other hand, prepare students to develop business applications and to solve business puter technology (CT) programs typically emphasize the hardware aspect of computing. Students learn to install, maintain, and troubleshoot technological hardware such as systems units, printers, cables, hubs, routers, and other peripherals.Management information systems, computer science, and computer technology programs overlap in some of the content, but the fundamental focus of each discipline is different, as shown in Figure 1. As an MIS professional, you may find yourself competing with majors from other disciplines for entry-level jobs, but most MIS majors, after gaining some experience, move into jobs that focus on the management of the firm’s information resources. Computer Science: Focus on Software Programming languages Computer architecture Operating systems Data structures Algorithms Networks Web developmentComputer Technology: Focus on Hardware PC service and support Networking infrastructure Routing and switching Intro. to programming Systems analysis Project management Web development Management Information Systems: Focus on Business Systems Business application development Systems analysis and design Database management Strategic application of technology Project management Web development Electronic commerce Network management Consulting Figure 1: Differences between MIS and other computer disciplinesComputer Science: Focus on Software Programming languages Computer architecture Operating systems Data structures Algorithms Networks Web developmentComputer Technology: Focus on Hardware PC service and support Networking infrastructure Routing and switching Intro. to programming Systems analysis Project management Web development Management Information Systems: Focus on Business Systems Business application development Systems analysis and design Database management Strategic application of technology Project management Web development Electronic commerce Network management Consulting Figure 1: Differences between MIS and other computer disciplinesCharacteristics of MIS GraduatesEffective team members / leadersPersuasive communicatorsUnderstand technologyKnow best business practicesLifelong learnersStrategic thinkersAnalytical problem-solversExperienced with actual projectsEthical citizens of the organizationAble to apply IT to business problemsMIS Majors are not Computer Programmers or Computer Technicians (unless they WANT to be!) A common comment from students considering an MIS major is “I don’t know anything about computers.” The management information systems major is NOT about computers in the way that accounting is not about Quickbooks or that finance is not about knowing how an ATM works. For those MIS students more interested in the technology angle, knowing about computers will be interesting and useful to them, and we have a track of courses suited to those students. Many, if not most, MIS graduates will never physically touch the technology they manage, except for using the keyboard.Employment in MIS Fields273050014351000For MIS graduates the outlook for 2016-2017 is brighter than for most all other majors, with graduates of MIS-related programs now among the most desired new hires in all areas of the country. Excellent sources of current information about the future of MIS-related jobs can be found at the Bureau of Labor Statistics or O*NET OnLine.The nationwide average starting salary for a B. S. degree in Management Information Systems in 2016 was $60,000, the highest of all business majors. Salary figures vary considerably in different parts of the country and for different job titles. Some selected median (not starting) salaries are:Big data analyst$75,560Business intelligence analyst$81,140Computer and information systems manager$120,950Computer programmer$74,280Computer support specialist$48,900Database administrator$77,080Information security analyst$86,140Information systems analyst$79,680MIS consultant$78,600Network and computer systems administrator$72,560Web developer$62,500Many top graduates from the University of Montana MIS program take jobs as information systems consultants with international firms. The field of technical consulting services is one of the fastest growing industries and one of the highest paying. Consultants seeking international experience are posted in various places around the globe. UM is now a Top-10 Recruiting School for KPMG Advisory, MIS students have been recently placed with KPMG in Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Phoenix, Salt Lake City and Chicago.Jobs Titles in ISBusiness Analysts help an organization improve how it conducts its functions and activities in order to reduce overall costs, provide more efficient use of resources, and better support customers. They introduce the notion of process orientation, of concentrating on and rethinking end-to-end activities that create value for customers, while removing unnecessary, non-value added work.Big Data Analysts work with very large datasets that may include structured or unstructured data which may be in a database or may be arriving at high velocity and high volume. This is a relatively new occupation.Consultants are experienced individuals that are trained to analyze and advise a client in order to help the client make the best possible choices. New graduates can be hired into these positions and trained much as an apprentice is trained.Systems Analysts tie together hardware and software to give an organization the maximum benefit from its investment in machines, personnel, and business processes. To do this, they may design entirely new systems or add a single new software application to harness more of the computer’s puter and Information Systems Managers direct the work of systems analysts, computer programmers, and other computer-related workers. They analyze the computer and information needs of their organization and determine personnel and equipment requirements. These managers plan and coordinate activities such as the installation and upgrading of hardware and software, programming and systems design, the development of computer networks, and the implementation of Internet and Intranet puter Support Specialists provide technical assistance, support, and advice to customers and users. This group of occupations includes workers with a variety of titles, such as technical support specialists and help-desk technicians. Database Administrators determine ways to organize and store data and work with database management systems software. Network or Computer Systems Administrators install, configure, and support an organization’s LAN, WAN, network segment, or Internet system. They maintain network hardware and software, analyze problems, and monitor the network to ensure availability to system users. Programmers write, test, and maintain the detailed instructions, called programs or software that computers must follow to perform their functions. These programs tell the computer what to do, such as which information to identify and access, how to process it, and what equipment to use.Project Managers are responsible for accomplishing the stated project objectives. Key project management responsibilities include creating clear and attainable project objectives, building the project requirements and schedules, and managing the constraints, risks, and resources of the project.Web Developers are responsible for day-to-day website design and creation.Webmasters are responsible for the technical aspects of the website, including performance issues such as speed of access, and for approving site content.Required CoursesFor a Management Information Systems MajorThe MIS program is based upon a nationally endorsed master curriculum. In addition to the core classes that all business majors take, students in the MIS major will take all six required classes and two elective MIS classes (6 credits, C- or better in each course). Students taking ACTG 321 for an elective must also take the ACTG 203 co requisite course. See the requirements in the current UM course catalog.MAJOR REQUIREMENTSLOWER PRIMARY CORE (LPC)Students must earn a C- or better in each LPC course and have a 2.0 LPC GPA and a minimum of 60 credits to be admitted to a business major.Required Courses*Credits WRIT 101College Writing I3Approved Math Course – M 115/121/151/162 (Prereq to ACTG 202)3-4Approved Statistics Course – STAT 216/SOCI 202/PSYX 222/FORS 2013-4BMIS 270MIS Foundations for Business3ECNS 201SPrin. of Microeconomics3#ACTG 201Prin. of Financial ACTG (Prereq to ACTG 202)3#ACTG 202Prin. of Managerial ACTG3 SUBTOTAL21-23#Minimum grade of C in ACTG 201 and 202 as a prereqs to ACTG 321LOWER SECONDARY CORE (LSC) ***Students are advised to complete the LSC in the freshman/sophomore years.Required CoursesCreditsCOMX 111AIntroduction to Public Speaking 3CSCI 172Intro. to Comp. Modeling (Prereq to BMGT 322)3ECNS 202S*Prin. of Macroeconomics3BGEN 220EBusiness Ethics & Social Responsibility3SUBTOTAL12UPPER CORE*** Required CoursesTermCreditsBFIN 322Business FinanceF,Sp,Su3BGEN 361Business LawF,Sp3BMGT 322Operations ManagementF,Sp,Su3BMGT 340Mgmt & Org BehaviorF,Sp3BMKT 325Principles of MarketingF,Sp,Su3SUBTOTAL15CAPSTONERequired CoursesTermCreditsBGEN 499Strategic ManagementF,Sp,Su3***Required: Senior major in business status with all lower secondary core and upper-core classes completed with a “C-” or better and a graduation application approved by SoBA Advising & Admissions Office prior to taking the capstone. EITHER THE FIRST OR SECOND SEMESTER OF STUDENT’S SENIOR YEAR. Capstone must be taken at UM.MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS MAJORRequired CoursesTermCreditsBMIS 365Business Applications Develop. F,Sp3BMIS 370*Managing Information & DataF,Sp3BMIS 372Info Infrastructures: Strategic PerspF3BMIS 373Bus. Systems Analysis and DesignF, Sp3BMIS 476*Integrated Project ManagementF,Sp3BMIS 498IS Internship OR IS 495 PracticumF,Sp,Su3Plus two courses (6 credits) of the following:____ BMIS 326 Introduction to Data AnalysisF, Sp3____ BMIS 391 Special Topics3-6BMIS 465Real-Time Data AnalyticsSp3BMIS 471Fundamentals of Network & Security MGMTF3BMIS 472*Advanced Network & Security MGMT Sp3BMIS 478Electronic CommerceSp3BMIS 479Introduction to ConsultingF, Sp3BMIS 491Special Topics3-6BMIS 492Independent StudyF,Sp,Su3-6BMKT 460Marketing of High Tech ProductsSp3ACTG 321Accounting Information SystemsF,Sp3CSCI 135^Fund of Computer Science I3CSCI 136^Fund of Computer Science II3-6CSCI 448Pattern Recognition3CSCI 464Big Data Mining3C&I 341*Information Mgmt and Design3 EDU 472*Adv. Technology & Supervision3M 461Practical Big Data Analysis3STAT 451Statistical Methods3SUBTOTAL24*Check below for prerequisites on all asterisked courses^Note: Taking these courses may result need to take additional upper-division credits to meet 39 upper-division credits requirement for graduationTOTAL Required for MIS Major 75 - 77Additional requirements for all UM Business Students:General Education Requirements must be completed. At least 54 credits must be earned in Business classes. (ECNS courses may be counted in OR out of Business.)At least 60 credits must be earned outside of SoBA. At least 39 credits must be earned in upper-division courses.At least 120 credits are required to graduate.At least 30 credits of the last 45 credits must be taken at UM. 27 credits in business AND certain business classes (including BGEN 499 and BMIS 476) must be taken at UM.Pass SoBA Major Field Test.2.0 GPA overall at UM, in business, and in the major.*Pre-requisites for MIS Courses:BMIS 365 is a prerequisite for BMIS 370 BMIS 365, BMIS 370, and BMIS 373 are prerequisites for BMIS 476BMIS 471 is a prerequisite for BMIS 472STAT 216, BMIS 365 or equivalents are prerequisites for BMIS 465Management Information Recommended ScheduleCreditsFirst Semester (15 credits)3BMIS 365 Business App Development3BMIS 372 Information Infrastructures (Fall Only) or BMIS 373 Business System Analysis & Design 3BFIN 322 Business Finance3BGEN 361 Business Law 3Non-Business ElectivesCredits Second Semester (15 credits)3BMIS 370 Managing Information and Data (Prereq., BMIS 365)3BMIS 372 Information Infrastructures (Fall Only) or BMIS 373 Business System Analysis & Design 3BMGT 322 Operations Management3BMGT 340 Management & Organization Behavior3Non-Business ElectivesCredits Third Semester (15 credits)3BMIS 476 Integrated Project Management (Prereq., BMIS 365, 370, and 373)3MIS Elective - Consult faculty advisor for a class 3BMKT 325 Principles of Marketing3Non-Business Electives3Non-Business Electives Credits Fourth Semester (15 credits)3BMIS 498 Internship (may be done in the summer)3MIS Elective - Consult faculty advisor for a class 3BGEN 499 Strategic Management (Prereq., Upper Core)3Non-Business Electives 3Business or Non-Business Electives Selecting ElectivesYou can significantly improve your job prospects by carefully choosing your electives. There are courses both inside and outside of the School of Business Administration that will help prepare you for your entry-level job and the careers those jobs grow to become. Below are useful electives for a variety of MIS tracks.-12700571500Work closely with your advisor to choose MIS and general electives that will supplement your required courses and provide you with the background necessary for the career of your choice. “I Like To”TrackSkillsetsElectivesCertification or MinorCode, create appsDevelopment (programming, software customization)Programming, database management, understanding APIsCSCI 135, CSCI 136CS minorHelp people solve problems around IT, work with peopleConsulting (business analyst, compliance assessment)Ask good questions, SaaS, understand APIs, speaking in front of othersBMIS 479, ACTG 321AIS certificateManage projects, work with people, manage details, lead groupsProject managementTeamwork/management, finance, negotiation, business/accountingBMIS 471, BMIS 479PM certificationWork with data, business intelligence, gather business insights from dataData analyticsStatistical analysis, data cleansing, data visualization, data modelingBMIS 326, BMIS 465Data analytics certificateDigital marketingDigital marketingE-commerceBMIS 478, BMKT 460Digital marketing certificateWork hands-on with technologyCybersecurity (network manager, fraud detection)IT service managementBMIS 471, BMIS 472MCSE or CISSP certificationInternshipIdeally, your internship should be taken the summer between your junior and senior year. Please make an appointment with the department chairperson to make sure that you are academically prepared for your internship, that the internship involves real MIS work, and that you will have a mentor who can guide you in the technical aspects of your work. For your appointment, you will need an unofficial copy of your transcript and a job description prepared by your employer.Students find internships in a wide variety of industries and companies, including some non-profit organizations. Be sure to sign up with Griz eRecruiting to find out about posted internships. Some students arrange internships with previous or current employers. Students do a wide variety of MIS tasks in their internships, including web page design and maintenance, database design and maintenance, social networking site creation, computer support, program testing, network security and support, project management tasks, and user requirements development.Certificate ProgramsAnother way to increase your visibility is through the certification process. Professional certifications are available for nearly every specialty in the MIS area and are used by some companies as a filter for the resumes flooding their hiring processes. Our networking classes provide a starting point for preparing for the series of MCSE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) exams. The College of Technology offers classes leading to Cisco certification. For programmers, Brainbench Java 2 certification is useful. A certification in Project Management is also widely available. Big Data Analytics CertificateIn addition to certifications offered by professional organizations, SoBA offers academic certification programs that are interdisciplinary in nature. They are professionally designated certificates. Students from all over the university may take certificates, but the cornerstone and capstone classes for the certificates are offered by the MIS Department. Students must complete a degree program at UM, complete the certificate application, and pay the fee for the certificate. Courses must be completed with a GPA of 3.0 or better.RequiredBMIS 326 Introduction to Data AnalyticsBMIS 482 Big Data Projects or M 467 Data Analytics ProjectsElectives (take two)BMIS 465 Real-Time Data AnalyticsBMKT 440 Marketing AnalyticsCSCI 444 Data VisualizationCSCI 447 Machine LearningCSCI 448 Pattern RecognitionCSCI 464 Applications of Mining DataCSCI 480 Applied Parallel Computing TechniquesCSCI 564 Applications of Mining Big DataCSCI 580 Parallel ComputingOther Electives Requires PrerequisitesM 461 Practical Big Data AnalysisM 462 Theoretical Big Data AnalyticsAccounting Information Systems (AIS) CertificateDesigned primarily for MIS and Accounting majors, the Accounting Information Systems (AIS) Certificate helps students continue their studies in preparation for the following professional certificates: CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), and CITP (Certified Information Technology Professional. MIS students must complete the requirements for the MIS major, meet with Dr. David Firth, complete the certificate application, pay the fee, and complete the following courses with a GPA of 3.0 or better: RequiredACTG 203 Accounting LabACTG 305 Corporate Reporting IACTG 306 Corporate Reporting IIACTG 321 (co-req of ACTG 203) Accounting Information Systems IACTG 411 Auditing I (pre-req ACTG 321 and ACTG 306)BMIS 365 Business Application DevelopmentBMIS 370 Managing Information and DataBMIS 373 Business System Analysis & DesignBMIS 479 Introduction to ConsultingDigital Marketing CertificateSoBA also offers the Digital Marketing Certificate, which is designed to bridge the gap between the fields of marketing and MIS. Students will acquire skills in the areas of online and social media marketing and in e-commerce. To receive the Digital Marketing Certificate, MIS students must complete the requirements for the MIS major, meet with Dr. Clay Looney or Dr. Emily Plant, complete the DMC application, and complete the following courses with a GPA of 3.0 or better: RequiredBMIS 372 Information InfrastructuresBMIS 373 Business System Analysis & DesignBMIS 478 E-Commerce: A Managerial PerspectiveBMKT 342 Marketing ResearchBMKT 343 Integrated Marketing CommunicationsBMKT 420 Integrated Online MarketingBMKT 460 Marketing High-Tech Products & InnovationMIS Electives (take one)BMIS 365 Business Application DevelopmentBMIS 370 Managing Information and DataBMIS 479 Introduction to ConsultingOutside SoBAFORS 250 Intro to GIS for Forest ManagementGPHY 284 Intro to GIS and CartographyMAR 101 Intro to Media ArtsMAR 102 Digital Technology in the ArtsMAR 111 Integrated Digital ArtMAR 341 Intro to Web DesignDocumenting Your LearningAll MIS students should prepare a portfolio of their MIS work. One of the major advantages of preparing a personal portfolio of your work is that you can use the material to prepare a web page showcasing your work for your job search. The online portfolio can be used to demonstrate to prospective employers that you have acquired the skills necessary for employment and that you are ready to hit the ground running. Portfolios should include:Writing samplesVideo clips of your presentationsExamples of the “deliverables” from each of your MIS coursesCompleted projects, including your senior projectExamples of anonymous peer evaluations from team membersReflective essays examining your learning from selected projects or assignments and summarizing how your collection of business and general electives prepares you for an MIS careerRésumé and an example cover letter0190500Don’t forget to include your class projects on your résumé as evidence of your ability to get a project done.Career counselors recommend that students write a resume early in their college career that reflects their ideal resume, the one you’d like to have when you graduate.? It becomes a planning document, to help you acquire the types of experience that you will need in order to achieve that ideal resume by graduation.? Employers look for new hires with good technical skills, real-world experience, and strong communication skills as well as those who are honest, ethical, capable of effectively working on a team, and have demonstrated leadership ability.? Your “dream” resume becomes the road map you can use to make sure you’ve accumulated the right experiences by the time you complete your degree.? The Power of ExperienceHiring organizations prefer candidates with experience such as internships or related part-time jobs.? To employers, a student with related experience is someone who has proven she knows how to apply what she has learned in school; she knows how to work and produce results as well as how to work with others and manage her time.? Students who have acquired practical experience prior to graduation are more likely to land great jobs.? They have also begun developing their professional network contacts, many of whom may know of several great job opportunities at any given time.? In addition to part-time jobs off campus that are computer-related, you should also watch for opportunities for MIS students available through the university.? Contact information is listed below.Internship AssistanceCheryl MinnickInternship CoordinatorAcademic Enrichment243-4614cheryl.minnick@umontana.eduInternational InternshipKevin HoodInternship CoordinatorAcademic Enrichment243-4613kevin.hood@umontana.edu SoBA InternshipKathleen TarkalsonInternship DirectorSchool of Business Administration243-6771kathleen.tarkalson@umontana.eduSoBA Help Desk Tech or Lab Monitor positionEric TangedahlIT DirectorSchool of Business Administration243-6620eric.tangedahl@umontana.edu Web designer or programmer positionAmy Stout, Program ManagerSpectral Fusion Designs243-4789amy.stout@mso.umt.edu Technical Assistant Program (STAP) positionKathy GarramoneComputer Support SpecialistIT Office243-5362kathy.garramone@mso.umt.edu Halls Technical Assistant (RTA) positionJesse NeidighDirectorStudent Affairs IT243-2625rta.supervisors@mso.umt.edu volunteer positionAndrea VernonDirectorOffice for Civic Engagement243-5159andrea.vernon@umontana.eduStudent jobs Organization-3175381000The Montana Information Systems Association (MISA) was formed in the spring semester of 2000. MISA brings in MIS industry speakers, takes field trips, and presents training and support to other students in the School of Business, particularly in the BMIS 270 MIS Foundations for Business class, where they host lab sessions for the MovieMaker and web design projects. Students who become officers of MISA have the opportunity to develop leadership and team-building skills.MISA became a student chapter of the national professional organization AIS (Association for Information Systems). MISA has received a number of awards from AIS. Staying In TouchUniversity of Montana uses UM Connect email addresses, and instructors must use your UM email address for any official email communications. Check that account frequently. For more information about UM Connect, go to the UM IT website. Developing Your Exit StrategyFreshmen and Sophomores: Ready or Not, Your Career Has Begun28575003937000Do not wait until your senior year to begin thinking about the next phase of your life.? Make sure you graduate with concrete plans and an active job search completed or in progress.? Our most successful students begin planning for their entry into the world of work early in their college careers.Contact Kathleen Tarkalson, SoBA Internship Director, during your sophomore and junior years to begin searching for and competing effectively for an internship.? Contact Career Services no later than your junior year to begin your job search planning and activities.? Career Services offers workshops and individual appointments on resume and cover letter preparation, how to interview and job search, as well as planning a job search.? They also host annual career fairs and employer-led workshops. ?? HYPERLINK "mailto:careers@umontana.edu" Career ServicesLommasson Center 154?Phone: 406-243-2022Email:?careers@umontana.edu?Office hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.Monday – FridayThe School of Business Administration’s Career Development Program also offers programs to help prepare you for this process.? Events such as Employer resume critique sessions, Employer mock interview sessions, networking events, and etiquette workshops are presented throughout the year.? See a list of this semester’s workshops on the Career Development website!Advice to Students from Our GraduatesIn exit interviews, our departing seniors were asked what advice they would give to new MIS students. Here is a compilation of their answers.Use good time management. Figure out when you are most productive and don’t lie to yourself.Balance social life, personal life, work life, and school life.Study hard. You have to be serious about school.Take responsibility for your own education.Do your own research. Be willing to learn things on your own.Get to know the faculty early on in the program.Writing is important. Take C&I 187!Get involved with MISA.Keep an open mind. MIS is a broad field and the first class you take may not be the area you decide to specialize in.Stick to it. The advanced classes are fun!Look at your school experience through an employer’s eyes. Why would the employer want to hire you?Get some real-world experience."When I changed my major to Management Information Systems, I could never have imagined I would end up where I am today. In two short years, I landed a great summer consulting internship with KPMG, where I was able to work for a Fortune 500 client before I even graduated college. After my internship, I accepted both a full-time offer with the firm and a role back in Missoula as their on-campus representative. Looking back on the last four years, the best advice I could give students is to start early, don’t be afraid to fail, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t wait around for your dream job to drop into your lap; it simply won’t. If you want something, go out and get it! If you apply for a position and aren’t selected, learn from the experience and make yourself better for your next interview. Finally, make connections and nurture them. SoBA works hard to give students the opportunity to work on career development early and often. Take advantage of it! At UM, we take care of our own; it’s one of the reasons this place is so special. Our alumni are everywhere, and if you reach out to them for advice about a company that they have experience with, they are generally happy to help a fellow Griz. I wouldn’t trade my time at UM for any other institution in the country. The career development, coursework, and most importantly the people have prepared me for the next step in my career, and I couldn’t be more excited to take it.” Greg Heidner (’13)For more student testimonials, see the student testimonials page located on the MIS Department website (business.umt.edu/degreesprograms/MISDepartment.aspx). ................
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