2008 Woodie Awards
Consider a career in the library
Sami Lange
Issue date: 12/6/06 Section: Opinion
Graduating in December? Don't know what to do? Consider a job in librarianship. No, really. A master's in Library Science (MLIS) degree could be the perfect next step. According to a Duke University career expert, about one third of graduating students don't have jobs. Many students have spent the last few months before graduation working to complete their degree without time for a full-time job search. Others have no idea what kind of job they want even after earning their degree or what they may be qualified to do.
First, the degree discipline is not as important as one might think. If you plan to be an engineer, a nurse, or a doctor, you gear your undergraduate degree towards that goal. However, as a librarian, professor, counselor, teacher or businessperson, your undergraduate degree can vary drastically. Your graduate degree is where you specialize.
A bachelor's degree is often a baseline for jobs, but additional skill sets can give you a tremendous edge. Do you know how to build a Web page, use statistics when performing a study, write a grant proposal, or send a press release? Consider the type of job you want: nine to five, fast-paced, indoor, outdoor or desk job, and determine how your skill sets can offer you a broader base for your job search.
While in school, students tend to focus on getting a job in their field of study. When looking at graduate schools and potential jobs, step beyond your field of study. As a psychology major, consider a career in human resources. As a communications major, consider a job in children's advocacy work. As college graduates, don't overlook jobs based on stereotypes. A perfect example is the job of a librarian. This field isn't what it used to be.
A MLIS degree takes you far beyond the card catalog at your local library. Classes include information technology, publishing, editing, database design, software, management, cataloging, budgeting and fundraising. Skill sets include Web site design, database building, researching skills, management practices, database-driven Web applications, records management, interface design, numerous classes on contemporary issues within the field, and a range of issues that reach far beyond the walls of the library.
First, the degree discipline is not as important as one might think. If you plan to be an engineer, a nurse, or a doctor, you gear your undergraduate degree towards that goal. However, as a librarian, professor, counselor, teacher or businessperson, your undergraduate degree can vary drastically. Your graduate degree is where you specialize.
A bachelor's degree is often a baseline for jobs, but additional skill sets can give you a tremendous edge. Do you know how to build a Web page, use statistics when performing a study, write a grant proposal, or send a press release? Consider the type of job you want: nine to five, fast-paced, indoor, outdoor or desk job, and determine how your skill sets can offer you a broader base for your job search.
While in school, students tend to focus on getting a job in their field of study. When looking at graduate schools and potential jobs, step beyond your field of study. As a psychology major, consider a career in human resources. As a communications major, consider a job in children's advocacy work. As college graduates, don't overlook jobs based on stereotypes. A perfect example is the job of a librarian. This field isn't what it used to be.
A MLIS degree takes you far beyond the card catalog at your local library. Classes include information technology, publishing, editing, database design, software, management, cataloging, budgeting and fundraising. Skill sets include Web site design, database building, researching skills, management practices, database-driven Web applications, records management, interface design, numerous classes on contemporary issues within the field, and a range of issues that reach far beyond the walls of the library.