Featured student: Erica Hendry
1. Why did you choose the iSchool?
What attracted me to the iSchool was the opportunity to explore a number of inter-related fields within Information Studies.
This was beneficial not only because I was undecided about which path to pursue when I started, but because this interdisciplinary approach exposed me to a more comprehensive range of ideas and theoretical approaches. This in turn helped articulate and shape my interests and also widen my options for future work.
What attracted me to the iSchool was the opportunity to explore a number of inter-related fields within Information Studies.
2. Did you know what path you would choose before beginning your Masters? Any second thoughts on your planned area of study?
I was unclear about which path to pursue when I started my Masters, despite previous work experience related to Knowledge Management and Information Management (KMIM).
In my second year I started the Knowledge Media Design Collaborative Program (KMDI), which complemented KMIM by offering courses focused on user-centered design methods and socio-technical concerns within information systems, education, and general product development.
There is adequate flexibility at U of T to build a course of study that accommodates individual interests even if your interests remain unclear until late in your studies.
3. What are your career goals?
Returning to school has provided an opportunity to build on my previous work experience while exploring new areas of study in parallel.
My degree has prepared me for a career involving the design and management of organizational information processes and systems, which are aimed at improving how people interact with information, and in turn help address concerns related to information quality, project management, knowledge sharing, and regulatory policies.
4. What has been your most rewarding moment at the iSchool?
One of the most rewarding experiences during my time at the iSchool has been the opportunity to become involved in research conducted by faculty.
One of the most rewarding experiences during my time at the iSchool has been the opportunity to become involved in research conducted by faculty. This work has provided a cohesion of course-work along with exposure to the international iSchool research community.
5. The most challenging?
Since I started grad school several years after completing my undergrad degree, the most challenging issue for me was transitioning from work back to school. This transition was greatly eased by the assistance of the administrative staff, the support of fellow students, and the numerous workshops and programs offered by the iSchool and U of T.
6. What has been your favourite course and why?
One of my two favourite courses (which I discovered through the recommendation of a senior student) has been Jenna Hartel’s Information Behaviour class. Though outside my main stream of study, this course has captivated my interest since it incorporates various theoretical approaches to studying a variety of information interactions (which can then assist in designing better information systems).
This course, along with Colin Furness’s Information Architecture course, are exemplars of the interdisciplinary iSchool approach.
7. Have you been working since starting your studies?
There are numerous career development activities offered by iSchool alumni and the school administration that are well worth attending, even during your first year.
Apart from paid research work, I have not been working during my studies. However, it’s never too soon to start thinking about your future career. There are numerous career development activities offered by iSchool alumni and the school administration that are well worth attending, even during your first year.
8. What about your social life?
iSchool student groups host a range of social activities throughout the year from pub-nights and end-of-term parties, to games nights. There are too many events on campus to keep track of, such as live theatre, free film nights, and numerous concerts and lectures.
Since the school is located within walking distance of a number of funky neighbourhoods, such as Kensington Market and Little Italy, it’s not uncommon to find iSchoolers socializing at local coffee shops, bars, or musical venues.
9. What have you learned since starting the program that would have been useful to know beforehand?
The research, analytical, and practical technical skills that I’ve acquired at the iSchool have improved my understanding of how people, organizations, and governments view and utilize information.
One thing that would have been useful to know early on in my studies is more about the breadth of activities and courses that are available to participate in, both on and off campus.
These activities include: courses outside the Faculty of Information, practicums, symposiums and colloquiums, and an endless variety of lectures. If I’d known more about these activities I would have made more time to attend them during first year.
10. As a second year student, what advice would you give a first year student?
This is the advice I got from a second year student, which has proven true:
- Don’t worry so much about your grades.
- Get to know your professors; they have a lot to offer and are genuinely interested in each and every student.
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Talk to other students about their favourite courses and instructors; you might be surprised about which courses align with your interests (don’t just follow the courses recommended for your stream).
11. How do you think you’ve changed since last year?
The research, analytical, and practical technical skills that I’ve acquired at the iSchool have improved my understanding of how people, organizations, and governments view and utilize information. These skills have made me more confident in my ability to design successful systems that can leverage people, technology and information.
Not only am I better prepared for a wider range of employment, I’m also a more-informed citizen and consumer who can now make a larger contribution to society.
– posted March 2012
