Career Prep

Put your degree to work for you

No matter what degree you earn from the Department of Informatics, you’ll be well prepared to start your career in your chosen field. Make sure you take advantage of Luddy’s career services as soon as possible so you can get started on your path to tomorrow.

Our students have gone on to succeed as business analysts, technology risk consultants, interaction designers, and more. Are you ready to join them?

Get the experience you need to get the job you want

You have potential—tap into it by developing your skills outside of the classroom. The employers who recruit IU informatics students will be looking for those who have relevant, hands-on experience. Here are some ways to increase your informatics knowledge in ways that are sure to impress a potential employer:

  • Find a part-time job or internship that will enrich your resume. Handshake lists a wide range of positions you can apply for. Jobs at IU also has information about on-campus jobs. The Bloomington Technology Partnership is another great resource for local work.
  • Volunteer. Volunteer work is a great way to get relevant career experience and build your professional network, and Bloomington has abundant volunteer opportunities.
  • Get involved in Luddy groups and initiatives that interest you.
  • Build your skills in everything from digital security to web design with award-winning online courses provided by University Information Technology Services (UITS) at IU.
  • Expand your more technical side with online programs such as Codeacademy or Treehouse. Having a working knowledge of programming languages will help you in a successful job search.
  • Take advantage of research opportunities in areas that interest you. Our faculty are here to help you succeed.

Build your portfolio

Particularly if you’re an HCI/d student, you’ll want to start building your portfolio as early as possible. Your portfolio is an excellent way to demonstrate to interviewers your skills and talent. Be sure to include your best work in areas including (but not limited to):

  • Interaction designs of academic or personal projects
  • Professional work
  • Published papers or essays
  • Prototypes
  • Samples of program code or other forms of engineering experience
  • Strategic design plans or other evidence of entrepreneurial experience
  • Website designs, from initial sketches to wireframes to screenshots of the finished site

Be prepared to explain your process for working through a project from start to finish. Interviewers will want to know how you work, not just see the finished products.

Luddy Career Services can help answer questions you may have about creating a portfolio.

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