Why did you decide to pursue the MI degree?

Our digital experiences are rooted in effective information systems. Contemporary societal infrastructure is made possible through everyday information systems like Client Relationship Management applications, eCommerce platforms, Electronic Health Records etc. Having worked in clinical technology implementations these past nine years, I wanted a graduate education that would help me contextually understand subjects like information architecture, business intelligence, data science, human-information interaction, user experience etc. The Master of Information provides access to domains of knowledge that will help me design human-centric information systems.

What is your dream job and why?

More than a title or position, my dream job would allow me to both design the development and usage of organizational information systems. I’d like to build effective user experiences, human-centric data architecture and/or study how organizations use their information to achieve business outcomes. The Master of Information should open doors to a leadership or subject-matter-expert position either in IM/IT consulting or as an in-house resource.     

How do your experiences with the MI degree at Dal compare with previous education that you have received at other institutions?

Receiving a graduate education during a pandemic, as a mature student, has been an interesting and challenging experience. But, the MI program permits a flexible approach to study. I’ve really enjoyed virtual classes (both real time and pre-recorded lectures) and the opportunity to explore my own interests. All the professors are warm and genuinely interested in your perspective. It’s a very safe space to explore yourself.   

What do you do outside of class?

I love hiking, playing dungeons and dragons and daydreaming. I’m also very interested in augmented/mixed reality and am currently voraciously reading as much as I can about their design and implementation. 

What has been your most memorable moment at SIM?

The conversations with professors and colleagues. It’s nice to both have your own paradigms be challenged and to challenge others to see the world in a new way.  

VIZARATH ALI SYED

Master of Information Candidate

Hometown

Toronto, ON

Education

• BA Honours (History), University of Toronto, 2010
• Post Graduate Certificate (Public Relations), Humber College, 2012

Why did you decide to pursue the MI degree?

I have worked in public and academic libraries over the last eight years, starting as a student assistant at Mount Allison University’s R.P. Bell Library and working my way up to full-time staff at Dalhousie AC’s MacRae Library. Both of MacRae’s current librarians earned their MLIS part-time from Dalhousie, and they encouraged me to do the same. My wife is a librarian, our friends are all librarians, my colleagues are librarians, so I figured I should be one, too!

What is your dream job and why?

I absolutely love teaching. I’m hoping the MI program will open a door to becoming an instructional librarian at Dalhousie.

How would you describe the atmosphere of SIM?

It feels very comparable to my previous schools in terms of instructor-to-student ratio, which I like a lot. Classes seem relatively small and there’s a lot of opportunity to get to know professors and for them to get to know you. The same goes for classmates. I find it very relaxed and friendly. Instructors are easy to talk to and willing to help, and people have built all kinds of social spaces to connect with one another, even when COVID keeps us all miles apart.

What were your expectations for the study program, and how have they been met?

I expected this to be a professional program that caters to people in all stages of their career, and so far it’s been meeting those expectations. Course content and assignments lean more towards applied knowledge, making it easy to know how to use it in real life applications.

What do you do outside of class?

Cater to the wishes of a tiny tyrant. My son is nearly two and much of my time is spent with him and my wife. Otherwise, I enjoy cooking, gaming, watching TV, and painting model kits.

DARYL ATKINSON

Master of Information Candidate

Hometown

Ottawa, ON

Education

• BA Honours (Psychology), Mount Allison University, 2015
• Advanced Diploma in Human Resources Management, New Brunswick Community College, 2017

What attracted you to Dalhousie and the MI program?

After completing my BEd., I taught at Canadian international schools from 2014 to 2021. After spending seven years abroad teaching in grades 1 to 3, I began considering where I could see my career path shifting after moving back to Canada in 2022. I have always loved libraries, and spent my childhood years visiting the local public library, lugging home as many books as my hands and backpack could carry. Working abroad, I also had the opportunity to travel; scoping out libraries (big and small) was always at the top of my list of sites to see. I decided to pursue the MI degree for several reasons; some practical, some purely from the heart. In practical terms, Halifax was the one city my husband and I were keen on living in Canada for the time being, and the MI program at Dalhousie is accredited by the ALA (American Library Association). On a more personal note, I hoped that my love for literacy instruction I found in my years of teaching would help guide me towards a career in librarianship. I love that libraries are one of (if not the only) public institutions in which capitalism doesn’t apply; you can simply sit in a library for the entire day if you’d like to, no questions asked. It is a safe space for all people to gather, with a shared love for literacy weaving throughout the community. I think that’s beautiful, and I’d love to be a part of it professionally. 

What opportunities have you been introduced to since being at Dalhousie?

There are so many opportunities introduced to graduate students in this program. I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of ISSA, the Information Science Student Association, and I was elected as Digital Publications Chair. I also participated in planning Information Without Borders conference in 2022, which is a student-run conference held annually, completely put on by MI students. That was a huge learning experience, and in my role as Web and Communications Chair I created a lot of social media content that was helpful in applying for summer internships. I’ve also been introduced to many opportunities of personal interest, such as yoga classes at the DalPlex and the Dalhousie Sailing Keelboat Team. I’ve met so many different students and feel part of the Dalhousie community. Professionally, there are many part-time positions and internships that come up over the school year, and I would advise all students to seize those opportunities as well.

How would you describe the atmosphere of the MI program?

I don’t think I’ve ever really experienced an atmosphere quite like the MI program. Since nearly a decade passed between my last university experience and the MI program, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was absolutely blown away by the support, friendliness, and guidance provided to students by our professors. We have an incredibly talented group of professors, all of whom are so willing to help in any capacity possible. My fellow students are all very friendly and open to learning from one another. We also have lots of ISSA events throughout the school year which I think helps to foster relationships and community within DIS. 

How does Halifax differ from your hometown?

Other than the fact that Saskatoon is land-locked and Halifax is ocean-front, they share a lot more similarities than differences! Parts of Halifax remind me a lot of Saskatoon’s downtown and Broadway districts. Lots of great local restaurants, green spaces, and easily walkable.

TONI BEATON

Master of Information Candidate

Hometown

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Education

• BA (Psychology), University of Saskatchewan, 2012
• BEd (Elementary Education), University of Saskatchewan, 2014

Why did you decide to pursue the MI degree?

I had an interest in working in academic libraries when I was finishing my undergraduate degree. I thought that my skills aligned well with the field and decided to pursue it further and see where it could take me. I think it is a fascinating field, and it aligns well with my desire to learn that will undoubtedly extend beyond my graduation from the program.   

What attracted you to Dalhousie and the MI program?

As an international student who completed their undergraduate degree at Dalhousie, continuing my education here was a no-brainer. I was already very familiar with Dalhousie, and I love the city of Halifax and consider it a second home. The MI degree presented a great opportunity to develop my existing skills and learn new ones that would help make me a strong candidate for a wide range of jobs when entering the job market.

What particular LIS topics interest you the most?

I am very interested in research and the various tasks that go into carrying it out effectively. This can include the management of research data, or the process of searching for past research to expand my own knowledge on a variety of topics, or even evaluating past research in order to inform new ways of structuring research projects so that I can help myself and others produce better research in the future.

What opportunities have you been introduced to since being at Dalhousie?

In the context of the MI program, I think the practicum is a great opportunity to learn about what areas of information management interest you, and to be placed in an environment that supports your career goals. Beyond that, I think my experience at Dalhousie has given me the opportunity to network with likeminded individuals, as well as opening my eyes to the perspectives of a diverse group of people.

What activities are you involved in?

I love the outdoors and living in Halifax has given me great access to hiking, fishing, birding, and just generally exploring the many beautiful spots that this province offers. I enjoy landscape and wildlife photography, and living here has been a great facilitator of that part of my life. 

NATHAN DORAS

Master of Information Candidate

Hometown

Lusaka, Zambia

Education

• BA Honours (Sociology), Dalhousie University, 2022

Why did you decide to pursue the MI degree?

I’ve always wanted to move to Halifax, having had family in Atlantic Canada, and falling in love with the city each time I visited. This program was also the right fit for me. It is an incredible combination of broad study and a small program size. The program allows for a great deal of flexibility and combining my different interests. I love that I don’t have to pick a single field or track and I’ve been able to take highly technical courses, and courses on children’s librarianship, which I think is so unique to Dal’s program. The small class sizes were a big draw for me, as I am a firm believer in building strong relationships with colleagues, and I feel confident in saying that I will maintain close my relationships moving forward, because we’ve been able to spend so much time together and collaborate in meaningful ways.

What has been your favourite course and why?

My favourite course has been Managing Information Literacy Instruction (INFO 6810), as I felt it covered so many essential skills for Information Professionals in any setting. Presentations can be intimidating, and the assignments in this course built my confidence, and gave me the tools to put together effective, memorable and accessible instructional materials. I also suspect that the skills I learned in this course helped me get my dream internship for the summer. Even if I don’t teach in an official capacity in future roles, I know I’ll be a better interview candidate, discussion participant and facilitator, and presenter. I would recommend this course to any student, especially those without a lot of professional experience.

Have you been working and/or able to take part in any extracurricular activities?

I’ve been able to get involved with exciting research both inside and outside of the department, utilizing both my knowledge from my undergraduate degree, and the skills I’ve learned in the MI. I’m also the Financial Chair of ISSA, our student association, the Student Representative on the MHLA (Maritimes Health Libraries Association) executive, and am involved with APLA (Atlantic Provinces Library Association). All these roles have supported my desire to give back to the Information profession and meet leaders in the field. Finally, I am an Intern at the W.K. Kellogg Health Science Library, where I worked full-time the summer between my first and second year, and now part-time for the duration of my second year. I’m also looking forward to working as a Teaching Assistant.

Where do you see yourself after graduation?

I’m passionate about combining my interest in Health Science and Information Management, so I see myself working as a Health Science Librarian, either in an academic, hospital or government library. I’m excited about the ALA accreditation, because I’m keen to work all over Canada or even the US. I also hope to continue being involved in professional organizations, as my participation thus far has taught me so much and added to my professional development greatly. It’s also a great way to meet people working in jobs that you’d like to do in the future!

CATHERINE GRACEY

Master of Information Candidate

Hometown

Dundas, ON

Education

• BSc, Nutritional and Nutraceutical Science, University of Guelph, 2021