Hi, My Name Is Alison and Thanks for Popping Into My Podcast. Today I Ll Be Talking About

1.23.11 FINAL Script Hi, my name is Alison and thanks for popping into my podcast. Today I’ll be talking about Florida State University’s ISSA program and why, as IS students, it’s important to be an active member.

In the next few minutes, I’ll first introduce ISSA, its mission, members, and contact info. After that, I’ll convince you to throw aside all of your friends’ invitations to SuperBowl parties and jump into ISSA.

PART 1 So, I thought we’d start at the beginning—ISSA stands for the Instructional Systems Student Association. This may sound vaguely familiar, probably because this organization was one of the million things presented to you during orientation. The group’s main mission is to promote communication and teamwork among students, alumni, faculty, and staff of the Instructional Systems program.

So what does this talk of ISSA mean for you? Well, as a current student within the IS program, CONGRATULATIONS! You’re automatically a member of ISSA!

But I won’t take up too much time describing all this information, because everything I’ve mentioned just now—plus everything else you need to know—is posted on ISSA’s Facebook page. If you have yet to join this group, just search Facebook’s Academic Student Groups for FSU’s Instructional Systems Student Association. All contact info, upcoming events, and departmental news are listed here, and everyone knows you’re addicted to Facebook, so there’s no excuse to be out of the loop now!

PART 2 Onto Part 2!

Now that I’ve peaked your interest about ISSA, I’m sure you’re excited to begin taking advantage of all the benefits this organization offers. What benefits, you say? I’m glad you asked.

Taking part in ISSA means you meet up with fellow students, interact with faculty outside of the classroom, and have the opportunity to connect with program alumni and professionals working in the field. These opportunities occur at numerous functions held throughout the year and often have very different objectives.

For example, ISSA has organized casual socials, such as movie nights or dinners at local restaurants, and these gatherings give students a chance to connect with each other in an informal setting. We can chat about career goals, receive helpful insight from peers, and share experiences from last year’s spring break. The friendships strengthened during these gatherings are more meaningful than the people you simply make polite small talk with before and after class, and these relationships often last beyond graduation. This way, your current classmates will soon

1 1.23.11 FINAL Script become your colleagues and valuable connections in the business world. In addition to these long-term benefits of the student socials, I can’t fail to mention the free food that often accompanies these shindigs!

ISSA also hosts other departmental activities that are more formal, such as the Big Event coming up on February 17. At these affairs, students can spend time with professors in a more professional setting. Although not always as laidback as the student-only parties, these events are equally important and offer IS students beneficial experiences, as well. Interacting with professors in a non-classroom environment gives the rapport you’ve initiated in the classroom an added level. You’re not just a student turning in a homework assignment, but now you’re a professional working to further your personal body of knowledge by engaging in extra events. Plus, this extra face time may lead to more quality recommendations from faculty members when pursuing a grant or work position.

During the spring semester, the IS program hosts an alumni event, for which FSU IS alumni return to Tallahassee to reconnect with each other, share possible career options with current IS students, and recruit soon-to-be graduates with job offers. Although ISSA does not plan and lead this weekend of activities, it is an active body throughout the process. IS Masters and PhD students are encouraged to volunteer in setting up for the activities. By assisting in the more behind-the-scenes efforts, students distinguish themselves and receive more attention from faculty and alumni visitors. If you’re busy and can only attend a few of the gatherings, that’s fine, too! Interacting with professionals in the field and sitting in on their talks are truly invaluable experiences. During numerous sessions you’ll have the chance to ask questions about careers and hear immediate real-world answers.

So as you can see, there is a multitude of ways to participate in ISSA. If you’d like to learn more about any of these examples or other options, just click over to the ISSA Facebook page to send us a message, or check out our email contact info. You can also just ask one of the board members—remember, we’re in your classes, and we’re looking forward to answering your questions, taking your suggestions, and working with y’all in the future!