Welcome to the latest installment of our WSU School of Library and Information Science Alumni Interviews. Today, we have Lisa M. Schell who holds a MLIS with Certifications in Archival Administration and Records Management from August 2011. Her best tip for a successful career? "Interning is the key to getting a job, I am convinced!"

Where are you at now? What is your title?

Corporate Archivist & Outreach Coordinator at GM Media Archives for Allied Vaughn in Livonia, MI.

What is your favorite part of your job?

The variety my position affords to get my archival gloves dirty, mentor MLIS students from both U of M and WSU, network with my colleagues and tour their collections and processes, and share the GM story.

What are you most proud of in terms of accomplishments related to your career?

Beginning an internship program, speaking at the MAC in April about this same program, supporting the ARMA Detroit Chapter's Newsletter, and being an active professional in the field of archives and records management.

Why did you choose Wayne SLIS?

WSU is an accredited program with a long and credible reputation as a practitioner based program.

What area did you concentrate in? Why? Did you also get a Certificate?

I chose to complete both certifications in Archival Administration and Records Management to be a competitive candidate in both worlds. Choosing to live in Michigan meant that I had to broaden my scope to generate more opportunities beyond traditional archival institutions.

What student organizations/extra-curriculars/practicums were you involved in? How did your involvement in student organizations impact your SLIS experience and assist you in the professional world?

I was not involved in any student organizations, however I did become a member of SAA, MAC, HSM, ARMA, and MMA all of which expanded my networking opportunities. I attended SAA, HSM, ARMA and MAC conferences and even presented at a few. I completed my Archival Practicum at the CHWMAAH on the Blanche B. Coggan Collection, a manuscript collection about the Underground Railroad in MI and my Records Management Practicum at TRW Headquarters in Livonia, MI.

What were you most proud of in library school?

In my first introduction class, I was assigned to write a blog to which I am still contributing to today.

Was there a professor who really impacted your journey into librarianship?

I had many fine instructors, however, Dr. Joe Turrini, Dr. Maria Gonzales, Kim Schroeder, and Julia Daniel had the most impact on my professional training and growth.

How do specific classes or your concentration/certificate relate to your job? Is there anything in particular that you are reminded of regularly?

The Research, Cataloguing, Technology, and all of my archival and RM classes directly relate to my current position. The buzz words of the profession and their application are real in corporate archives!

What advice would you give to folks considering SLIS as their library school or graduates entering the job market?

Network by touring organizations/institutions you would like to one day work in, stay progressive and current by attending professional meetings and conferences, contribute by researching, writing and sharing your ideas in a public forum, and find your professional tribe or content specialty that makes you unique.

Lastly, what's your favorite website/blog related to the LIS field?

ArchivesBlogs