Canada's only information systems chapter at the DeGroote School of Business seeks participants for international competition

Kim Wojtczak | Hamilton, ON | October 14, 2011

Students at the DeGroote School of Business now have the opportunity to become members in Canada's only information systems chapter. The Association of Information Systems (AIS) allows students with an interest in information systems to be part of an organization specially dedicated to this unique field of study.

AIS is a global organization for professionals specializing in the discipline of information systems with 4,000 members in 90 countries. AIS has gained widespread membership and McMaster University is proud to be the first and only Canadian university to have a student chapter, which began in 2010. This provides an advantageous opportunity for McMaster students by providing access to exciting workshops, an interactive Wiki and other specialized resources.

"The AIS serves society through the advancement of knowledge and the promotion of excellence in the practice and study of information systems as well as empowers students with a global outlook on changing business and technology needs," says chapter president Varun Sirohi, a current DeGroote MBA student.

Brian Detlor, associate professor of information systems at the DeGroote School of Business, elaborates on the significance of the AIS chapter, stating it offers students interested in information systems "an opportunity to not only network and meet other students, faculty and professionals in the information systems field, but also to learn and explore more about information systems as a career."

Detlor adds, "The unique club offers students a variety of opportunities to get engaged in professional activities, meet industry representatives, gain experience with leading business software, and learn how information systems are fundamental to organizational success and a competitive advantage."

Membership in AIS gives students networking opportunities, free Microsoft products, journals, job placement services, access to AIS' e-library access and research publications for an annual fee of only $10.

The biggest draw for membership is AIS' international information systems competition. Registration for the 2012 competition begins on Oct. 17. AIS members across the globe will compete in one of the largest information systems and academic community competitions beginning with a virtual competition. Finalists will have the chance to travel to Utah to compete and represent their schools in person. To register for the 2012 competition or receive more information contact ais.mcmaster@gmail.com.

For more information on joining the AIS chapter please visit www.business.mcmaster.ca/ais.