Social Networking: How can it be used to my advantage?

Yes, college students have been warned about the detrimental effects of using social networks. But how can social networking be used to a student’s advantage? With so many social networking sites available out in the cyber world, it would make sense for students to use at least a few of these sites to their advantage. All in all, there are thousands and thousands of social networking sites available for students to use. Some of the most popular ones include: Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Flixster, LinkedIn, Tagged, Classmates, myYearbook, LiveJournal, Reunion, BlackPlanet, Bebo, hi5, Yuku, CafeMom, Friendster, Xanga, ViralCommerce, AsianTown, Tickle, etc.

One of the best social networks to use to promote yourself and make connections in the business professional world is LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a business oriented social networking site. It allows you to post a professional profile and connect with other professionals in your career area of interest.

This article highlights 10 ways in which you can use LinkedIn to find a job:
http://applicant.com/10-ways-to-use-linkedin-to-find-a-job/

The article stresses that social networks such as LinkedIn can be advantageous for finding a job, but you still need to work at making connections and put in an effort to personally brand your LinkedIn profile. The article also makes a point to keep your profile updated, and to not overlook anyone as a possible connection. You never know who could be your connection to finding a great job. The article also links you to a “don’t-do-it-guide to using LinkedIn.” The guide reminds you that LinkedIn is a professional social networking site; it should be used differently than how you would use Facebook or MySpace (which you should have securely locked done). You should not be posting pictures of yourself out at the bars for the weekend. You should keep your profile looking professional and post a professional picture of yourself, and unlike Facebook and other social networking sites, it is very appropriate to post your resume on your profile page. It never hurts to have people looking at your well polished resume!

So where do you start? Start by going to LinkedIn today. It is free for anyone. Then develop a LinkedIn profile of yourself. Remember to follow the “Do’s and Don’ts” when using LinkedIn. As you build your profile, you can also join groups of professionals in your area of interests. Me, I’m interested in going into the HR filed, so you can be sure that I’m a member of the local Society of Human Resources group. With a LinkedIn profile you are on your way to making some great professional connections.

This is a direct link to the LinkedIn site: http://www.linkedin.com/

Jeanette Schoettle


Senior, Psychology Major and
Career Peer Advisor
psyadv@iupui.edu