LinkedIn for High School and College Students
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Posted By: William Jackson on April 15, 2012 LinkedIn for High School and College Students Competition for employment, internships, scholarships, grants and other forms of financial assistance and entrance into higher education has grown tremendously in the past years. Students should understand that digital tools and resources that aid in obtaining/starting a professional career should be welcomed and a much needed investment in time. Facebook and other social media outlets are not valuable if they do not promote a students talents, skills, abilities and leadership qualities. As an instructor at Edward Waters College teaching Educational Technology I attempt to empower my students with knowledge. Social media protocols (tools) that diversity a student’s connectivity potentially can grow into employment and career opportunities. A paradigm shift is created in virtual networks for networking opportunities and collaboration prospects. Social Media is opening doors to creating networking connections that may lead to internships, part time and full time employment. Starting a new career or embracing entrepreneurial opportunities some times needs a boost for added exposure and networking. LinkedIn is a resource that provides professional exposure not social media entertainment. One of the first challenges for students is making “a person marketable and creating a per- sonal brand (Tiffany Duhart, Internet Marketing Expert, mosaiclifestyle.com). Then the task of high lighting skills, talents, education, certification, objectives/goals for success by the graduate is easier and with more merit. A college/university graduate must sell themselves to potential employers. Technology allows for the transcending of physical networking and allows a digital platform using technologies like LinkedIn to make connections that may have not otherwise occurred. LinkedIn is arguably the largest online professional network not to be confused with Facebook which is a social network, and taking measures to adapting to business. The versatility of LinkedIn can be seen with its presence in over 200 countries and over 2 million companies have LinkedIn pages. A student’s LinkedIn is to set up for “connections” and “linking" within the network. The combination of free and paid accounts can assist with connectivity and increased link-ability with others. This is important to understand when searching for entry level, professional and executive level positions; opportunities to Internships, volunteering and mentoring also are available. LinkedIn allows information that represents or defines that person and their qualifications. Companies can use key word searches to find prospective candidates. A LinkedIn page houses various information that can define who a students is, allowing potential employers to search by skills, talents, hobbies, volunteer/ community engagement, education, past employ- ment experiences, associations and linkage to others. The advantages of LinkedIn can be seen with photos, social media feeds (Twitter, Blogging, About.me, RSS), having a personal URL (uniform resources locator) or web address. This creates a foundation to build a network, just as a house needs a solid foundation LinkedIn allows a person to create a net- working foundation based on their skills/abilities/ talents. The ability to LINK to others building or constructing your network of potential employers, business collaborations and entrepreneurs can grow. This is a dynamic relationship on technical mod- ification that enhances the user not like a static traditional resume. Teaching Educational Technology at an HBCU Historically Black College and University; allows the opportunity to teach on the benefits of social media where typically it is not included in the instru- ctional curriculum in High Schools or College/ University from lack of social media experience. Overlooking virtual networking that social media provides diminishes the connectivity in business, education, science, medicine and personal prod- uctivity. Competing on a global or national scale depends on those you are connected to, that is why the game of golf is held with such high esteem. It is not just hit the ball into to little hole, it is connecting, networking and collaborating with peers or cross generational exchanges of information. Integrating LinkedIn into my course empowers my college students to bring their abilities to the educational, business, corporate, scientific, musical, and other pro- fessional worlds. Even though Mass Communications is available, many programs still do not integrate Social Media in to the curriculum, but education has embraced and implemented it. HBCU students also cannot pass up any opportunity nor can they not afford to miss any tool that gives them a heads up that leads to academic growth and career enhancement. LinkedIn will provide High School students before graduation visibility and a competitive edge when seeking employment and career building. This is more productive than Facebook or other Social Media sites that only promote entertainment. The ability of LinkedIn to provide another resource in the collaborative abilities of social media should not be de-valued. Those connected can use several tools that provide discussion forums, join groups that share professional information and networking within their own groups. Words of caution for students should be considered when joining any social media group caution should be exercised when sharing personal information and the type of digital content (text, words, video posted). LinkedIn represents the community, not everyone who potentially connects with you has generous or pro- fessional motives. Just as in the “real world” be cautious and informed. When posting online content potential employers will view profiles, checking spelling, grammar, and the ability to write; creating digital content. It cannot be stressed enough to be careful of what is posted online and who/ whom associated with. Embellishing (enhancing) your qualifications and abilities can be embarrassing if truth of what you can and cannot do so be sure when posting be honest. When discussing qualifications and abilities, the importance of internships, volunteering, mentoring contribute to leadership abilities that many careers look for. Do not pass up the opportunity to volunteer and manage, lead, coordinate and take charge of situations, this shows the ability lead under pressure, diversity in leadership abilities, how your management style develops and grows when working with peers or over generational differences. Making connections with Twitter, Blogging, Goggle +, and other SM sites has possibly inherent challenges. Be careful who you associate. People will judge you by those you associate with. Access social platforms with caution and wise counsel. Build your career with knowledge and networking. “Recruiting professionals strongly recommend using business networking sites” (Stone, L. Are You LinkedIn?) LinkedIn – www.LinkedIn.com – LinkedIn.com/wmjackson About.me/ - online free bio site About.me/wmdjackson LinkedIn Sites for EWC Students http://www.linkedin.com/pub/deliance-neal/... http://www.linkedin.com/pub/laquesha-reed/... http://www.linkedin.com/pub/alicia-young/4... word] http://www.linkedin.com/pub/cristine-baker... http://www.linkedin.com/pub/janiel-mack/47... http://www.linkedin.com/pub/brittany-glove... http://www.linkedin.com/pub/nikki-broadnax... http://www.linkedin.com/pub/ciera-boyd/48/... If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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William Jackson
Enigineering Educator, Duval County Public Schools South Carolina State University class of 1985 Member Since October 2008 |
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