Beyond incriminating photos
College encourages professional and scholastic use of social networking sites
Sarah Barry
Issue date: 2/26/10 Section: Features
The media platform known as social networking is no longer just a tool for procrastination or a collection of embarrassing pictures. Social networking sites are now important resources for job information and potential employers.
Nearly every college student is a member of one of the popular social networking sites, such as Facebook or Twitter. However, networking sites are also being used by staff members seeking to create stronger professional connections for themselves and students.
Many social Web sites include professional and scholastic tools that help people of any age create valuable connections for future opportunities.
Michael Profita, director of Career Services, explained the variety of new media resources available to students. While sites like Twitter and Facebook are useful, there are more efficient professional options.
"One of our most viable resources is the Skidmore group in LinkedIn ... LinkedIn is the preferred networking site for professionals," he said.
LinkedIn is a media site focused on the professional world.
Students can access and create a LinkedIn account from the Skidmore Web site.
"We encourage people to join the group. It is quite large-- there's around 2,000 members in it right now," Profita said.
LinkedIn allows users to post resumes and recommendations, meet potential employers or find available connections.
"LinkedIn is really useful for students and alums as a mechanism to meet or educate people about themselves and connect them to opportunities," Profita said.
While sites like Facebook contain endless personal information, professional information is scarce.
"LinkedIn gives more detailed information, it's not easy to find people by career field on Facebook," Profita said.
The job searching process is difficult for any student or graduate, but new tools can improve an applicant's chance of success.
"If you can find someone on the inside who will work for you, you're going to have a better chance to get that internship," Profita said.
Nearly every college student is a member of one of the popular social networking sites, such as Facebook or Twitter. However, networking sites are also being used by staff members seeking to create stronger professional connections for themselves and students.
Many social Web sites include professional and scholastic tools that help people of any age create valuable connections for future opportunities.
Michael Profita, director of Career Services, explained the variety of new media resources available to students. While sites like Twitter and Facebook are useful, there are more efficient professional options.
"One of our most viable resources is the Skidmore group in LinkedIn ... LinkedIn is the preferred networking site for professionals," he said.
LinkedIn is a media site focused on the professional world.
Students can access and create a LinkedIn account from the Skidmore Web site.
"We encourage people to join the group. It is quite large-- there's around 2,000 members in it right now," Profita said.
LinkedIn allows users to post resumes and recommendations, meet potential employers or find available connections.
"LinkedIn is really useful for students and alums as a mechanism to meet or educate people about themselves and connect them to opportunities," Profita said.
While sites like Facebook contain endless personal information, professional information is scarce.
"LinkedIn gives more detailed information, it's not easy to find people by career field on Facebook," Profita said.
The job searching process is difficult for any student or graduate, but new tools can improve an applicant's chance of success.
"If you can find someone on the inside who will work for you, you're going to have a better chance to get that internship," Profita said.
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