Social Networking sites and other online tools aren't just for sharing photos, sending pillow fight requests, or playing mafia wars. In a recent article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel by Erica Perez we learn that college students and young professionals alike are being encouraged to get online and embrace such tools as Facebook, Twitter, Blogspot, and Linkedin to help build their career profiles and set them apart with employers.
In a 2008 survey of young professionals conducted by Next Generation Consulting, we found that 87% of respondents belonged to one or more social networking sites. Most respondents (69%) belong to social networking sites to maintain relationships with friends they already have, although nearly a quarter joined for professional networking.
In today's economy with so many wondering where their career will take them and so many college students seeking employment, the next generation needs to consider how to best leverage their online presence and make sure their profiles are set-up to help them with their career goals and not hinder them.
So I guess I should rethink that photo of me in a large Guinness hat from St. Patrick's Day on my Facebook page :)
How are you leveraging and bringing career value to your online presence?
NGC Staff Social Networking & Blog Favorites:
Blogspot
Wordpress
Twitter
