As published in (CDAA) Career Development Association of Alberta's September/October Career Momentum Newsletter
By: Karen Girard (Copyright)
At a recent meeting, while touting the benefits of LinkedIn for career professionals, I was asked by colleagues about the value in introducing social networking in high school. Consensus within that group was that it was more relevant for personal networking, and then maybe for post-secondary students and beyond.
Personally, I believe there ARE benefits for high school career centers and students to learn this tool. Nielsen Online says that in “2008-2009 social networking sites...saw more time spent by users than personal email”.
High school students are online at Facebook, MySpace, Nexopia, Twitter... and let’s face it - we all know the type of information they are putting out there. It is now time to include “social networking” as a part of career discussions. For those of us working in high schools, instead of harping on the dangers of Internet sites and postings which we can’t control, we should introduce students to the possibilities of using a site to their advantage in life.
Facebook asks for real names. I recommend that high school students use an alias here. We can then introduce them to LinkedIn and teach them how to create an online portfolio using their real name, developing an online presence that can be built on over time.
Ethical or not, employers and some colleges do look up prospects online. According to mashable.com, a website focused on Social Media news, “..one in five hiring managers (in the US) conduct background checks using social networks (primarily Facebook), while one in ten college admissions officers do the same.” Why risk what may be found in a web search?
By taking control of their online brand, high school students can mitigate the damage now. We can help them develop a good profile (much like writing a skills-based resume) and include that link right in resumes and applications.
WHAT CAN WE INTRODUCE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO ON LINKEDIN?
1. Professional networking etiquette
2. Building an online portfolio and presence that they can be proud to share
3. Conducting company research needed for preparation for interviews
4. Asking targeted questions for local specialists in your Career Center group, or for a broader perspective, in the Education and Careers “Answers” section
Using advanced search features students can also locate potential informational interview or job shadow opportunities, and conduct career research into even quite obscure areas with as little as a key word such as “baseball”. The list is far from exhaustive!
HOW CAN YOU USE LINKEDIN IN YOUR CAREER CENTER?
1. Build your network, and have a forum to discuss issues and share resources with colleagues from around the globe, or set up a local group to discuss these regionally
2. Use contacts to help find potential career speakers and Career Fair presenters
3. Set up a school career center group and invite parents and students to join – then advertise upcoming post-secondary and career events, or encourage student discussions
4. Remain up-to-date with networking events and participate in free sessions and webinars that could be used for certification credits
5. Link up with credible specialists (alumni and staff in the post-secondary institutions) who can provide information on post-secondary programs internationally
THE MOST IMPORTANT REASON YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT LINKEDIN, EVEN IF YOU DON’T PLAN ON INCORPORATING IT IN YOUR SCHOOL?
How about learning, and staying current on, practices that are going to become mainstream? Here is a chance to stay ahead of the curve and maintain your competitive advantage.
If you are looking for a PD opportunity, or just want to find out what LinkedIn is all about, check out the LinkedIn Webinar for Career Services Professionals, and join LinkedIn’s Career Professionals Group.
Add me as a connection – I would be happy to discuss this further and to help you out in any way I can.
After all, that is what networking is all about! How can I help you?
Sources:
▪ http://careerservices.linkedin.com
▪ www.mashable.com: July 2009. 7 Secrets to Getting Your Next Job Using Social Media
▪ Neilsenwire June 2009: How Teens use Media: A Neilsen Report on the Myths and Realities of Teen Media Trends
Karen Girard is a Certified Career Development Professional (BC), Certified Career and Life Coach, Certified Employee Interview Coach. She has been involved in Human Resources and Career Development for over 20 years, and was the Technical Editor for “Landing a Job for Canadians…For Dummies”. Karen currently offers one-on-one career coaching, group coaching and workshops through www.karengirard.ca and www.careerplanningforstudents.com, and works as a High School Career Advisor in Alberta.
By: Karen Girard (Copyright)
At a recent meeting, while touting the benefits of LinkedIn for career professionals, I was asked by colleagues about the value in introducing social networking in high school. Consensus within that group was that it was more relevant for personal networking, and then maybe for post-secondary students and beyond.
Personally, I believe there ARE benefits for high school career centers and students to learn this tool. Nielsen Online says that in “2008-2009 social networking sites...saw more time spent by users than personal email”.
High school students are online at Facebook, MySpace, Nexopia, Twitter... and let’s face it - we all know the type of information they are putting out there. It is now time to include “social networking” as a part of career discussions. For those of us working in high schools, instead of harping on the dangers of Internet sites and postings which we can’t control, we should introduce students to the possibilities of using a site to their advantage in life.
Facebook asks for real names. I recommend that high school students use an alias here. We can then introduce them to LinkedIn and teach them how to create an online portfolio using their real name, developing an online presence that can be built on over time.
Ethical or not, employers and some colleges do look up prospects online. According to mashable.com, a website focused on Social Media news, “..one in five hiring managers (in the US) conduct background checks using social networks (primarily Facebook), while one in ten college admissions officers do the same.” Why risk what may be found in a web search?
By taking control of their online brand, high school students can mitigate the damage now. We can help them develop a good profile (much like writing a skills-based resume) and include that link right in resumes and applications.
WHAT CAN WE INTRODUCE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO ON LINKEDIN?
1. Professional networking etiquette
2. Building an online portfolio and presence that they can be proud to share
3. Conducting company research needed for preparation for interviews
4. Asking targeted questions for local specialists in your Career Center group, or for a broader perspective, in the Education and Careers “Answers” section
Using advanced search features students can also locate potential informational interview or job shadow opportunities, and conduct career research into even quite obscure areas with as little as a key word such as “baseball”. The list is far from exhaustive!
HOW CAN YOU USE LINKEDIN IN YOUR CAREER CENTER?
1. Build your network, and have a forum to discuss issues and share resources with colleagues from around the globe, or set up a local group to discuss these regionally
2. Use contacts to help find potential career speakers and Career Fair presenters
3. Set up a school career center group and invite parents and students to join – then advertise upcoming post-secondary and career events, or encourage student discussions
4. Remain up-to-date with networking events and participate in free sessions and webinars that could be used for certification credits
5. Link up with credible specialists (alumni and staff in the post-secondary institutions) who can provide information on post-secondary programs internationally
THE MOST IMPORTANT REASON YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT LINKEDIN, EVEN IF YOU DON’T PLAN ON INCORPORATING IT IN YOUR SCHOOL?
How about learning, and staying current on, practices that are going to become mainstream? Here is a chance to stay ahead of the curve and maintain your competitive advantage.
If you are looking for a PD opportunity, or just want to find out what LinkedIn is all about, check out the LinkedIn Webinar for Career Services Professionals, and join LinkedIn’s Career Professionals Group.
Add me as a connection – I would be happy to discuss this further and to help you out in any way I can.
After all, that is what networking is all about! How can I help you?
Sources:
▪ http://careerservices.linkedin.com
▪ www.mashable.com: July 2009. 7 Secrets to Getting Your Next Job Using Social Media
▪ Neilsenwire June 2009: How Teens use Media: A Neilsen Report on the Myths and Realities of Teen Media Trends
Karen Girard is a Certified Career Development Professional (BC), Certified Career and Life Coach, Certified Employee Interview Coach. She has been involved in Human Resources and Career Development for over 20 years, and was the Technical Editor for “Landing a Job for Canadians…For Dummies”. Karen currently offers one-on-one career coaching, group coaching and workshops through www.karengirard.ca and www.careerplanningforstudents.com, and works as a High School Career Advisor in Alberta.
