LinkedIn for High School Students?

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.

Linked In & Career Planning: Use it to your career advantage!

Are you on Facebook?  Twitter?  How about LinkedIn?  Do you participate in social networking?  Lots of us play around on them, but many of my colleagues say they are not interested, so haven’t even bothered checking them out.

Computers are my hobby.  If you ask any of my friends, they will tell you I am the “gadget queen” and an early adopter of most things computer.  I was a Facebook addict while recovering from an injury, and I learned a lot about potential ethical and employment issues that can affect our clients on this site even when they believe their privacy is protected.

Recently, however, I have taken the time to learn about a more professional networking site:  LinkedIn. After attending LinkedIn’s exclusive training for Career Services Professionals, I became a social networking convert.  With so many of our clients using the internet for social purposes, it is our responsibility to help them use these tools to their career advantage.

What is LinkedIn, and what makes it different from Facebook?  

Facebook is a website where people share all aspects of their lives (even those others may not want to know about).  Conversely, LinkedIn is a 100% professional network, connecting people for the purpose of business and education.  There are no games and no inappropriate photos.  Think of it as an online professional portfolio.

Click here to read the full article 

http://tinyurl.com/LI-careerplanning





Karen Girard, CCDP, CEIP, CCC
Career & Life Coach
www.karengirard.ca

T

Manage Your Online Reputation

Do you have a Facebook page that you would be proud to have your mother look at?

How would you feel about a prospective employer or college recruiter seeing it?

Like it or not, ethical or not, everything that you put out on the internet is considered "public domain".  It is there for anyone to find, and if you don't manage the content, you have no control over how people may use it in selecting you for the job or school your want or not.

Employers and university recruiters, especially in the United States, ARE looking!

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS TO MANAGE YOUR ONLINE REPUTATION?

1.  Create a LinkedIn profile- it doesn't have to be complete at this point, but it is a good place to be found in a search.  LinkedIn is a professional networking site, not one where you will have any compromising pictures or comments.

2.  Create an alias for social networks such as Facebook where people may be tagging you in pictures, or where you want to have some "freedom" to put information that you don't necessarily want a potential employer to find.

3.  Untag any pictures or posts that you would consider controversial or that don't show you at your best.  That includes those photos you took with your friends with your tongue sticking out, giving someone the "bird" or partying.   If you don't have the authority to untag, contact the person who does and appeal to them to do it for you.

4.  Start a blog on information that you want to be known for - are you an aspiring photographer?  Post pictures, make sure that your name shows up with them. 

5.  Answer questions on such sites as Yahoo Groups where you can be found for what you know and how you deal with people.

You may also want to click to read this article that has some other good information on how you can track your reputation, and how you can mitigate the damage done by others who either have the same name, or who refuse to remove information that you would rather not be seen.

Karen Girard, CCDP, CEIP
Career and Employment Interview Coach
www.careerplanningforstudents.com
www.karengirard.ca

1 Tip Guaranteed to Improve Work Habits

How can you maintain flow in writing a paper, or do your best work, when you are always answering the next text, or instant message on Facebook Chat?

Check out the 60/40/20 rule!!

Electronic items have become natural extensions of Gen Ys and Zs  (and many older gens too) .   I am not saying they have to disappear completely, but I would like to share a coaching tip that was shared with me, that  I use myself, and with clients… it seems to be a perfect fit for improving study habits too!

You will need a timer and a list of things you have to do, and we will break the schedule into 2 hour work blocks:

Take your list and break it down into:

1.  Things that do not depend on anyone or anything else (preferably something that can be done without the internet, so have your research in advance).

2.  Things that require input from others (email, phone conversations, forums, research, etc.)

Turn off your phone, your internet, anything that can create an electronic interruption. 

The next hour will be committed to your items from list number 1 – ONLY those things that need only you and your undivided attention.  Set your timer for 50 minutes, and get started.  If you come across something that will require the internet, or connection with someone else, write it down to add to list 2 but don`t do it right now.  Stick to the plan. 

When the timer goes off, reset it for 10 minutes – that is your 10 minute warning – when it goes off next, stop what you are doing!  Stretch, go to the washroom, and get ready for the next stage.

Set your timer for 40 minutes – Now you may do the things that you MUST get done that need the internet or the phone.  Read and answer important emails, look things up on the internet that you found you needed for your items from list 1.  Don`t check Facebook, Twitter, joke emails, and make sure your Skype is turned to unavailable and chat boxes are shut down.

When your timer goes off, it is break time!  Set your timer, turn on your cell, answer your texts, check your facebook, and don`t forget to get a bite to eat, and maybe some fresh air.   Your reward is 20 minutes to connect and being able to scratch things off your to-do list.  Doesn't it feel good?

Give it a try, even for just one rotation, and see if you don`t get more done in under 2 hours than you usually do in over 4 hours.


Most of us have trouble regulating “socializing” while studying or working.  We are used to being on-call - constantly checking email  and text messages, with the cell phone permanently attached to our ear or hip.  We want to know what all our “friends” are up to on Facebook, and whenever that IM Chat box pops up with “hey” we feel the need to reply even though the chats are about nothing.

We’ve grown accustomed to instant gratification-  immediate replies.  In fact, we are so “plugged in” that when we should be concentrating on things needing undivided attention to do our best work,  we are usually receiving constant external input and interruptions.  People - some of that input can wait!
 
It is amazing how much you can accomplish with a plan, a little discipline – unplug!

Karen Girard, CCDP, CEIP
www.careerplanningforstudents.com
www.karengirard.ca

Girls in Science Conference - Edmonton

I have had a couple of people interested in any science, engineering and technology events for girls in Edmonton.  What a perfect time to ask!

On November 27, the University of Alberta is hosting the SET (Science, Engineering and Technology Conference) - the full-day (with lunch included) is open to all Grade 10 - 12 high school girls in Alberta who are interested in learning more about careers in science, engineering and technology.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 15 and last year's conference sold out.

Register early to avoid disappointment!

Karen Girard, CCDP, CEIP
www.careerplanningforstudents.com
www.karengirard.ca

Experience A Day in the Life of a Medical Student

University of Calgary, Thursday, November 25  8:30 - 4:30

Ever wonder what A Day in the Life of a Medical Student looks like?  Now's your chance to find out.  University of Calgary is inviting high school and undergraduate students to see what being a medical student is like, and to ask questions about the program and admissions process.

The day runs from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm on November 25.  In the morning, the students will attend small group sessions led by current medical students, and in the afternoon they will attend one of the lectures.  The day will end with a Q&A session where students will have the chance to ask questions about the application process.

The cost of the day is $10 and lunch will be provided.  Students wishing to register, or requiring further information can email ditlmed@ucalgary.ca

Want to get this type information by email?  Request to be added to the email newsletter at info@careerplanningforstudents.com

Karen Girard, CCDP, CEIP, Career Coach
www.karengirard.ca
www.careerplanningforstudents.com

SPEAK OUT ALBERTA STUDENTS CONFERENCE

SPEAK OUT ALBERTA CONFERENCE - Apr 15 - 17

Alberta students, do you want to have a say in your education system? Are you looking for leadership activities or hours to build up your resume and scholarship applications?

You may want to consider attending the Speak Out Conference April 15 - 17, 2011 in Edmonton

Join 200 students from across the province to share your perspectives in person with decision makers committed to hearing your voice.

This event is F*R*E*E for students ages 14 - 19.  Transportation,  meals and accommodation will be provided for each student and their chaperone (every student must be chaperoned regardless of age).  Ground transportation will be provided from major hubs around the province to Edmonton.

Click here   for information and the online application

The application deadline is Feb 28, 2011

If you have questions,  call 780-427-9026 or email
speakout@gov.ab.ca