1.Google yourself!
Future employers, hiring boards, folks who wanna date you (ok --that last one may not be relevant to the job hunt, but important all the same) are going to do it anyways, so why not make sure that the things they are going to find are positive? If you use social media: blogs, twitter, facebook, myspace, everything you say and every photo you post is fair game for the world to view! (think about that one for a minute) So when you post things, be concious that they make you sound, and look intelligent, as well as someone with a good moral character. Not saying that you aren't human (we all are) but the whole world doesn't need to know all your dirty laundry! Keep that in your closet where it belongs (or in my case, on the floor of my room :/)!
What counts as positive social media uses? that brings me to number 2:
2. Create a Web Site or online portfolio
This might sound like a difficult thing to do. I know what you're thinking, "Kate, making a Web Site requires skills, software, money and time that I simply don't have!" But that's where you're wrong, because making a Web Site really is easy and many times, 100 % FREE! www. weebly.com and www.myvisualcv.com are the sites that I use because they are really simple to upload documents ( JPEGs and PDF's) of your work samples. They come with ready-made templates that look professional too. The best way to find the right medium for you is to get out there and look at what other people are using. Need a great way to find professionals? That brings me to mumber 3:
(*warning #2 is a good tip but a word of caution: as I said anything you post online is fair game. Don't post professional research or writing you think people may want to steal and pass off as there own without copyrighting it first. An easy way to copyright work, seal it in an envelope and mail it to yourself! Then no one can claim they did it first.)
3. Get on Linkedin!
If you aren't already on linkedin, you are seriuosly missing out on a jackpot of resources that you should be utilizing. A recent statistic in PR tactics said that the median age for linkedin users is somewhere around the late 40's. What does this mean? That experienced professionals, not just fresh off the block graduates, are using it! These are CEO's, company founders and other established practitioners who have a wealth of knowledge to share. You probably think you don't know anyone on linkedin, but trust me, you know more people than you think (if you want, add me to your network: www.linkedin/in/katehunte)!
4. Tweet and blog about stuff that matters!
I referenced this topic earlier but it really is one of the most important. When you have a blog or when you tweet, you should try (whenver possible) to talk about things that acutally matter (to people who aren't you and your mom). For example, talk about issues that are important to you, your take on current events, what your working on at your job or in your classes. These topics will lead to conversations with other intelligent, business minded people. Those connections may lead to making that contact who will land you your first good job. Speaking of networking, number 5, coming up, is probably my number one piece of advice (drum roll please...):
5. Attend the USM PRSSA Regional Activity April 9-10 PeRsonal to PRofessional: Navigating Social Media!!!
The USM RA, http://www.usm.edu/prssa/,is going to be a phenomenal opportunity for students and professionals alike to learn from industry experts how they can use social media to work for them. The 2 day event will include a social media review, where you can print out a months worth of tweets or blogs and have professionals tell you what's good and bad about them. You'll also get the chance to network with professionals, students and speakers--a Very important plus that could help give you an edge when you really need it!
This brings me to the end of my sermon :) Hope you found it helpful and interesting! That's it for now.
Yours truly,
Kate Hunte
PRSSA VP of Membership/Recruitment
