This is a guest post written by Jayson Jones
It’s a virtual age. Life is shaped by technology, the days are defined by online explorations, and all college graduates have been exposed to the world of networks and exchanges.
It is only wise therefore to expect those exchanges to yield results beyond the common greetings. They are instead to offer potential careers.
Industry is changing. What was once a limitation of resources, a force of on-site conversations, has instead sprawled out. Virtuality now connects all companies; and graduates seeking to inject themselves into the fray must understand how to use this to their advantage. Social media dominates all things — and, while there can be no guarantee of succeeding through this venue, the statistics are shaded favorably. The benefits can’t be denied.
Career Decisions
The future is a vast thing — frightening with all of its possibilities. There is no certainty of victory, only the desire for it; and recent graduates may find themselves overwhelmed, unsure of what career path to take. Social media helps to lessen the burden, however. Individuals who don’t know how to properly tailor their degrees can use sites like LinkedIn to discover all of the many opportunities.
LinkedIn (established in 2003) is a business-oriented network that encourages those of similar fields to become aware of each other. As of 2011, however, it also offers a unique tool for guests: the Career Explorer.
Graduates can provide information like their experiences, degrees and interests; and the Explorer will then calculate potential positions. Paths can be discovered, rewritten and possibly even began all from the computer. This helps to ensure no decision is ignored.
Network Aid
The world of business is shaped to communication. No company is formed of silent managers, the dull employees. Instead there’s a demand for words and ideas. Networking helps to make those ideas a little easier to trade, though.
Popular sites like Facebook, Twitter and Reddit allow individuals to recognize all relevant posts and conversations. Instant access is offered, and this ensures that no graduate will be without the necessary updates. All can instead track corporations, note any career openings and follow developments. Knowledge provides a better chance for success.
Brand Building
No resume is enough. No first impression can be won with just a smile. This is a modern era and the traditional notions of earning careers are now considered antiquated. Individuals must instead understand who they are and what they wish to offer. They must build a brand. Social media provides graduates with the ability to present themselves to the world — through videos, blogs, RSS feeds and more.
All information can be charted out and posted. A brand can then be formed, with readers gained and a presence developed. This makes it far easier to contact companies, offering credence to all inquiries (rather than simply sending in a dull page and praying it isn’t overlooked).
Conclusion
Business is no longer confined to the standards of the past. It’s instead reaching toward the convenience of the present — and graduates are urged to do the same. There can be no promise of an online marketing career, but there can be a promise of potential. And that’s all many need.
Jayson Jones is an art student with a focus in Fashion Design. He’s an amateur blogger, and you can find his work at http://www.catwalkcatfight.com/, or follow him on Twitter @jaysonjonez.
Hi Jayson,
I think it still depends on the potential of a certain individual. I agree actually that one could probably get higher chances of getting a job if he/she is Internet savvy.
However, truth to be told, that here in the Philippines, there are many college graduates who unfortunately become unemployed during their first year after graduating because they say the pay is too low, but what company would ever hire a newbie with the same salary as that of its current employees? That’s also one reason why there are many graduates here who opt to work abroad.
Hi Jayson,
Interesting post but one I will admit not knowing that much about. Since I’m a LOT older I’ll just take your word for it. I would only assume that most kids these days are pretty computer literate and who isn’t on the social networks now? With business moving more in that direction I would think it would be in their best interest to hire people who are in the “know”! I do have a niece in college now so I guess we shall see how this will help her when she’s ready to venture into the job market.
Glad I stopped by and I enjoy reading posts that are off topic for me.
Adrienne
Yeah, I think you’re right Johanna. But the reality regarding work here in our country is that college grads would always start out low. Some might get a higher compensation but that’s reality I think. So my belief is that its important for fresh college grads to understand that granted they are inexperienced, they would really start out with low salary.
But as far as knowing social media and the internet as a whole, I think I can use myself as an example. I mean I was hired purely based on my experience with online marketing and blogging and not so much about my educational background..
Yeah, I think it would benefit modern teenagers who are very much involved in social media. Like a lot of companies look for people who have experience on these things and sometimes the young ones emerge as the ones who know the most about it and eventually they get hired.
yup. I agree.. those stuffs are nothing but papers. it’s the ‘skill’ and ability to get along with people that matters in getting a job… for me, personally I don’t understand why People here on our country would go abroad to get a job… when The fact is that there are lots of jobs that can be found on the internet nowadays.
just by hanging around on a forum, someone could hire you immediately out here lol.
I m glad I am an internet savvy guy. I just graduated last April 1 and I’m still a bummer despite the lots of submissions of my resume.
I read through this article and found it to be very interesting. I think this is very true. Most modern teenagers are using social networking and it gives them an edge. And internet marketing is is a very good business to get into these days! Thanks so much for sharing this article!!
Hi Melvin,
On your last statement, I also got my current job due to my online skills combined with writing and researching skills. My educational background seemed like just a plus for me on getting hired. However, on my very first job, my educational background was a primary requirement, but even with all I have done I’m still a newbie and ended up with basic pay, just like everyone had in the Philippines.
This is a great post.
All my resume after college has proven abortive.
But Thank God for the internet, I’ve been able
to secure a work at home job. It’s working for me
really