Blog Archives
Guest Post: Still Learning Two Years Out
(Jas’ note: I’m happy to have Stephanie Florence back to guest post on the blog. As college seniors wrap up their college careers, Stephanie has some great advice in moving forward.)
I’ve been out of college for two years. Looking back, the time feels both long and as though it’s all happened in a blink. One very blatant observation I’ve had since graduation is the integration of social media.
I took an Intro to Social Media course my senior year of college and compared to then, my understanding today has improved tenfold. I joined Twitter that year, but thought it was only status updates, not the great source of networking and education it has become for me. I created a personal website to use as a portfolio, but never considered incorporating a blog to share insights and showcase my writing.
Recently, one of the students I’ve met tweeted about her final college paper: the power of social through Twitter and Foursquare. I caught this example on video last month, but as a student did not realize this could become the topics of college papers.
Social media has become engrained in our daily lives, both professionally and personally. After a call with Jason to plan our guest post collaboration, I realized some of my blog posts have been written under one very big assumption: that all students get “it.” It includes taking on the next chapter post-college, specifically with social media.
Students and recent grads are continuously receiving advice on what to do in preparation for their next big move. Here are my four go-to suggestions:
* Stay current on industry and world news. Always ask questions and be open to learning.
* Engage on social networks. Study influencers and successful brands for insight.
* Start a blog. Whether it’s WordPress, Posterous, Tumblr or Blogger, find the platform that works for you.
* Never lose the personal connection. Make phone calls, host chats via Skype and go out to lunch. Relationships require interaction to become truly beneficial and worthwhile to those involved.
You can read Stephanie’s blog at: StephanieFlorence.Posterous.com and connect with her on Twitter: @StephanieFlo.
The way you look online
Impressions in-person and online are more important nowadays than ever before. With a vast majority of folks using social media, we are front and center with people who could help shape our lives. Tonight, #u30pro will be discussing how to professionally present yourself online. The chat begins at 8 p.m. EST if you plan to take part.
The tie makes Buster look more "professional."
As I entered the professional world back in the 90s (man, that sounds so old to say), I needed to rely on my resume and a demo tape. In some senses, the tape was the “early” form of social media because that was my “on-air” persona.
In the last five years, we have seen Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and the blogosphere serve as an online portfolio. The importance in this, to me, is that you can be constantly judged by colleagues, employers, and potential employers. How can you prevent someone from getting the wrong impression of you? Here are three ways.
1. Be smart- The old adage “think before you say something” can be re-imagined as “think before you tweet/post on Facebook.” Simply put… If you don’t want to see it retweeted, don’t type it.
2. Be honest- No one- friends or employers- like a fake. It’s pretty easy to spot a fraud in social circles. If you want to be taken seriously, show what you are about. Drop some knowledge!
3. Be engaging- Something I stress in speeches and talks with clients is the importance of engagement. You can have a Twitter account, but what are you doing with it? Show your networking and communications skills. Get out there and participate (hint: check out #u30pro).
Are you always thinking about your online presence? If so, what advice would you give? Have at it in the comments section.
