Online Networking

     It is no secret that networking is a major part of the corporate world; however, the concept of online networking is new to many people. There are many avenues towards online professional networking including:

1. Facebook

2. Twitter

3. Blogs

4. Personal Websites

However, one of the biggest online networking sites is LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a social network created precisely for professional networking. LinkedIn has 60 million professional contacts on the website and is growing. The site aids in creating a professional online brand for yourself, while creating professional networking contacts and collaborating information about a variety of companies.

The first step in becoming a member of LinkedIn is to sign up and create a profile. The type of profile you want to establish for LinkedIn should always be PROFESSIONAL. The following are some tips to get started creating a professionally recognized LinkedIn Profile.

1. Display a professional photo


2. Create a Smart Headline

• 1. Example…
• a. Recent Ohio State Grad Seeking Online Marketing Position

3. Write a keyword-rich summary

1. Concise
2. Specific
3. Keyword Rich
4. Typo Free

4. Collect recommendations!

• They look really good to employers
• Ask professors, internship supervisors, boss, etc.

5. Tie LinkedIn to your other online networks

• Add to email signature line
• Twitter
• Blog
• Personal Website

6. Don’t miss LinkedIn Applications

• Include presentations, documents, etc. using apps.
• Make sure you download a PDF version of your Resume to include in your profile. This makes it much easier for your networking contacts to get your information.

LinkedIn is just one way to networking. There are a variety of different networking techniques you can learn via in person, on paper, and online. To learn more about networking and practice your networking skills come to the following upcoming Career Services Events….

UPCOMING NETWORKING EVENTS…

Annual Networking Night - Wednesday, March 2nd 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. in Abrams Lounge 3rd Floor – C4C.

This event is designed to give you a real taste of business networking and improve your networking skills. Learn how to start a conversation and break the ice with industry professionals. Up to 45 business representatives will be there to talk with you and exchange cards. This is not the time to focus on a job hunt - the conversation should be more "meet and leave a good impression." Let the company representatives bring up specific job opportunities. Your focus should be on asking honest questions about them and their company. We will have a bartender on duty making non-alcoholic bloody marys, margaritas, tonic drinks, etc. and we will have traditional hors d’oeuvres. The event will be Wednesday March 2, 2011 from 5:30-7:00 pm. Business or Business casual attire REQUIRED. NO: flip flops, jeans, t-shirts, shorts or tennis shoes. YES: Sport coats, dresses, skirts and/or suits and of course your own business cards.

Linkin’it up: Thur, March 31, 6:30-8pm, C4C, S350 - How to Market Yourself through Social Networking

In light of our ever changing technological society, the Peer Career Advisors will facilitate an innovative workshop to share resources and opportunities to market yourself using social media. The workshop will focus on the primary social media tools and how to incorporate a professional edge when using these sites. The first half of the workshop will review best practices for Facebook, Twitter, blogs, and personal/professional websites to further your knowledge on the sites and how to use them to attract employers. The second half of the program will focus on LinkedIn with a demonstration and thorough review of the website and its benefits for students. LinkedIn is a primary professional networking sites and is extremely useful and easy to use. Linkin’it up is a great way to keep up with new digital media and learn how to adequately market yourself in a professional manner! Participants are encouraged to bring their laptops to follow along for a hands-on learning experience.

Find more information about these events on our website!

CAREER SERVICES BLOG CONTEST…

For the chance to win a Target Gift Card “follow us” under the Followers box on the right hand side of the screen….winner will be drawn on Thursday, March 3 at 5pm!