LinkedIn has been around since 2003, but I only heard of it like a year ago. I was visiting Seattle with the Road Scholars group and every headquarter we visited encouraged us to use LinkedIn. They were saying that LinkedIn was the new way to network while building contacts. So needless to say that I have a LinkedIn account.
In my opinion, having a LinkedIn account is like having an online resume. Your profile features your experience, education, personal and other additional information. And the best part, your contacts and recommendations. Your recommendations make your profile more valuable and through your contacts you can build and network with potential contacts. Also, I thought its was a great idea to have a LinkedIn account because when I google my name that's the first thing that shows up along with other associated works. So if potential employers google you, chances are if you have a LinkedIn account you won't be so embarrassed.
However, after reading "How to Get the Most Out of LinkedIn" and "How to Change the World: Ten Ways to Use LinkedIn" I learned some interesting things. For example, "People with more than twenty connections are thirty-four times more likely to be approached with a job opportunity than people with less than five". Well, I have 22 connections with 2 recommendations for a year and was never approached with a job opportunity. Apart from updating my profile every once in a while, I've done nothing with my account. So my question to you is...if you have a LinkedIn account, how long have you had it and what have you done with it?
I'm not sure how useful LinkedIn is for fresh college graduates. Most companies tend to look for individuals with lots of experience and expertise rather than those with entry level positions.
ReplyDeleteI haven't done much with my linkedin account but I plan on using it more. I'm gonna have to disagree with you samantha, I think linkedin can be very useful for fresh college graduates because strong recommendations on your profile can really help increase your chance of getting a job...also you gotta start somewhere (entry level positions), thats how you get experience. Overall, i enjoyed reading this post, keep it up!
ReplyDeleteI can see where samantha is heading with this, and while it does make sense that employers would look for more experienced workers, it would be beneficial for college grads to have a LinkedIn account. (especially if they have had alot of experience working in a specific field)
ReplyDeleteI haven't made a LinkedIn account but between these posts it makes sense to get one. It seems like it can be really beneficial for college students, especially those who are already interning where they can gain connections that will help once out of college.
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