Students should consider professional aspects of social media

It is the time of year when college students are either enrolled in summer courses, working, partying or bored at home trying to figure out what shenanigans to get into.

During the summer, students have more time to get on social media. It is important for students to keep in mind that even though they are on break, it’s not a good idea to post unflattering drunk photos at the beach or have a heated argument with someone on their Facebook or Twitter feed.

There are a wide variety of social media sites out there, some that may be for play and some that are not. Websites such as Linkedin and Facebook have a more mature audience compared to Snapchat, Twitter and Instagram. It is still important to be mindful even on social media sites that may not be considered “mature” or have a younger and more playful audience. It is crucial for high school and college students to present their best self on their social media accounts. It is a reflection of how students present themselves in public and future employers will want to know how your projected image meshes with their institution. Graduate school recruiters and future employers may be watching, so keeping a professional and simple profile is the smartest option.

There are several ways students can make changes to their online reputation. Facebook allows users to choose what goes on their timeline. If someone is tagged in a photo, they are able to choose whether or not everyone can see it. Another option is to untag their name from the post. It can be beneficial for students to post content that shows their goals and interests. Students can upload photos, their favorite music and work that they’re proud of and want to show off. Students should follow the schools or companies they’re applying for in order to stay informed and find out what important news is going on that may influence their decision to apply.

Based on the Kaplan survey, Facebook is considered to be one of the first social media sites students should be using for networking purposes. The survey also found that the importance of a students’ social media has increased and plays a huge role in consideration for admission.

The website Linkedin is made for building a professional, online profile and works as an online resume. Users are able to list their organizations, enter their education, awards, certifications, projects and more. The “company search” option allows users to find companies that relate to their interests and are eventually allowed to narrow it down to industry and location. Linkedin websites’ research states that up to 70 percent of employers have rejected job candidates because of what they find on the Internet; additionally, 85 percent said positive online reputation influences hiring decisions.

Students should be mindful of who they follow on certain social media accounts. Snapchat may not be the best social media to follow a parent or professor. Snapchat is an example of one form of social media that has a younger audience. Since it is an app that is only available on smartphones and is easier to be private, students can be more lenient about what they post.

Twitter has a wider audience and unless the account is private, students should be careful of what they post on this site. It is an excellent site for users to post their opinions and get their point across. It’s also a great tool to connect with recruiters or possible future employers. Not everyone enjoys “tweeting,” but it is a great place to find out valuable information by following the right accounts.

The app, Instagram, is a great place to share photos of what students are involved in. It’s great for photos of charity work, important events, etc. It’s also okay to post photos of yourself having a good time every now and then to show that you are, in fact human. Being mindful of who may be watching you is the best way to go about it. Students need to take advantage of their social media accounts and put them to good use. Students can make connections and meet people who share common interests and have similar goals.

A great way for students to check on their current online presence is to search themselves on Google. If the results are unprofessional, they need to change it and create a profile that is positive, interesting and professional. Students should add details to their bios on these sites and descriptions about what they’ve accomplished. Social media profiles should include key words or phrases that a recruiter or hiring manager may type into the search engine. When a student builds their online presence, it gives them the opportunity to show who they are and what they can bring to the table.

A students’ overall goal should be to show that what they have in their job or college application is supported by their online presence. Whether students are more conscious about what is posted, being mindful of who they interact with online or changing their online presence, it’s important for them to be mindful of what they post on their social media accounts.