Considerations for Blogs and Social Networks like Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter
Duke University takes free expression seriously and goes to great lengths to protect that right. Social networks such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter have expanded opportunities to express yourself, connect with friends and to build your network. Still, there are several responsibilities to consider when you create your persona and post messages online.
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What you post is public information. You have a much larger audience than you might be aware.
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What you post is going to be around for a while. Because caching and other forms of technology can capture your postings, information is accessible even after you’ve removed it.
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What you post can harm others. You are free to express yourself on social networks in ways that you feel are appropriate for you. However, it is important that you respect the privacy and rights of others. Posting things about others can place both you and your subject in a contentious situation.
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What you post may affect your future. There is a growing trend for employers to check Google and social networks to gather information about potential candidates. The online persona you create today may be available when you begin your internship or full-time job search or when you apply to professional or graduate school—even if you think you’ve deleted it. Carefully consider how you want people to perceive you before you give them the chance to misinterpret your profile and pictures.
To read more about social networks, your rights and responsibilities, go to:
10 Privacy Settings Every Facebook User Should Know by Nick O'Neill, AllFacebook.com
Startups Help Clean Up Online Reputations by
Online persona can ruin your shot at that job -By Alan Finder, The New York Times
MySpace Is Public Space When It Comes To Job Search -collegegrad.com
The Issues Surrounding College Recruiting and Social Networking Web Sites -National Association of Colleges and Employers
My thoughts on the most useful LinkedIn tools for students:
- Build your profile. Make sure this is what employers find when they “google” you.
- Build your connections smartly. Connect with relatives, internship bosses, professors, older alumni you had classes with, and people who can introduce you – and vouch for you - to people inside of companies where you want to work.
- Read company profiles. These give an inside view on which companies are hiring, whom you might know there, stats about where employees went to college, and common career paths for people at that company (e.g. Google: http://www.linkedin.com/companies/google).
- Join the Duke University Alumni Network group.
Want to know more about working within a particular industry?
These insight pages are designed to give you the inside scoop on the some of the careers that our Career Counselors advise about. From careers in entertainment to careers in healthcare, Industry Insights will introduce you to the basics of any field through links to helpful websites and career advice to help you get your foot in the door. [insights]
Returned Study Abroad Students
How do you communicate to employers all the valuable skills and experience you gained on your journey? Come to the Career Center and practice telling your study abroad stories, and learn how to use those stories to the maximum advantage in finding a job and building a meaningful career. [more information]