When looking for a career after graduation, students turn to many different outlets for marketing themselves. Through career fairs and resume updating, future graduates search for ways to make it in the real world.
Erica Estes, Director of Employer Relations, said that technology can assist people in the search for a job.
“Connect with professionals,” Estes said. “Do that in a lot of different ways. Connect with them on social media. Connect with them at career events that are on campus. Connect with them at their own locations.”
As technology has grown, LinkedIn has gained popularity in the professional world. About 60 percent of 2015 graduates say they used LinkedIn in their search to find a job.
“A lot of employers are leaning towards that,” said Shelby Pieper, Graduate Career Coordinator. “Even if you apply they’ll go out and look at your LinkedIn profile.”
Officials in the Career Development Center said it’s never too early to start your online presence. Many students on campus have created and continuously update their LinkedIn profiles in hopes that it will get them noticed by a potential employer.
“It is helpful that you get to actually socially network in a professional context,” senior Zak Tamijani said. “You don’t want to present yourself as foolish but you want to present yourself period.”
According to a study done by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, over 91 percent of recruiters say branding is either very important or extremely important. LinkedIn is just one way for future professionals to brand and network themselves in a technology-based society.
“Networking plays a huge role that I don’t think is sold as well as it needs to be,” Tamijani said. “People need to know that your network is going to be one of the heavier things you’re going to lean on.”
-Anna Johnson