(ThyBlackMan.com) Competition for employment, internships, scholarships, grants and other forms of financial assistance and entrance into higher education has grown tremendously in the past years.
Students should understand that digital tools and resources that aid in obtaining/starting a professional career should be welcomed and a investment in time. Social Media platforms are not valuable if they do not promote a student’s SWAG and Brand that holds the key to their talents, skills, abilities and leadership qualities. As an instructor at Edward Waters College teaching Educational Technology and Social Media I attempt to empower my students with the knowledge of using Social Media in a positive way.
One of the challenges for students is making a positive Brand and marketing it with SWAG, high lighting skills, talents, educational achievements, and leadership skills. A college/university undergraduate must sell themselves to the world they want to enter. Technology allows for transcending physical networking and allows a digital platform using platforms like LinkedIn to make connections that may have not otherwise occur.
LinkedIn.com is arguably the largest online professional network not to be confused with Facebook which is a social network. The versatility of LinkedIn can be seen with its presence in over 200 countries and over 2 million companies have LinkedIn pages.
A student’s LinkedIn is to set up for “connections” and “linking” within the network. The combination of free and paid accounts can assist with connectivity and increased link-ability with others. This is important to understand when searching for entry level, professional and executive level positions; opportunities to Internships, volunteering and mentoring.
LinkedIn allows information that represents or defines that person and their qualifications to be shared with those of similar interests. Companies can use keyword searches to find prospective candidates.
A LinkedIn page houses various information that can define who a student is that aligns with their Brand and just as importantly their 
SWAG. I define SWAG as “Students Working towards Academic Greatness,” allowing potential employers to search by skills, talents, hobbies, volunteer/community engagement, education, previous employment experiences and associations.
The advantages of LinkedIn can be seen with photos, social media feeds (Twitter, Blogging, About.me), having a personal URL (uniform resources locator) or web address.
This creates a foundation to build a network, just as a house needs a solid foundation LinkedIn allows a person to create a networking foundation based on their skills/abilities/talents. The ability to LINK to build or construct your network of businesses collaborations and entrepreneurs. This is a dynamic relationship on technical modification that enhances the user not like a static traditional resume.
Teaching Educational Technology at an HBCU Historically Black College and University; allows the opportunity to teach the benefits of Social Media where typically it is not included in the instructional curriculum. Overlooking virtual networking that social media provides can put students at a disadvantage when they are required to network and collaborate. Competing on a global or national scale depends on those you are connected to, that is why the game of golf is held with such high esteem.
It is not just hit the ball into the little hole, it is connecting, networking and collaborating with peers or cross generational exchanges of information.
Integrating LinkedIn into my course empowers my college students to bring their abilities to the educational, business, corporate, scientific, musical, and other professional worlds. HBCU students cannot pass up opportunities to that provides skills that leads to academic growth and career enhancement. LinkedIn will provide High School students before graduation visibility and a competitive edge when seeking employment and career building. This is more productive than Facebook or other Social Media sites that only promote the social side.
Words of caution for students should be considered when joining any social media group, caution should be exercised when sharing personal information and the type of digital content (text and video posted). LinkedIn represents communities, not everyone who potentially connects with you has generous or professional motives. Just as in the “real world” be cautious and continue to learn.
When posting content potential employers will view profiles, checking spelling, grammar, and the ability to write; creating digital content. It cannot be stressed enough, be careful of what is posted online and who/whom you’re associated with. Embellishing (enhancing) your qualifications and abilities can be embarrassing, be honest, be truthful When discussing qualifications and abilities, the importance of internships, volunteering, mentoring contribute to leadership abilities that many careers look for. Do not pass up the opportunity to volunteer, manage, lead, coordinate and take charge of situations, this shows diversity in your abilities.
Making connections by Twitter (microblogging), Blogging, Goggle +, and other SM sites has inherent challenges. Be careful who you’re associated with. People will judge you by those you are seen with physically and digitally.
Resources:
“Recruiting professionals strongly recommend using business networking sites” (Stone, L. Are You LinkedIn?)
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/wdjackson
About.me/ – online free bio site http://About.me/wmdjackson
Staff Writer; William D. Jackson
Find out more about this talented writer over at; OCS For Education.