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Talk to your son/daughter about maximizing social media potential

Social media is everywhere. Until now, most students thought its only purpose was to stay connected with friends. Knowing that their friends checked in at a local pizza establishment is definitely high on their priority list, but it's also critical for students to know that social media can be used to find a job/internship. A December 29, 2011, article in U.S. News & World Report stated that "89 percent of U.S. companies will use social networks for recruiting in 2012 and 73 percent of social hires are via LinkedIn." These statistics make it apparent that the traditional method of finding a job by seeing an opening, applying and waiting to hear from the employer are over. Sure, it may still prove successful for some candidates, but not the majority.

By engaging with connections through Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, students ensure exposure and a network of people who are aware of their interests and passions. Your son/daughter could join groups and niche communities related to his/her interests. Networking with people directly in a field of interest may possibly lead to a job/internship opportunity. CSB/SJU Career Services provides a group on LinkedIn to students, alums and employers that now has over 1,000 members. There are jobs being posted, discussions among students and employers, and alums offering student advice. Make sure your son/daughter knows about our LinkedIn page: CSB/SJU Career Connections.

Along with LinkedIn, Career Services also has Facebook and Twitter accounts that ensure students are aware of upcoming events and career-related news topics. Encourage your son/daughter to stay connected with us through social media and meet with a career counselor to develop a plan on how to maximize social media with his/her career goals.

For more information, visit our website: www.csbsju.edu/career .