I have a Facebook account, LinkedIn, and Twitter. I found a graduate in CA that I could not post because she was on Facebook where she worked. I called there and she answered the phone! She became a placement. I teach my soon to be grads how to use LinkedIn to get ahead in their fields. Am new to Twitter but will use more inthe future.
I actually keep up with social media trends through my children :). Whatever they use and is trendy, I do. Just recently joined Instagram, already have Twitter and did a Facebook for school. It's good to keep up with students in a "non-school" way, and see what's going on in their life. I feel like if I "like" their posts and comment on things not school related, they're more likely to have a relationship with me. I figure, long after their placement they'll become hiring managers who I can place new grads with!
I must admit... I am always seeking to try to better understand social media usage. Obviously everyone is using Facebook and Linked; myself included - but I am not always technically focused on it's day to day work application. My tendency is to pick up the phone or to write a note to make connections however, I certainly use both to try to re-connect with Students, Alumni, and Business leaders to support our Career Services efforts.
I am hopeful to learn, through this course, more ideas to apply this embedded social dynamic tool and to stay current with its usage
