7 social networks every MBA student should be present on

For students and future professionals, social networking has become a dominating part of the lives. Creating a personal brand through various online social networking sites is integral. So much so that presence on some particular networking sites could very well enhance or diminish your employment prospects.

Online reputation management has now become more important than a resume-in-hand. Your online identify on first page of Google now defines you. As you embark on a fresh career path, remember to clean up irrelevant posts and be a part of more professionally relevant sites.

Enlisted below are a few social networking platforms that we believe every MBA student should be a part of.

 

1. Google

Google has become an indispensable part of our lives. In the last decade, the internet evolved with Google and its search engine. Which is why, image management on Google is absolutely essential. “Google” your name and thoroughly examine the results. Because that’s what the employers are doing.

Gone are the days of cover letters and resumes. The first page of Google is now your new identity. No existence on social web can put a question mark on your candidature, as can an overwhelming presence on networking websites. Manage your online reputation through the eyes of Google. Create a Google plus account, and post socially and professionally relevant issues. Remove unwanted posts and increase presence on professionally relevant sites such as LinkedIn, company websites, twitter, blogs, and so on.

 

 

2. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the largest directory of professionals. Employers, employees, entrepreneurs, students – everyone is present on this powerful business-oriented social networking tool. With an increasing number of recruiting consultants and companies hiring through LinkedIn, the platform is evolving existing trend of connection-based recruitment. As of June 2013, LinkedIn reportedly has more than 259 million acquired users across 200 countries and territories. Candidate’s background check via LinkedIn is fairly common now-a-days.

 

3. Twitter

Microblogging site Twitter is another great way to develop your personal brand. This is one place where show off a little personality and yet be professional.

Instead of falling for the ‘Twitter trap’ of building more followers, concentrate on finding relevant people to follow. And by relevant, we don’t just mean twitter handles of professional houses or your institutes, professors, bosses and colleagues. Follow the trendsetters, decision-makers, experts, and global / national icons. At the same time, grow your network and establish connections that can help you in future.

4. Quora

Don’t dismiss Quora as a mere question-answer website. What you ask or reply on Quora reflects a lot about your personality. It can be a great internet tool to be discovered by potential employers. Following relevant people, discussions and commenting with care can shape up your online resume. For a detailed account on how Quora can affect your job search, read this.

 

 

5. Redditt

Social news site Reddit is also a great tool for both building your personal brand and job search. Subscribe to the sub-Reddit sites that can be beneficial for your career such as Redditt Jobs, Reddit Hires, etc. The Reddit community mostly compromises of young folks. It is also a great place to connect with right people for your long-term career goals.

6. Facebook

Facebook is where you connect with everyone – family, friends, colleagues, college alumni, your favourite groups and so on. It is a place, where you let your hair down and indulge in some harmless banter. However, remember almost 1.28 billion people are Facebook users. And some of these users can affect your present or future job prospects. Check the privacy of each post you write or share and just make sure your offline profile matches with your online profile. It is also a great platform to showcase your entrepreneurial talent.

7. Kickstarter

This website is especially relevant for aspiring entrepreneurs. Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform. The website describes itself as “a new way of funding and following creativity”. This website is also a great way to support upcoming business talents that can prove helpful for your professional growth.