What: LinkedIn – Making it work for you
A webinar from the University of Edinburgh Careers Service
LinkedIn is about making contacts/connections – but it can be much more than that. This webinar will help you to explore LinkedIn for information, insights, groups and discussions. There will be plenty of time for questions and observations – and we hope that some of you might be happy to share any expertise you have in using LinkedIn.
When: August 29th 13:05 pm GMT
How do I sign up? Email darcey.gillie@ed.ac.uk with the webinar title as subject to receive a URL to the event, which will be held in Collaborate.
Networking. In working with a diverse range of students on their career development, reactions to the word range from horror to indifference to scepticism and, only rarely, enthusiasm. However, research demonstrates that networking has long term positive impact on the career development of individuals – and not just business ‘types’, either:
“Networks are said to offer instrumental benefits, such as information, career guidance, and advocacy for promotion or employment. Having a relationship with influential people within one’s employing organization provides entry into social networks that are inaccessible through formal communications, and may facilitate exposure to gatekeepers. Similarly, establishing an external network of personal ties, for example with other members of professional associations, customer contacts, trade acquaintances or informal social acquaintances, provides opportunities for interaction with influential members of other organizations.“
from King, Z. (2004) Career self-management: Its nature, causes and consequences. Journal of Vocational Behaviour 65, 1, 112-133.
Networking has acquired a somewhat undeserved reputation as “manipulative”, “calculated” and “fake” amongst other pejorative terms. The truth is most of us are networking all the time, we often just call it socialising. Networking only works when it is authentic; it can happen anywhere and at any time.
The internet has made it possible to increase the breadth and depth of our network of contacts to potentially immense dimensions. As ever, though, it’s quality not quantity that counts. And, while not equally helpful for every sector or occupation, skilful use of Linkedin could help unlock hidden information which could be useful in managing your career.
Have you ever used Linkedin to network or do career-related research? Why or why not?
No matter where you are in the world, social media can help you take control of your career.