Robert Pearl Starks

Kristine , More powerful than communication tools, social media has proven to be a means to develop meaningful connections with people and build a sense of community. This is powerful. Not only can you often reach them more quickly, you can learn more about them from their content and their profile information. What you learn can be used strategically in your interactions with them as you build and strengthen your relationships and adapt your communication strategies. As an example, consider a non-responsive graduate who doesn't want to interact with the Career Services department - how might you use social media… >>>

Amber, Thanks so much for sharing your excellent examples of how you use social media. "Build relationships, or to find common interest with the graduates to illicit conversations that often get past the 'wall'"...This is strategic use of social tools! The unique insight that can be gained from your audience with these tools and how you can transform that insight into actionable strategy is clearly demonstrated through your examples. Might you be able to share some practical real-world examples of how you have done this for others to learn what you mean by "finding common interests to illicit conversations" or… >>>

Myhisha, Can you provide a bit more background on your institution? Is it regionally accredited? If so, and not required to meet established graduate employment rates, what are the internal benchmarks established as goals? I only ask this question to gain a bit more background on your bottom-line goals (such as an established employment rate) or other metrics to which you are measured such as Net Promoter Scores (graduate/employer satisfaction), student satisfaction, etc. To clarify, can you explain how long your institution has been operating without a Career Services function, what prompted the development of this role (if never existed… >>>

Kristine, It is true that LinkedIn brands itself as a "professional" network while Facebook has a brand more associated with "social" and less "professional." The truth is any network can be used for professional purposes. It is not the platform that determines how one should use it so keep this in mind when using any platform - you are in control and can use it with purpose based on your goals. Facebook can certainly be leveraged for professional use. For example, I often tell job seekers to not only look for jobs but to look for people and the right… >>>

Myhisha, What data sources are used in your institution's market research? Is Career Services involved in the research? Your comment that "campuses should be more educated on which programs are employable in their communities" is dead on. Question: What ideas do you have to ensure this happens? What are the systems that could be in place at your institution and who would you get involved? What ideas can you share in regards to partnering with Admissions and/or other areas of the institution to share information regarding employment outcomes per geographical markets so that the data can be used? Robert Starks… >>>

Tara, I ask these questions because often, when I have seen "Fraternization" policies, they typically apply to one using their own personal account to "friend" students but may not prevent your department from establishing a Career Services Fan Page or a group to which students/alumni could join. Perhaps develop your strategy first and outline how social media tools play a role in your strategy to accomplish career center goals. This way, you'll be prepared to clearly articulate the purpose of your request to use social media, the missed opportunity for not using social media, and the potential benefits - perhaps… >>>