Careers Corner
“You’ve been Googled”
If you’re looking for a job, seeking a promotion, applying for a college/university course or simply growing your network base, what people find when they Google your name may quickly derail your efforts.
Just how important is your online presence to your career?
Students need to be aware of the implications of social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and more.
Plain and simple: you are going to be Googled.
An estimated 75 per cent of Human Resources/People and Culture Departments are required to Google candidates during the hiring process — and that’s in addition to your future colleagues, clients and business partners who will be looking you up. The information that shows up when they do search will set the tone for their first impression of who you are, professionally and personally.
If you do have an online profile presence, make sure that your profile is filled with a positive personal website, active professional profiles and the most recent achievements and contributions to your industry or social activities.
- Obviously, the first thing is to avoid doing or posting anything that will land you in a bad position.
- Keep your privacy settings in check and think twice about what you share with your friends and followers.
- Even if you know everyone on your list, you never know if that person is going to take something you post out of context and share it with someone else.
- Some people value their privacy above all else and they actively attempt to remain as hidden and anonymous as possible.
Responsible use of social media
Social media has transformed education by providing tools for enhanced communication, collaboration, and, for many, increased engagement with educational content.
When used responsibly, platforms enable real-time discussion and resource sharing, though they also introduce risks like distraction, cyberbullying, and misinformation.
Effective integration requires clear strategies to leverage these tools for learning.
Key Impacts on Education
- Increased Engagement and Collaboration: Social media platforms encourage active participation rather than passive learning. Tools like Facebook groups, Twitter, and WhatsApp enable students to collaborate on projects, share insights, and discuss class materials.
- Improved Communication: Social media facilitates direct communication between students and teachers, allowing for quick Q&A sessions and updates.
- Access to Information and Resources: Students and educators can access educational content, connect with experts, and find study materials on platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn.
- Development of Digital Literacy: Using these platforms helps students learn about digital footprints, online reputation management, and content creation.
Challenges and Risks
- Distraction and Reduced Focus: The constant, fast-paced nature of social media can distract students from their studies.
- Cyberbullying and Privacy Issues: Inappropriate interactions can occur, and protecting student privacy online is a major concern.
- Misinformation: The ease of sharing content can lead to the spread of incorrect information, causing confusion and anxiety.
Best Practices for Integration
- Clear Guidelines: Establish strict, clear guidelines for academic use to ensure a safe, constructive environment.
- Monitoring and Moderation: Actively monitor and moderate online forums and group discussions.
- Focus on Education: Use platforms for specific educational goals, such as sharing resources, facilitating discussions, or showcasing student projects
Tips for privacy protection and personal safety on social media
Personal information and privacy settings
- Don’t share personal information like location and date of birth – for example, by giving this information to strangers online, posting photos with identifying information, doing online quizzes and so on.
- Set your profiles to private and avoid adding personal details like a phone number or date of birth to profiles.
- Regularly check privacy and location settings on apps and devices.
- Keep passwords and log-in details private. Don’t share these with friends.
Public computers and networks
- Avoid using social media or other online accounts on public wi-fi.
- Log out of all accounts after using public computers.
Personal safety
- Block and report people you don’t know or people who post upsetting comments or content.
- Accept friend requests only from people whose identity you know.
- Take screenshots of concerning things you see online and talk to a trusted adult about them.
- Don’t click pop-ups. These can lead to inappropriate or scam sites.
It’s important that Parents / Carers talk to their children about social media.
By having open and nonjudgmental conversations about social media, you can:
- give your child the information they need to enjoy the benefits of social media and avoid its risks
- encourage your child to think critically about how social media works and how it might influence them
- encourage your child to ask questions and share their social media experiences, especially things they feel uncomfortable about.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Careers and Pathways Coordinator for assistance.
Chris Kotsonis
Careers and Pathways Coordinator