LinkedIn joins the herd of social media

“It will get me a career”. “It is my path to a new life”. “I will make hundreds of connections”. These are just a few of the many beliefs that are linked to the increasingly popular business networking site, LinkedIn. Over the past few weeks at Sauder, it is a term that I hear more and more of, especially in my classes. After doing some research into the many views surrounding the career-oriented site, I have ambivalent feelings. The first reviews about LinkedIn revolved around how unnecessary another networking site after Facebook is, and there is only so much time people have to devote to online social activities. However, in the “always connected” business world, it appears to be a godsend. “Its value lies in the ability to create a digital network to complement and enhance your real-world network.” Some reports even conclude that LinkedIn is a dangerous addiction and gives users a false sense of security that online networking will really bring them the career they have always wanted on a silver platter. My analysis of the different views and opinions floating around in the World Wide Web leads me to believe that LinkedIn can be your new best friend, provided that it is used wisely, with a realistic view of the work needed to present oneself as a qualified and competitive candidate. Username and password? Done.

Caprino, K. (2011, September 13).Busting 8 damaging myths about what it can do for your career. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/85broads/2011/09/13/linkedin-busting-8-damaging-myths-about-what-it-can-do-for-your-career/

Evans, M. (2011, September 30).Confession of a linkedin addict. Retrieved from http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/small-business/digital/biz-categories-technology/confession-of-a-linkedin-addict/article2180658/