One More Social Network Couldn't Hurt, But Email?

After reading an article in the Technology Section of the NY Times called Inbox 2.0: Yahoo and Google to Turn E-Mail Into a Social Network, it has become clear to me that social networking is growing nonstop and the technology for it has just begun to evolve. Just looking back at the days of simple communications through the internet with programs such as AOL or AIM where users can have a profile and customize it any way they like. Then sites like MySpace and Facebook, came into the picture and developed a basis for a community of individuals to become friends, share comments, and network. But that was only the beginning. Now I hear giants like Google and Yahoo want to turn their web-email services into social networks. This is definitely a great way to expand their business and make a ton of money, but are we ready for this? I have to say, it sounds like a great idea and I am all for having one easy page with everything I would want to check on it like iGoogle, but more. This is just the evolving technology and one more social network couldn't hurt. But there are dangers involved with expanding social networks this way. Overall, we need to look ahead and see what is best for the future.

Below is a great video about the dangers of social networking and they are outlined for each site based on case. Enjoy!

Why Stay Connected?

Throughout my college life, all I have heard from my professors, public speakers, and many company presentations, is that in order to get ahead in life, you must be well connected. Now what do we mean by connected? Connected means that you know many people who can help you through jobs and many other employment opportunities. I strongly agree with this because the more people you know, the better off you are and the easier it will be to find a job in the future. I have been looking for jobs and internships since freshman year and let me tell you it has not been easy. Employers have told me that its good that I am starting off early and searching for jobs and internships, but they are looking for "older and more experienced" juniors or seniors. However, nothing is easy and in order to actually find a job, you must take advantage of all connections and opportunities available to you. An article posted on Boston.com, gives some very helpful steps to doing so. They are as follows:

Step 1 – Define yourself and what you’re looking for
Step 2 – Define your initial network
Step 3 – Start in your comfort zone
Step 4 – Expand your network beyond campus
Step 5 – Keep track and keep in touch

Utilizing all of your resources is essential to your success in finding a job. I just found out about a site called LinkedIn. This site provides everything you would need in the business world such as contacts, jobs, expert advice, and many other opportunities and this is all told to you on the front page of the site. Also below is a great video that tells you all about the site.

The basic message is to stay in touch with people who can help you and develop your own network. In order to succeed in life, you must take advantage of every resource available to you. In other words, "It's not what you know, but who you know."