Harnessing the Power of Social Media: A Guide for Students
While social media often gets a bad rap, it can also be a powerful tool for students to shape their future. By using their online presence strategically, students can create a digital portfolio that showcases their skills, interests, and achievements, giving them a leg up in college admissions and job opportunities.
According to The Manifest, 90% of employers consider a candidate’s social media in hiring decisions, and 79% have rejected applicants based on their online presence. This underscores the importance of building a positive digital footprint.
Three Steps to Shine Online
Audit Your Digital Footprint
Start with a Google search in Incognito Mode to see what appears when someone searches your name. Regularly check for new results and note any competition from others with similar names.Reflect on Your Online Identity
Think about the story your social media tells about you. What are your interests and goals? Follow others with similar career aspirations to gather inspiration and ideas.Showcase Your Skills
Use platforms like LinkedIn, Pinterest, and personal websites to highlight your unique talents and experiences. Every post, comment, and profile update can contribute to a positive online presence.
Positive Effects of Social Media
Social media can offer more than just social interaction. It can:
Encourage engagement through virtual communities and school organizations.
Provide inspiration for career paths and job skills.
Enhance learning with educational videos and online courses.
Build civic awareness and foster a sense of community.
By understanding the positives of social media and how to use it responsibly, students can create opportunities that benefit their futures. Parents and educators can support this by guiding discussions about the risks and rewards of the digital world.
Upcoming Sessions: Register Here
1. Shine Online: Help Your Child Build a Positive Online Footprint (Live Session #1)
📅 Date: January 14, 2025
💡 Learn how students can use social media to highlight their skills, goals, and achievements, creating opportunities for their future.
2. Protecting Your Family With a Social Media Agreement (Bonus Live Event)
📅 Date: January 16, 2025
💡 Discover how to create a Family Media Agreement to keep everyone safer while using technology and social media.
3. Shine Online: Help Your Child Build a Positive Online Footprint (Live Session #2)
📅 Date: January 21, 2025
💡 Missed the first session? Join us to learn how to help your child stand out positively online.
4. Combat Online Bullying: Supporting Positive Student Behaviors on Campus and At Home (Bonus Live Event)
📅 Date: January 23, 2025
💡 Gain strategies to combat online bullying and promote positive online behavior for your kids.
5. Shine Online: Help Your Child Build a Positive Online Footprint (Live Session #3)
📅 Date: January 28, 2025
💡 Another chance to join this popular session and help your student succeed online.
For additional resources and a free student worksheet to help teens get started, visit SmartSocial. Social media isn’t just about being seen—it’s about shining in the best possible light!