Personal Branding: LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a more professional social networking site that is career-focused and enables users to exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with trusted contacts. LinkedIn users invite people they know and trust to become "linked in" to them. (Similar to being friends on Facebook.) They are then called “Connections”. Choose connections wisely. You'll also want to choose your network carefully; only add people you actually know – and who know you well enough to give you glowing recommendations. A recruiter may choose to contact one of your connections to ask about you; make sure that person is someone you know and trust, such as family, friends, former teachers, colleagues, and employers. Here’s a short video description of LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/aEzVz

A major feature of LinkedIn is its groups, allowing anyone to start a group based on an association or industry topic. For example, there are tens of thousands of academic and corporate groups that enable alumni and employees to stay in touch. LinkedIn members request an invitation to the group and can receive postings by other members via e-mail. It is through these groups that you can find jobs and internships, and make new connections. Watch for future blog posts about how to use LinkedIn to find internships and jobs.

Here’s how to get started:

Go to http://linkedin.com/ and create a free account.

• Create your profile. Your profile is very important, and can increase your visibility online and help build your personal/professional brand. Make sure your profile is complete and detailed – almost like an online resume that includes information such as education, skills, qualifications, employment information and experience, and recommendations.


• Add a picture. It’s always important to connect a face with your name. A headshot is recommended; but no larger than 80x80 pixels.
  Education. When adding information about your education, don’t forget to add your activities, associations, and any special honors or awards you’ve earned.


• Professional Summary. When filling out this section, be sure to select an industry (recruiters often use that field to search). If you change your major, or are looking for a job in a different industry later on, make sure you update this information. There is a ‘headline’ feature that will appear at the top of the page when your profile is viewed by others – so be sure to fill in this information.


• Keywords and skills. Be sure to include keywords and skills that will make it easier for your profile to be found in search results.


• Contact settings. Contact settings let your connections (and recruiters) know what you are available for. Even if you are not ready for a job yet, it’s beneficial to be flexible here – you never know what opportunities might come along.


• Links. If you have a web site, blog, or Twitter profile, add the links – it’s a good way to provide more information about you, and your interests. Beyond just linking to my blog sites, I have used the RSS feed to bring my blogs into my profile (this is a good idea of your blog is professional in nature, rather than personal – more information about blogging in a future blog!).


• Public Profile URL. Make your profile public. Customize your URL so it is easily recognizable as yours … such as http://www.linkedin.com/in/YourName.


• Make connections. Connect with other members and build your network – invite family, friends, former teachers and current professors, and employers (past and present). The more connections you have, the more opportunities you have. Just make sure you only connect with people you know – quality is more important than quantity here!


• Get Recommendations. Ask former and current employers, teachers, and professors for recommendations – as you would for a resume.


• Groups. Join groups that you are affiliated with (such as the school you are attending, or have graduated from); or groups that interest you – by topic, industry, or interest.

There is plenty of excellent information about LinkedIn on the Web – use a search engine or two and look up information that can help you create a professional LinkedIn profile, or how to use LinkedIn to find information, internships, or jobs.

Personal Branding: Twitter!

Twitter is a must for college students! – For personal branding, networking, opportunities, and limitless access to information. Recent headlines say that Twitter is transforming business and impacting life in general! So, what is Twitter? Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that lets you post short text messages on your profile – up to 140 characters. You can follow people or organizations in order to read their updates (or ‘Tweets’), and others can follow you to read your Tweets as well.

To begin, create your free profile at http://twitter.com/ using your name (try to be consistent with the same form of your name that you used to create other social profiles). Fill out your user profile completely, including adding a picture of yourself. Make sure your bio reflects and represents who you are. Before you start posting, think about how you want to brand (or represent) yourself.

Basic information to get you started:

First, you can only post 140 characters, but only use abbreviations when necessary. If you want to post a link to a web site, you might want to shorten the link by using a URL shrinking service such as tinyurl.com or bit.ly. You will see posts with “RT” – this is used when someone is re-tweeting something someone has already posted. The “@” sign is used to direct a message to a particular user. For more information on how to effectively use Twitter, check out the following videos on Youtube: Twitter in Plain English: http://bit.ly/13gm0r , Twitter Tutorial - Getting Started: http://bit.ly/nZqUjU  

Beyond keeping connected with family and friends, and creating a personal brand with Twitter, there are definitely other benefits and opportunities.

The current economic situation and poor job market are making it very important to get ahead of the competition through online networking, and using invaluable online tools such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and others. According to some professionals, social media tools will separate you from the pack. It is estimated that 78 per cent of companies now use social media or networking sites to both find and attract people to fill graduate jobs. Four out of five hiring managers Google search a candidate’s name before they decide to bring them in for an interview. Some feel the traditional job boards like Monster.com and Careerbuilder.com are outdated and may cease to exist in the future. Employers want graduates to research jobs and prepare for interviews more thoroughly than ever – and this is possible through Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and other online social tools.

As an international student, it will be useful for you to follow schools, organizations, and companies that post information regarding studying abroad, scholarships, internships, jobs, travel and volunteer information and opportunities. You can also ask the people you follow for help or advice. Check out this video at Youtube “How to Find and Follow People on Twitter: http://bit.ly/LulNp ; here’s a link to help you find people or organizations to follow: http://twitter.com/#!/who_to_follow/;

And maybe the best thing about Twitter is that it’s fun! You’ll find different ways to use Twitter - connecting with people who share the same interests and ideas can create a special community for you; connecting with people who have different interests and ideas can open your world!

The next post: How to build your personal brand using LinkedIn. (Very professional, huge benefits!)

Personal Branding: Getting started with Facebook

In my previous post, I wrote about the importance of creating a personal brand; in today’s post we get started! Currently one of the top websites, Facebook is one of the first places to start your personal branding campaign. Everyone should have a Facebook strategy and it should be based on your overall life goals. (But certainly balance the professional with the personal - your profile should reflect who you are!)

Most of you may already have a Facebook profile, but make sure you look good when a college or company recruiter looks up your profile – and they will. The Federal Trade Commission (in the U.S.) has decided that companies and universities that research how you spend your personal time and what your passions and hobbies are do not violate your privacy.  In other words, the Internet is fair game.

 Depending on who you are, where you are in your career, what you’re passionate about and an expert in, you’ll want to brand yourself differently. Here’s a quick list of ways to promote YOU on Facebook:

1. Use your real name in all of your online profiles; be consistent in your branding (and be yourself).
2. Add important information about you, focusing on the education and work section. In the contact information field, be sure to list your blog if you have one, any websites you might have and links to your profiles on other social networks. (More information about other networks in my next blog!)
3. Put your picture on your profile – they are a positive addition to your online presence. It’s always better if you can associate the name with a face. In fact, post albums of pictures! (Just be thoughtful about the pictures you post.)
4. You might consider turning tagging settings off for both photos and videos; some pictures you just might not want everyone to find easily.
5. Keep the applications and widgets to a minimum; only those that will represent who you are in a positive light.
6. Join and actively participate in Groups that interest you; or start your own!
7. Regularly update your status – making it a reflection of who you are and what you do.
8. Write informational notes.
9. Share useful links.
10. Comment on your friends’ walls, pictures, videos, notes, and posted items
11. Check -- and frequently recheck -- your privacy settings on social-media accounts like Facebook and Twitter.You may set your entire account to private or grant certain individuals permission to view sections of your profile. You can also make your entire profile public for everyone to see, which could be beneficial to you if you’re looking to become more visible, and have your name come up in searches.
12. Make every effort to find out what's out there about you. Anything that may be taken out of context should be taken down.


Next blog post … How to build your personal brand on Twitter (FUN!!)

The Importance of a Professional Web Presence (Personal Branding)

Creating an online presence or identity on the Web is not really a choice anymore, but has almost become a necessity in today's world. Also referred to as personal branding, it is important for anyone who is applying for college or scholarships, searching for internships or jobs, or building their career. More and more, employers, colleges, and recruiters research prospective candidates online to get more information about them before an interview is scheduled or an offer is extended. This can work against you if your current profile isn’t as professional as it should be (read my blog “Social Networks – how they can impact your scholarship, internship, or job opportunity” http://tinyurl.com/o58uw9); or it can work for you.

Personal branding is the way you market or project yourself to the world; it is how other people perceive you, and how they might choose to interact with you. A brand is an opportunity for you to differentiate, or stand out from everyone else; building a strong and professional personal brand can create possibilities and opportunities for success in your life (personal as well as professional). Your personal brand is very dynamic – it changes and evolves, as you do. To build and maintain your brand, there are Web 2.0 tools (social media and social networking) to help you.

Although sometimes used interchangeably, there are differentiating characteristics of social media and social networks. Social media is a means of connecting with digital information; examples would include wikis, blogs, microblogs (Twitter), social bookmarking (Delicious), social news sites (Digg), and social networks (Facebook, LinkedIn). Social networking is also connecting with information, but more importantly, connecting with people for the purpose of social interaction. Bottom line - both are important in helping you create your personal brand.

Creating your personal brand will take time and effort. In my next post, we’ll get started!  Future posts: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and blogging.

Protectionism and the H-1B Visa – Ominous Consequences for All

The current economic condition in the U.S. is causing repercussions worldwide, and the consequences could be ominous for all concerned. Unemployment continues to rise, but limiting or completely shutting out highly skilled foreign workers is not the answer; in fact it could be harmful, even devastating to the US.

The number of students seeking admission to US universities this year could fall between 15 and 25 percent, owing to the poor state of the job market. In the past month, companies have delayed or rescinded job or internship offers for international students, as well as to recent college graduates. Demand for H-1B visas is also falling sharply compared to last year. The U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration services reported April 8 that only half of the 65,000 allotment had been taken. In 2008, the USCIS filled the same quota in one day.

The argument that giving a job to a foreigner takes a job away from a U.S. citizen is flawed. According to a study and recent article in the Wall Street Journal, hiring H-1B visa holders is associated with increases in employment at U.S technology companies in the S&P 500. Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, New York mayor Michael Bloomberg and Republican Senator Judd Gregg of New Hampshire all have cited the study saying it shows that each one of these visas awarded to technology companies creates five jobs. Mr. Gates interpreted the study in testimony to Congress last year as finding that "for every H-1B holder that technology companies hire, five additional jobs are created around that person5.” It is common sense that hiring talented individuals leads to growth and innovation. It would seem likely that the visa policies would lead to an increase in offshoring. In the long run, the U.S. will suffer from reduced economic vitality and technological innovation. According to Stuart Anderson, Executive Director of the National Foundation for American Policy, “If Congress continues to keep the quotas low on H-1B visas and pushes more outstanding potential immigrants outside America's borders, then we won't have to worry about debating the results of our research on job creation, since it's likely a greater proportion of new technology-related jobs and innovations will be happening in other countries”.

This doesn’t mean that the H-1B visa itself doesn’t need drastic revision. The program is filled with loopholes that enable fraud and allow employers to exploit foreign workers for low wages.


1. Student traffic to US could fall 15-25% - http://tinyurl.com/demmgu
2. Banks rescind job offers for international students - http://tinyurl.com/d2stl9
3. Companies rescind, delay job offers to recent college grads - http://tinyurl.com/ckxgru
4. H-1B Visa Demand Plunges with Economy - http://tinyurl.com/dxjscd
5. H-1B Visas Lead to More U.S. Jobs - http://tinyurl.com/cm5vhu

Other related articles worth checking out:
America’s Perilous Anti-Immigrant Protectionism - http://tinyurl.com/dn29vv
Opinion: “Hire American” is a slogan that doesn’t help America - http://tinyurl.com/cdv7pl
US firms that employ skilled work visa holders create more jobs - http://tinyurl.com/dj8xgl
IRLI Wins Compensation for Abused H-1B Worker - http://tinyurl.com/d4td8a
The Dream Deferred - http://tinyurl.com/c3vuje

Twitter for Scholarships!

In the last blog posting – Finding Scholarship Sources – I mentioned Twitter as a means of following professional people, organizations, schools, and web sites. You can also use Twitter to search for scholarship opportunities.

Using Twitter Search (http://search.twitter.com/), start your initial search using basic terms, such as scholarship, scholarships, scholarship application, scholarship deadline, international scholarships, scholarships international students, and so on. Some results will come from professional sources, others from students; either way, it could be very informative and helpful.

Next, search for links or websites by searching for scholarship www; scholarship http; or scholarship deadline www; scholarship deadline http; and so on. You can also substitute the word grant for scholarship, and search for grants as well.

Within Twitter Search, in the right column, you can subscribe to any of the Twitter searches in Google Reader, or any RSS reader you use. If any specific organizations stand out in your searches, remember that you may also be ablbe to follow them on Twitter!

If you haven’t created a Twitter profile – now is definitely the time! Visit Twitter to create your profile. Find professionals, schools, and organizations to follow. Use Twitter Search and start searching for scholarships and grants today! Set up RSS feeds to keep you updated on all the latest information. Good luck!

Finding Scholarship Sources

If you are looking for sources to help you finance your education, knowing how and where to search can be crucially important. Many scholarships and grants aren’t well advertised, so it will be up to you to do the work and find the opportunities. If you are already enrolled at a college or university, start with the professional services available, such as financial aid or career services. If you are not yet enrolled, contact college or university admissions offices directly and ask them about the opportunities and support they provide for international students - a number of them offer discounted tuition.

When searching on your own, there are a number of free scholarship search sites on the Web (some are listed below). Profile-based scholarship searches allow you to register an account, have you fill out a student profile that includes your education history, intended major, group memberships, awards, test scores, and so on. Based on the answers in your profile, the website software will direct you toward scholarships and contests that you’re eligible for. Be sure to fill out the profiles with as much information as possible, for more search matches.

Also consider contacting organizations, associations, foundations, or government agencies. For example, contact the local Rotary International Organization to ask about their Ambassadorial Scholarships; or if you are a student member of ASME, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, they have scholarship opportunities for international students. P.E.O. International provides a number of scholarships for international women students to study in the US or Canada. Ask your professors what professional organizations they belong to, and contact the national headquarters, or look them up on the Web.

Many of the sites listed below also have links to other important and useful information, including blogs, forums, discussion boards, etc. You can follow many of them on Twitter or RRS feeds to keep up with current information.

Scholarships for International Students would greatly appreciate your recommendations of websites with useful information regarding scholarships or internships. SIS would also appreciate guest blog postings from students, or university professionals who would like to share ideas, information, or suggestions! Contact Denise Beebe if you have questions, or would like more information – we welcome your involvement! beebed@bvu.edu

Scholarship and Financial Aid Sites:
International Education Financial Aid: http://www.iefa.org/
International Scholarships: http://www.internationalscholarships.com/
Careers and Colleges http://www.careersandcolleges.com/
FinAid: http://www.finaid.org/
Scholarship Experts.com: http://www.scholarshipexperts.com/
Hispanic College Fund: http://www.hispanicfund.org/
CHCI - Developing the next generation of Latino Leaders: http://www.chci.org/
The Gates Millennium Scholars: http://www.gmsp.org/
ScholarshipsCanada: http://www.scholarshipscanada.com/index.asp
FastWeb: http://www.fastweb.com/
InternationalStudent.com: http://www.internationalstudent.com/
Links to schools with financial aid or discounted tuition: http://www.internationalstudent.com/schools_awarding_aid/
eduPass: http://www.edupass.org/
eduPass, Financial Aid: http://www.edupass.org/finaid/
eduPass, Scholarships: http://www.edupass.org/finaid/databases.phtml
USA Study Guide: http://www.usastudyguide.com/
Scholarship Monkey: http://www.scholarship-monkey.com/
P.E.O. International: http://www.peointernational.org/about/

Please feel free to leave comments, suggestions, ideas, or information. Thank you! : )