Media Culture

The first blog entry for Career Connected was all about using social media as a networking opportunity.  My blog has now come full circle, ending just as it started, with the topic of social media.  At URI, November has been dubbed the social media month.   Nearly two weeks ago, URI hosted an honors colloquium on social media.  Featured speakers were media research experts and discussed why networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Blogger are impacting not only our lives, but businesses as well.  Tomorrow, the URI PublicRelations Society will be hosting an event “Social Media Social,” giving students’ opportunities to listen and speak to media professionals.  On Wednesday, URI will also be having yet another social media lecture that is free and open to the public.  It seems as if everyone has gone ga-ga over social media, but the bottom line is networking is important.  Using the Internet has almost become a necessity to compete for jobs and business.  Just look at the color wheel diagram in the picture below.  It just goes to show how many opportunities you have today to 'get your face out there' for anyone to see.  Pretty amazing, huh?!  

Have you ever attended a colloquium or seminar on social media?  How about one that has to do with a career or subject you’re interested in?  My advice to you is to attend at least one of the lectures.  You never know who you are going to meet; you may get an internship or a job after talking with the speakers.  Translation: bring several copies of an updated resume and dress business casual. 

Ok, you may be wondering, ‘how do I find out when there will be a colloquium?’  Most schools post upcoming events on their Online calendar.  Web sites like Facebook create event pages and can be found by searching your network.  Also, when in doubt, ‘Google’ it. 

The video above is from the URI Honors Colloquium on social media as mentioned above.

Here is another interesting video I found on social media; it's not just a trend, it's a cultural revolution