Is LinkedIn a Job Search Site or a Networking Site? Does It Matter to You? by Stuart C. Fried

Being active on LinkedIn is not always an indicator that you’re looking for a job. In his post, Is LinkedIn a Job Search Site or a Networking Site? Does It Matter to You?, Stuart C. Fried discusses the benefits of using LinkedIn for more than just a job search site and why it’s important for career success.  Fried suggests that by keeping your profile up-to-date and participating in groups, professionals can build a network of contacts, promote their sites, and help build business.

When I joined LinkedIn a few years ago, I used it primarily as a job search site. I joined a few groups, posted a comment here and there. In the past six or so months, I’ve  been more active by updating my skills when I learn something new, adding accomplishments to my current position, and participating in group discussions about job-related topics. Through my activity in these groups, I learned about critical updates to the style guides I use on the job, as well as connected with other professionals and discussed strategies to improve workflow and processes, learned about emerging technologies and changes in my field, and helped connect job seekers with recruiters and other professionals within my network.

Visit Fried at Career Specialist to learn more about how to take advantage of what LinkedIn offers.

What’s holding you back?

Carl Albert Public Internship Program: Real Experience, Lifetime Connections

Interested in public service? Want to build a network of professionals in your area of interest while getting paid? Consider becoming a Carl Albert Public Intern or an Executive Fellow. The Carl Albert Public Internship Program (CAPIP)  is open to undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in an accredited university. This Program is ongoing; hence, there is no application deadline.

Benefits

You get paid. All CAPIP undergraduate internships and executive fellowships are paid opportunities, some with the potential for permanent job placement upon completion of the internship period. Some Executive Fellows (graduates) may be eligible for health insurance and leave benefits. The most important benefit of becoming an Intern or Executive Fellow is the experience and exposure in your field of study, meeting like-minded professionals, and making connections that last a lifetime. You may just find your calling.

Determine Your Eligibility

• Undergraduates must have completed 24 semester hours with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 in all undergraduate-level courses, and be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university.
• Senior Undergraduates must have completed 90 semester hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.5, and be currently enrolled in an accredited college or unversity.
• Executive Fellows (graduates) must have completed an undergraduate degree and 6 hours of graduate-level courses with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or 7.0 on a 12.0 scale in all graduate courses, and must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university.

Gather Supporting Documents

• Your current resumé
• A nomination letter from a faculty member in your current degree program
• Three letters of recommendation*
• Your current transcript and verification of current enrollment

Apply to the CAPIP

Do not email your application and supporting documents.

There are two ways you can apply to the CAPIP:

• Download the application and mail it, along with your resumé, letter of nomination, all recommendation letters, and current transcript and enrollment verification to the address on the form; or,
• Apply online and upload your supporting documents.

Find an Internship/Fellowship

You’ve applied, now what do you do? Internships and fellowships won’t find you; you have to find them. State agencies looking for CAPIP Interns and Executive Fellows advertise openings on the State of Oklahoma website. Start with the  Current Employment Opportunities page and go from there.

My Story

I was in my last semester of undergraduate studies when I heard about the CAPIP. After learning more about the program, I wanted to be an Executive Fellow and find an opportunity to do some technical writing, to see if it was something I’d enjoy. I applied to the CAPIP and searched for almost a year when UCO Career Services advertised a job opening for a technical writer. Since I was registered with Career Services, I applied for the position.

Upon walking into the interview room, I saw the CAPIP application on the table. I’d already applied. My future boss walked in with his current intern, who I knew from my public relations’ courses. Things fell into place, and I’ve been a technical writer, editor, and trainer in the IT/software industry for the past 11 years. I’ve also had the opportunity to publish software reviews for two national publications, and worked in several industries and with  people from all over the world. The opportunity to be an Executive Fellow has opened many doors for me, and I cherish the experience.

What are you waiting for? Apply now!

*State of Oklahoma employees must submit one letter of recommendation from their current Appointing Authority.

Copyright 2012 Lisa Hodson