What Now: The Professional Network

Erik Charlson is Oklahoma Today's spring intern. Each week, in What Now, he'll take us on his journey learning about Oklahoma and navigating an uncertain future.

Social media is a part of the culture of my generation, but growing up, I never saw the professional side of it. Social media was always about my friends posts and celebrities that I followed. It was for fun.

Keyword: was.

Now that I am venturing into this professional world, I'm realizing that all of social media—not just sites like LinkedIn and Handshake—can heavily influence a prospective employer’s opinion of you. Recruiters know to look you up online and you only make their jobs easier when you have an unprofessional presence. Posting something political or anything that may be deemed inappropriate can send your resume right to the recycling bin. Free speech is encouraged on social media, but it is unfortunately wisest to keep the hot takes to yourself while on the job hunt.

As young people strive for individuality they can also be restricted to neutrality. Trying to find a place to start off a life or career can be stressful, and the last thing you want is a post preventing you from getting started. Some are much better than others at presenting themselves online. In fact, some people are so good at it that their digital life does not represent them accurately in the slightest. Worrying extensively about one’s online presence can bring about pressure and strain, but it is something we all must be aware of.

If it seems like I'm heading into an anti-social media manifesto, keep reading. Because while it can be quite bothersome, these sites do have their benefits. I have made several connections and relationships online that would have been impossible otherwise. Things are quickly turning digital and, with the pandemic still looming large, this will only continue. Courses, interviews, meetings, and conferences can all be conducted through Zoom.

Are we facing a future with limited physical interaction and in-person responsibilities? While technological advancements have their bonuses, it is not a future I want. You could say a meeting would be pointless when all the information could be passed on through a video call, but humans interact differently with one another when they're together. Collaboration is less likely to happen through online services. There are obviously reasons why they're absolutely necessary right now, but when this pandemic runs its course, I truly hope things return to more personal interactions.

This blog itself is no exception to my online presence. Everything we do online will have its consequences, good or bad. Taking these technological advancements in stride, I hope we can learn to use them when needed without fully depending on them.

How has social media changed your life? Email me at erik.charlson@TravelOK.com and let me know.

Written By

Erik Charlson