Pictures from the bar, fraternity parties, a weekend in Canada or a night on Chippewa. These snapshots may only be a vague memory for some, but can be much more for the employers and potential professional allies who weed through students' online accounts or read inappropriate commentary once posted in an e-mail. From the eyes of an employer, a few clicks of the mouse can make or break the potential offer of a job or internship.
More and more students and employers are taking advantage of technology as a convenient tool and a major source of communication. Some may not realize the damage that may be caused through lack of concern for what is posted online.
Although the online lifestyle yields a sense of convenience, as well as giving the ability to post almost anything for the entire world to see, it is important to understand the risks of Internet activities.
Many students who are fluent in computer and text message lingo often make the mistake of using abbreviations or slang phrases in what should be a professional e-mail, or when posting important information online.
"Electronic communication is inferior to face to face. There is a tendency among students to abbreviate and not pay attention to grammar errors," said Dr. Dan Ryan, director of Career Services. "When professional environments see that you made those mistakes they may think you don't have the capacity to do it correctly."
Students may not realize that posting inappropriate pictures online or writing lewd comments can cost them a job if seen by the wrong person. With Web sites such as Facebook, Myspace and YouTube becoming increasingly popular for students, there is a need for an increased awareness of what is publicized online.
"I have both a Facebook and Myspace account and at times I don't think that I represent myself appropriately because of some of the silly pictures I have," said Natalie Ramsahai, a sophomore nursing major.
Students often overlook the potentially destructive aftereffect that online misrepresentation can have. Through use of e-mail and public access spaces to post pictures and thoughts, millions of eyes have the ability to graze over the words and images that form a representation of the self in both the social and professional world.
"I never really thought about employers looking at my Facebook, or how I was representing myself through emails," said Josh Gilbert, a senior business major. "I have a lot of pictures of my friends and I having fun, but that's on everyone's Facebook."
People that utilize online resources should also keep in mind what information should be filtered for the general public to see. In light of technology improving on an everyday basis, new avenues have opened for increasing access to personal information.
It is important to be cognitive of the ramifications of one's actions, according to Ryan.
"People have lost jobs because on their blogs they have shared information that are company secrets," Ryan said. "College students have also gotten in trouble for posting inappropriate student activities."
It is key to keep tactfulness in mind when communicating over the Internet. When something is said in person, the gap for any possible misinterpretation thins. When it is posted or written online, where there is no chance for clarification, a few wrong words can change a person's view on another's credibility forever.
A second opinion can also be very helpful. Ask a peer or professional to proofread before the message finds its way to its final destination. A student, or even a professional should always keep in mind the reputation they are looking to uphold in the real world and among their peers or co-workers.
"Don't put anything you wouldn't want your grandmother to see," Ryan said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
