5 Reasons Students Should Invest Time In Online Presence

BY KATE LARSON

Having an online presence seems crucial for just about every aspect of our lives. As the world gets more digitally connected, standing out as a prime candidate when you’re applying for college or a new job is easier if you have a consistent and appealing online profile.

This goes beyond a simple website and a few tweaks to your social media platforms. Students are now investing their time heavily in their ‘online personal brand’ to get access to the best mentors, colleges, recruiters, nonprofits, and businesses. Here are five reasons you should go one step beyond your classmates and build an online brand that carries you forward:

 

1.   Support your application

College admission offers are often conditional, which means admission officers will take the time to dig deeper into your student and personal life to figure out if you’re a good fit for the institution. Try to present a positive and cohesive online presence with some clever digital marketing and a straightforward social media profile. This should help boost your chances of admission.

 

2.   Showcase your work experience

As a recent graduate or a young college student, you probably lack enough experience to be considered for most high-profile jobs. However, if you collect and present all your work and extra-curricular experience online through an attractive website you could present yourself as a professional with the right work ethic and dedication to start in an opening position. Most recruiters now admit to checking their candidates’ social media and websites before hiring.

 

3.   Help you get a job

Digital skills like creating a website and managing a social media account are invaluable. These skills can complement your proficiency in your core field of study. Content marketing, search engine optimization, and social media management can help make you instantly employable, so work on these skills while you’re still at college. Whether you’re an engineer or a financial analyst, a decent amount of digital savvy will help improve your chances of getting a job.

 

4.   Facilitate online research

Digital research skills are invaluable in the workplace, but you can start applying them while at college. Most of your coursework and dissertations will involve a high degree of secondary research. An ability to go beyond Google and look for rare and relevant data will help your coursework stand out from the rest of your classmates’.

 

5.   Become an influencer in your field

Influencer marketing is one of the most enduring trends in recent years. Being a thought leader or influencer in your field, whether that’s particle physics or biochemistry, will help you create a sustainable and lucrative career over the long run.

With the growth of social media and digital tools, there’s simply no reasons any student should hesitate to build an enviable online presence.

Kate Larson is a college student and aspiring blogger, who has a strong interest in the environment and personal well-being. She enjoys travelling and reading, as well as writing novels.