Facebook... Professional?

My Facebook Page

If you had told me a few days ago that Facebook was beginning to be used in a professional way, I would have been baffled. Lets face it, when we think of Facebook, we think of embarrassing photos from last weekend, and the endless posts containing the every passing thought of our entire friends list. But now I'm beginning to see the potential; an online resume, that not only tells your future employer who you are in a professional capacity, but can also catch a glimpse of who you are outside of work. I think this last point is important, because you want good people working for you, people with good values.

Just like everyone else, my profile is cluttered with (sometimes inappropriate) photos, posts, and conversations. There is a tonne of stuff that I would never want my parents to see, let alone a potential employer. This is where the Facebook page comes in, showing all the good parts of myself while maybe concealing some of my private life. I created my Facebook page as a class project, to learn how to present myself as a professional to others. However, while I was creating it I began to feel hopeful. It was like speaking to future me, who had accomplished some of my important goals, and who had a bright future. Now I see this page as a sort of stepping stone, and a reminder for the things I want to become. 

This page will be my business card, my resume, and my cover letter. It will introduce me to clients, employers, and fellow veterinarians. It will let me network with others in my field, and allow me to build a community within Facebook to further my career. I think this is an excellent implementation of an already popular social media site. I very much look forward to what is yet to come. 

Always a pleasure sharing my thoughts,

Hannah. 

P.S. I specifically chose that photo for my Facebook page because it was taken by Professor Frank Robinson out at the South Campus Poultry Unit during an ANSC 200 lab. It was one of the most enjoyable classes, and Prof. Robinson's intense poultry passion only strengthened my desire to do animal sciences. 

Note: If you're interested, here are some more thoughts on the professional use of Facebook: 

http://mashable.com/2009/08/14/facebook-networking/

From other students: 

http://cerickson-ales204.blogspot.com

http://www.julielacko.blogspot.com/

http://baconismylife.blogspot.com/

my Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hannah-OReilly/214444111983533