Preparing for Your Internship in the Age of Transparency Chapter 2 Preparing for Your Internship in the Age of Transparency Investigation of Youth-Set Fires 2006

The Age of Transparency Blogs MySpace Facebook Cell phones with cameras Etc. Welcome to the blogosphere! \ Investigation of Youth-Set Fires 2006

Cautions & Encouragements “More and more of what you say or do or write will end up as a digital fingerprint that never gets erased. Our generation got to screw up and none of those screw-ups appeared on our first job résumés, which we got to write. For this generation, much of what they say, do or write will be preserved online forever. Before employers even read their résumés, they’ll Google them.” Friedman, 2007 Investigation of Youth-Set Fires 2006

Digital Fingerprints The biggest challenge you face in your internship and professional career is achieving a balance between the benefits and detriments of creating a digital fingerprint. Investigation of Youth-Set Fires 2006

Entering the Blogosphere: Encouragements Benefits — Communication and Community Sharing of Ideas Networking Student Intern Blog Mike Crapo’s Intern Blog: http://crapo.senate.gov/resources/students/blogs/intern_blog.cfm Investigation of Youth-Set Fires 2006

Entering the Blogosphere: Cautions Previous blogging may still be accessible through a Google search. Employers are encouraged to look for blogs of future employees. Do a blog sweep. Facebook.com MySpace.com How do you present yourself? Investigation of Youth-Set Fires 2006

Social Networking: Encouragements Searching MySpace or Facebook may provide you with internship opportunities or connect you with others who’ve had an internship experience or are in the process of procuring one. Investigation of Youth-Set Fires 2006

Social Networking: Cautions Before posting a silly or provocative photograph or story, you need to think how it could affect your future. “MySpace photo costs student a teaching certificate.” Investigation of Youth-Set Fires 2006

Online Videos: Encouragements YouTube search reveals several internship opportunities and advice: Corporations post Testimonials from prior interns Video resources Employment process Résumé writing Preparing for an interview Investigation of Youth-Set Fires 2006

Online Videos: “Cautions” “In the information age life has no chapters or closets, you can leave nothing behind and you have no where to hide your skeletons. Your past is your present, and it catches up with you like a truck backing over what is left behind.” Investigation of Youth-Set Fires 2006

“What if ….. I’ve already done that ?” 1. If you think that there may be something about you circulating in cyberspace, perform an online search of yourself. The site, http:www.archive.org, catalogues web pages from 1996 forward. 2. Be honest — if you posted something foolish you think your internship coordinator or prospective employer may find out about, tell him or her. * If the information is not widely available, rather than bringing it to anyone’s attention, it is enough that you know about it. If asked, explain and apologize. Investigation of Youth-Set Fires 2006

Posting a Résumé Online Advantage: -Will reach a large number of employers and recruiters -Eliminates mailing /cover letter Disadvantage: -Personal information gets out/risk of identity theft DOB SS# Address Investigation of Youth-Set Fires 2006