1. 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

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Entering the Blogosphere: Encouragements
Benefits — Communication and Community
Sharing of Ideas
Networking
Student Intern Blog
Mike Crapo’s Intern Blog:
Investigation of Youth-Set Fires 2006

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. “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, 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

12. 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