As an almost Student Affairs Professional there seem to be a variety of problems that plague our students today. This is not to say that students did not have problems before that needed addressing but the problems of modern day students are uniquely their own. We see problems with retention, which has always and probably will always be a problem, as well as the level of unpreparedness of freshman upon entering college. These problems are not easy to fix and will take a lot of intentional planning and execution in order to solve but at this time there seems to be a problem staring us as professionals in the face. The problem that key-note speaker at the University of West Florida Student Affairs Symposium Eric Stoller described is the lack of awareness students now a days have concerning their online identity.
This concept of an online identity is relatively new concept but has quickly become a very important part of a student’s personal identity. The general definition of an online or virtual identity is an identity that is created through use of multiple social media/ online communities. Such social outlets include Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, Foursquare, etc. All of these sites are designed to allow others to see you a person in a quick and easily accessible manner. Here in lies the problem for our students, most may not realize that when something is added to their Facebook profile that may be offensive or crude to others is now a part of their online identity.
People never cease to amaze me when it comes to the way they use social media without any regard for what they’re saying and ultimately whose going to see it. Some of my friends who have recently graduated from college and are now trying to find jobs, seem to have a blatant disregard for the messages they are sending potential employers through the things they post of their social media sites. I have one friend in particular that will use cuss word after cuss word on her Facebook and is currently attempting to find a job teaching high school English. She is a very talented and intelligent woman but an employer may not be able to see past the ‘f-bombs’ she posts on her page, won’t be able to see how amazing she is at what she does because she does not present herself well through her online identity.
It is because of this idea that the current generation is invincible that we feel out online identities will not influence our futures. The students that are coming into college as freshman, or transfer students, may not have the understanding that it’s never too early to start being professional online. There should be some sort of required class or portion of a class that teaches students the important of keeping a healthy and acceptable online identity. If we as Student Affairs professions can help students build the skills they need to have a better online identity, there would most likely be an increase in positive feedback from employers about high students. The better they present themselves in person is important but so is how they present themselves online.
Here is a great article that tells students the first steps they should take when it comes to social media and trying to get a job.
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