Interest in Social Networking sites like Facebook, Myspace and Second Life has exploded in recent years. Millions of people spend hours each week connecting, keeping updated and sharing news and information with friends online. The media has focussed largely on the negative side, reporting stories of recruiters checking job applicants out online to screen out those with dubious Facebook entries. Then there are the stories of people fired for what they post online - such as the tube announcer, whose spoof announcements did not amuse bosses. We will examine the phenomenon of social networking sites, and look at what they can be used for. The session will look at evidence that growing numbers of people are seeking careers advice from these social network sites, and consider some of the issues and implications of this. We will also explore existing and potential ways practitioners can piggyback on the success of social networking, identifying freely available tools that can be harnessed to support delivery of engaging careers work activities with all age groups.
Michael Larbalestier, currently Head of Research and Knowledge Management with Prospects Services Ltd trained with Croydon Careers Service in 1990. He later took on various corporate roles within Prospects Services and is currently Head of Research & Knowledge Management. Michael has a keen interest in use of technology in guidance, and was involved in developing the popular web-based careers tool, Fast Tomato. |
