The Hillsdale College Career Services office has hired Jonathan Slonim, a junior studying economics and history, to work with students on developing their online presence using the website LinkedIn.
LinkedIn, an online professional social media network launched in 2003, now boasts over 200 million registered users in more than 200 countries and territories. Director of Career Services Michael Murray called LinkedIn “an essential tool that students can use to identify potential networking opportunities.”
Murray said the website is routinely used in his office to help students find business connections. He said it is also used by many Hillsdale alumni to remain connected once they enter the workforce. The LinkediIn Hillsdale Alumni group has over 2,000 members registered.
Slonim is a major proponent of the site, relating how LinkedIn has enabled him to meet up in person with professionals he may have never encountered otherwise. He said he believes that LinkedIn is a vital tool for students, but unfortunately, “Most people who have it don’t use it right.” By working with students through Career Services, he hopes to change that. On Feb. 6, he will be helping Career Services host a LinkedIn event from 7-9 p.m. He will assist students in setting up their accounts, and there will be a photographer on hand to take profile pictures for the site. Slonim will also be available regularly in the Career Services Office Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., or by appointment.
– Shaun Lichti
