Personal Branding

As most of you are getting ready to graduate in a few short months, it is time to start thinking about your personal brand, especially when it comes to your online presence. Read this article and share your thoughts on what your profiles say about you. Do you think they will impact your career and job search? What should you do or not do when it comes to sharing your life online?

When online communication goes wrong

Many of us belong to online communities, and share plenty of personal information with others on the internet. Sometimes, whether on purpose or not, we might post content that could get us in trouble. Take for example the following situation. According to this website, a young intern wanted to celebrate Halloween, lied using a family obligation cover, and got caught when boss found evidential photos on Facebook. The following emails were exchanged between Kevin the intern and his boss, Paul.

Paul/Jill,

I just wanted to let you know that I will not be able to come into work tomorrow. Something came up at home and I had to go to New York this morning for the next couple of days. I apologize for the delayed notice.

Kind regards,
Kevin

Kevin's boss followed up by checking Facebook where he found this picture of his intern sporting a full fairy costume and celebrating with a can of Busch Light. What else could Paul do but reply to Kevin, attach the photo, and BCC the entire company on the email?

Kevin,

Thanks for letting us know—hope everything is ok in New York. (cool wand)

Cheers,
PCD

What are your thoughts on this situation? What are some other potential consequences of sharing personal information online?

USA Today: Social media makes it easy to share and overshare alike

"Your status update could get you fired." 

Watch the USA Today video and read the article, and tell us what you think of Lobato's situation and online privacy and oversharing.