The Future of Networking

I once had the privilege of listening to a speech on LinkedIn and the future of networking. I didn’t take it too seriously at the time since I was a freshman, and looking for a job seemed like something in the far off future. Yet after just recently finishing my LinkedIn profile and learning some of its attributes, it has come to my attention how relevant this speech was for me. During her talk she proposed the idea that resumes will soon be replaced completely by LinkedIn profiles.

I completely agree with this theory especially in a field like Media Arts. My reasoning is that within the profession of Graphic Design or any digital media an online portfolio is expected. On LinkedIn a dynamic website like this can easily be linked, and the potential employer browsing profiles can see a body of work from any given person. Which, in my opinion, puts the employer at the advantage of quickly syphoning through a collection of work from applicants. Even if the employer does not want to click the link for whatever reason, they can still get a snippet of information on the various projects descriptions giving them an overall view of a particular applicant.

Likewise, the concept of networking is crucial in a field as competitive as media arts. I once had the honor of interviewing a set designer out of Atlanta. When I asked her how she received opportunities to work on big name movies, she simply commented “knowing people”. She really emphasized the fact that having great work is only the first step, and knowing people will get you through the door. An advantage with LinkedIn here of course is the ease of networking it offers. It is extremely easy to connect with people and create circles. In fact during the initial lecture on LinkedIn the speaker informed us she received her job through networking on the website. A friend at Southern Poly reached out to her through the messaging service on the site and told her about an opening at the school.

The days of paper resumes are long behind us. After meeting a person it is typical fashion to instantly pull-out our phones and Google their name. With society wanting everything so instantaneously it is really no surprise that LinkedIn is leading the way towards a paperless job hunt.

Keywords: LinkedIn, Networking, Job Search