Thanks to the Zeta Psi chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi professional co-ed business fraternity and the Blue Raider Real Estate Club, some MTSU students are one step closer to finding helpful connections when looking for a job.

During the recent “LinkedIn or Left Out” workshop at the Business and Aerospace Building, students learned several do’s and don’ts of marketing themselves on social media for future employers.

MTSU senior Zeckary Smith, an integrated studies major, works on his LinkedIn profile during an April 19 workshop in the Business and Aerospace Building. (MTSU photo by Jayla Jackson)

MTSU junior statistics major Dreama Coats, a member of Alpha Kappa Psi, spearheaded the event for eager young professionals to create an account on the LinkedIn digital platform.

Dreama Coats

“My work-study adviser noted how a lot of students in colleges aren’t linked in as they should be,” said Coats, who plans to work with companies’ annual statistics reports after she graduates. “A LinkedIn account is beneficial to students wanting jobs because employers usually use this as a reference for possible employees.”

LinkedIn is a popular professional networking website for job opportunities and recruitment. Founded in 2002, the website allows people to connect with past and current colleagues and share information about their professional skills and accomplishments.

The April 19 MTSU workshop included a PowerPoint presentation that outlined some essential steps to having a successful profile.

“Social media is a driving force for employment opportunities and websites like LinkedIn provide people effective networking abilities,” Coats said.

MTSU sophomore Janel Benton, an organizational communications major, attended the event to polish up her digital resume and social media presence.

“Even as a sophomore I know how important it is to have a LinkedIn account, and I’m currently seeking internship opportunities for the summer,” Benton said.

Benton noted how the workshop also taught her about what not to post on her professional page.

“What really stood out to me was the buzzwords not to use when describing myself on my profile … ‘effective’ and ‘innovative’ are words I usually use to label myself, so now I have to find new words,” she said.

Aliyah Loyd, Blue Raider Real Estate Club president, encourages students to take initiative during their academic journey rather than waiting until they graduate.

“We find it extremely important for students and soon-to-be business people to explore connections, build their database and expand their knowledge … we want our peers to be linked in and not left out,” Loyd said.

The Blue Raider Real Estate Club of MTSU promotes student interest in real estate and conducts or sponsors activities such as guest speakers and field trips so that its members can learn more about real estate.

For more information about the club, contact Department of Economics and Finance professor Philip Seagraves in the Jones College of Business at 615-898-5750 or visit http://www.mtsu.edu/business/stu_orgs.php.

For more information about Alpha Kappa Psi, visit https://www.facebook.com/AKPsiZetaPsi/.

— Jayla Jackson (news@mtsu.edu)

MTSU junior statistics major Dreama Coats, at bottom, a member of the Alpha Kappa Psi professional business fraternity, leads the April 19 “LinkedIn or Left Out” workshop in the Business and Aerospace Building. At top is an image from Coats’ PowerPoint presentation where she discusses choosing appropriate profile photos. (MTSU photo illustration by Jayla Jackson)