Written by Dorie Pagnano, Account Supervisor for the Susan G. Komen account team

The University of Oregon class of 2016 is set to graduate on June 13 and will then go on to tackle bigger and better adventures all over the world. In the wake of this exciting, yet scary, change, what happens on their social media platforms? Between securing a job, arranging travel plans and preparing for graduation, social media may be put on the back burner.

So what’s our advice? Social media is the best way to promote your personal brand. With the potential of getting your dream job at your fingertips, creating your online personal brand is what can seal (or break) the deal. The reality is that our social media pages graduate when we do. Here are some tips and tricks to use when updating all of your major platforms to reflect yourself as a young professional.

First things first, update your bio on all social media pages to reflect what you are currently doing. Profiles can be private, but bios will always be visible. Let friends, family and employers know your interests, hometown or that you’re a recent alumni. Answer the questions: What is my personal brand? What kind of voice do I have?

Secondly, the delete button is your friend. We’ve heard it all before, “once it’s out there.” So, keep the memories somewhere personal. If it’s a questionable picture, comment or post that you’re not proud of, delete it.

The third step is to follow the people, brands and influencers in the industry you wish to be in. If you’re interested in tech, you definitely want to know what the employees at Apple are up to. Not only will this help teach you and keep you updated on your potential field, but it will keep you engaged in conversations in areas of interest, which can lead to new connections.

Fourth, and most importantly, the saying “too much of a good thing” holds true for social media. It’s important to not be all professional or all personal. The 80/20 rule is commonly referred to when updating social media pages. This means that a page should be 80 percent professional and 20 percent personal, to show your interest in the PR field as well as the fact that you have a personality.

Using social media should be fun, and it is a great tool to help promote yourself. Just make sure to always show your best aspects, and save other stories for a coffee date with friends. Your bios, pictures, tweets and posts should represent the very best version of you. Everyone needs a friendly reminder to clean up every now and then, so make sure to do it before it’s too late.

 

Dorie Pagnano is a junior majoring in public relations at the University of Oregon. She currently serves as the account supervisor for the Susan G. Komen client team for Allen Hall Public Relations. As a Portland native, she is hoping to live in Seattle this summer to obtain internship experience before her senior year. 

Connect with the Susan G. Komen team!
Rachel Harbison- Account Executive
Sarah Hancock- Account Executive
Elizabeth Seelinger- Account Executive
Mikaela Farasyn- Account Executive