Right after the Career and Graduate School Expo back in October, I began following one of the companies that attended, Digital Surgeons, on Twitter. At the time, it was because they seemed like a fun bunch based on the titles of their internships (become the “Code Ninja” or “Pixel Pimp”) and the mention of a kegerator on the premises as a perk of being an employee. Fast forward to a few weeks ago when I began to really look at the content they were providing on Twitter and their blog, and I realized that there was valuable insight into the various aspects of the digital marketing industry there that I hadn’t noticed initially.
This brings me to my big point: trying to figure out what industry you want to work in, what companies fit you best, or where geographically you want to be? Start doing some company research online.
It’s not very difficult to start this process – look at me, I did it accidentally! Spend a few minutes here and there on LinkedIn and follow some different companies, see if anyone you’re connected with works in an industry you’re curious about and set up time with them to ask them some questions. Is Twitter more your thing? You can learn a lot from following a company on Twitter, both about the industry they are a part of and about the culture of the company. Some companies also highlight their employees’ accounts, giving you a great networking opportunity, take advantage of this!
Matt DiGiovanni
MDiGiovanni@newhaven.edu
Matt DiGiovanni is the Virtual Technology Coordinator at the University of New Haven Career Development Center. Matt is a recent graduate of UNH, receiving a Music and Sound Recording B.S. Throughout his time as an undergraduate, Matt was involved on campus both as a student worker at the Career Development Center managing the CDC’s website and social media presence, and also as editor-in-chief of The Charger Bulletin from 2010-2012. Matt is excited to bring his knowledge of web design and social media to the Career Development Center in order to better reach the student body at UNH.
Thanks for sharing this information! I agree with you about following potential companies on social networks to help get a feel for their culture. I often like to take a look at articles related to “best places to work”…etc. After looking at that information, I then like to look at the company financials. If you are looking for data on company information, try Corporate affiliations company directory. It includes parent and subsidiary businesses worldwide, with coverage including in-depth details on directors, executives and their professional interactions. New Haven offers access to their database: http://www.newhaven.edu/library/Databases/Subject/ and if your school does not have access, they also offer a free trial: http://www.corporateaffiliations.com/
Thanks again for your post!