Careers: Preparing for Post-School Pathways

Managing your digital footprint

In our second Year 12 Careers Sessions last term, we looked at ways to manage our digital footprint to ensure the right messaging is shared with organisations that may be considering applicants for jobs, courses or scholarships.

It is a fact that 70 percent of employers utilise social media to screen candidates prior to hiring new staff. Top sources of information that employers are using include Google searches, social media, resumes and professional networks. This is also the case for organisations assessing scholarship and course applications.

Of these information sources, perhaps the most easily managed in terms of controlling messaging will be a resume, and via professional networks. It was in this context that we discussed the place of a LinkedIn Profile. A profile in a professional networking context serves two purposes – to increase connections, and to be visible for people who may be seeking to increase theirs. Students leaving Trinity might like to consider connecting with our Old Trinitarians’ Union (OTU) on LinkedIn. While at university, students will be well advised to search for opportunities for internships and work based learning opportunities – perhaps the OTU will be a beneficial group to connect with.

Year 12 support

Term 3 is a busy time for Year 12 students who will be working on their applications for courses, scholarships and early entry schemes. Your sons will need to take notice of timelines for these applications, and ask for help if needed. There will be a range of supporting documents that are required for these applications – your encouragement of your sons to be aware of lead times when letters of support or academic results verification are required will be appreciated.

Courses and contacts

Please refer to Courses & Contacts for details of courses and contacts that may be of interest to you and your sons.

Susan Draysey | Careers and Student Pathways Advisor