By Ana Martinez |Staff Writer|
Sahara Andrade, one of the world’s top media experts, gave her take on how to be successful at the 2013 Student Success Speaker Series on May 7.
Andrade said she is a diversity and leadership consultant and a social media strategist.
Andrade’s speech was accompanied by a presentation on how to stop looking at ourselves as students and start thinking of ourselves as a “brand.”
In the opening of her presentation, Andrade shared one of her favorite quotes.
“A vision without action is a dream, action without vision is a nightmare.”
She shared the quote with the audience in an effort to motivate students to take action on their own dreams and visions.
“It is important to start your digital foot print now and not wait until after graduation,” she said.
Andrade shared important facts and helpful hints on how to present yourself effectively online.
To avoid confusion, she suggested not to use numbers and unprofessional names when creating a professional email address.
“Use an e-mail [address] that has your name only and not names like macho man,” she said.
Andrade also emphasized the importance of starting your own blog or website.
In this blog or website, Andrade recommends students to post articles, papers, teacher’s testimonies and any other evidence of their achievements.
She shared the importance of keeping a positive image online and on social media platforms.
“An employer will not want to hire you if they Google your name and your Facebook profile pops up with pictures of what you did this past spring break,” said Andrade.
She revealed tips on how to keep your personal profiles private and what type of positive things one should be posting, sharing or retweeting.
“No post about you walking your dog or going to Starbucks will interest an employer,” said Andrade.
Andrade opened up her personal LinkedIn and shared with students important tips on how to make your profile more effective.
She discussed the common errors students make when starting up their LinkedIn account.
“Use key words and go straight to the point when listing your qualities and titles,” said Andrade.
Having your own business card, buying your name and effective resume tips were also included in Andrade’s presentation.
Students attending the event shared their point of view on the different tips and tools.
“I found Sahara Andrade’s presentation very informative. I liked her presentation on LinkedIn and how crucial knowing what keywords to put on our LinkedIn profile,” said student Ryan Navaroli
Brittaney Jones found the presentation informative in regards to job searching skills.
“I enjoyed Sahara Andrade’s presentation. She was very easy to listen to and quite straight forward about what was necessary and unnecessary in order to aid us all in the job hunting process,” said Jones.
“She knew exactly what she was talking about and was passionate about each topic. She utilizes social media to promote herself and her brand and encouraged us to do the same,” said Brandon Ferguson.
Andrade’s presentation was the last of this year’s Student Success Speaker Series.
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