Professional networking, showcasing employable skills enhances student's absorption prospectus in the industry, Vishal Nayak, Assistant Professor (Journalism) said. He was speaking at a webinar hosted by the Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) Department of St Agnes College (Autonomous) on Saturday.

Titled 'Use of Social Media by Students for Professional/Personal Brand Building', the webinar dealt with the constructive use of social media for personal and career growth opportunities. “Facebook, Instagram are known to be platforms for semi-casual interaction. Professional networking sites like LinkedIn attracts a lot of potential employers, one must see the opportunity to aggregate their professional accomplishments, milestones, and achievements in them,” the resource person from St Aloysius College, Mangaluru said.

He cautioned that students must be mindful against posting defamatory or insensitive messages that may have long-term repercussions. “Reputations can be ruined in seconds. There have been instances where poor online behavior or activity of individuals from the past are held against people. It is important that students are careful before broadcasting their content in the public domain,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, the HOD of JMC, St Agnes College Harsha Raj Gatty said that students must take note that professional social media platforms as an extension to their resume. “Even before you meet your prospective employer for an interview, much about you is already known because of your social media activity. So it is only apt that students use Social Media to build their reputation, professional goals in their own best interest,” he said.

Journalism student representatives, Anaswara J B & Jyothika K Nambiar compered the session in the webinar with participation alike from students and staff.