Social media has taken the world by storm, but it’s more than just a tool for connecting with friends. It’s becoming a medium for networking with colleagues and future employers/employees.

LinkedIn is a free site that allows you to build an online presence and connect with other people in your field. Your profile is essentially an in-depth version of your resume. A spot for a professional photo, achievement and skill sections, and tips on how to improve your profile are provided by the site.

If you are an employer, a quick search of MSU graduates in your field will compile a list of the most relevant candidates, or you can customize your search to what you’re looking for in terms of experience, location, interests and more.

Looking to advance? Search companies that are hiring and search job listings. Connect with former employees, employers and co-workers to keep in contact for future opportunities. Even connect with potential employers and departments that you’d like to work with so they can see what you have to offer!

The more social media grows, the more options LinkedIn adds. Explore the site to see how it can benefit you!