5 Tips for Advancing Any Career Using Technology Tools

Guest writer Mike Patterson suggests 5 ways that students and professionals can utilize Internet based applications to advance their professional prospects.

The 21st century has brought about a revolution in the way we obtain educational information, gain career exposure, and market ourselves for the jobs that we desire. Whether pursuing continued education or simply looking to advance in your current field, the Internet offers a wealth of technological tools to propel you forward to the future of your dreams.

1. Social Media
Social media outlets, in one form or another, have probably already crept their way it to your life. These common networking applications can also be used as powerful education tools. Social media affords an opportunity to stay up to date with whats going on in any field. Seeking out experts within your field and befriending them on Facebook and Twitter can help keep you up to date with pertinent information. In the world of business, for example, following industry leaders on Twitter can provide you with a needed edge.

2. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is yet another form of social networking. LinkedIn, however, is geared exclusively to the professional. Creating a LinkedIn account is a first step in getting connected to experts within your own profession.

3. ePortfolio
Utilizing the power of electronic porfolio tools like ePortfolio, you will be able to present all your digital work for review and critique not only from your advisors, but also from your peers. EPortfolio pages can be used to showcase achievements and present educational and career goals.

4. Resume Posting Sites
For most people, when thinking of websites the likes of Monster.com or Dice.com, they think only of posting resumes and searching out new career opportunities. This certainly is one notable aspect of these sites, but it is not all that they have to offer. Resume sites offer up smashing tips and advice on finding the perfect job. These tools can be used to help develop the perfect resume and to learn what it is that employers are in search of.

5. Online Continued Education
The tried and true, most efficient way to further one's career still remains … continuing education. There is an undeniable correlation between the level of one's education and the success you can have within any chosen profession. The newest technology in continuing education is the ability to complete college coursework online. The flexibility offered by online schools has served to afford more people than ever the opportunity to further their education. Online schools offer programs ranging from high school diplomas to online MBA courses. No matter what your career, it is a safe bet that there are online college courses that can help you further your success.

It is really rather astonishing what technology has provided us in recent years. The Internet has provided some valuable tools to help us advance our careers. Leveraging all that technology has to offer can help ensure that you have all the necessary resources for success.

This article was written by Mike Patterson on behalf of OnlineMBA.com, an online resource for those seeking the best online MBA.

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