With so many education-centric social networking sites as of late, it's almost easy to overlook LinkedIn. Arguably the largest professional networking site on the Web, LinkedIn offers a variety of resources, including its recently launched University pages and groups targeted at professionals in various industries, like Education Dive's Higher Education Management group.
To get a better idea of how higher education professionals are leveraging LinkedIn's resources, we asked members of Higher Education Management to tell us how they've benefited from using the site. Here's what they had to say:
CARRIE COLLINS
VP of Institutional Advancement at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, Speaker and Mentor
“I have found the LinkedIn discussion groups to be of great value. As a frequent reader, and commentator, on various posts, I see what the common challenges are and possible solutions. I'm also willing to share information and samples, which I've found has helped me to develop a reputation for being collaborative and helpful to development colleagues. I've also received multiple offers to present at conferences and webinars across the country for a topic that I developed in response to feedback I received on LinkedIn groups. It's been a great boon for my institution, having its name associated with such work.”
ALAN O’CONNOR
Voice and Data Specialist at Network Connect Ltd
“I have been able to open some doors on Linked In by searching for groups of people that I believe will have an active interest in the technology we as company use to deliver SIP, 802,11ac and MPLS wide area solutions.
Our main partner is installing around 10,000 SIP telephone lines a month throughout 2013 which indicates the level of shift in adopting this type of technology.
Trying to connect with people we think will want to know more has proved useful for us.”
ROBYNN M. PEASE
Director of Greater Oregon Higher Education Consortium and Work/Life Coordinator at Oregon State University
“I use LinkedIn to monitor trends in higher education and the diversity of views about them. The articles and comments that are posted help me to better understand the complexity of the organizational structure and the different views people assume according to their positions within them. LinkedIn has also been instrumental in helping me stay connected to colleagues who have moved on to other institutions or organizations.”
SUSAN COLLINS
Career Services Coordinator at Pima Medical Institute
“I enjoy meeting people and believe that relationship building is the key to success. I don't know a better way to learn, grow, find mentors and get inspired by successful business people around the world. People on LinkedIn mean business and good business people know that reputation is everything. You know - all of that trust and credibility stuff.”
SISTER FRANCES VEITZ
Director of Co-op and Internships at Holy Family University
“ I have found it to be user friendly and have "linked in" to many new and wonderful professionals who have responded to my concerns/questions and I hope I have been helpful as well when responding/suggesting various concepts to them about our programs. “
DR. TONY PEREZ
Founder and CEO of Hidden Chalk, President of Execusolve Inc., President of Borough of Manhattan Community College
“I was able to meet and retain a game developer who was able to help me take my project 'Hidden Chalk' to the next level.”
RINA SAHAY
Program Director - Electronics, Technology and Engineering at Baker College of Muskegon
"LinkedIn is for me, first and foremost, a WONDERFUL resource to recruit talent to enhance the programs that I run. It has enabled me to network to invite respected industry professionals to add value to my Program Advisory Boards, in addition to hiring in talented professionals to add their industry experience to the classroom in the capacity of Adjunct Instructors.
In addition, this is a treasure trove of information on new trends, techniques, materials and developments relevant to the programs that I manage as well as the classroom in general. The discussions boards make such information easily accessible. The updates from my connections that I see on my Home Page are a continuous source of information and inspiration."
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