Get LinkedIn or Be LockedOut

A revolutionary new way of connecting with professionals and scanning the job market has remained almost completely unheard of in the student community at EIU.  This networking tool is known as LinkedIn.  This site can be thought of as similar to Facebook, but caters to the developing and seasoned professional alike.  The setup is easy and free.  You create a profile, add a pic if you want, and display your accomplishments to-date.  Only a student with not much experience?  It doesn't matter, other professional on the site often like to scan the up-and-coming graduates for internships or even job placements.

I have used LinkedIn since it first came out (early 2006) and I cannot count the number of new people I met that I am now close friends with, business connections made and job offers given to me.  There is really no reason someone should not create a profile, simply due to the fact that it is free and if you do not wish to update or create a full-blown profile, you don't have to.  You can search for professionals in 'like' fields, join relevant groups in your area or out and be advised to additional networking events that are coming up.

As the pun in the title suggests, its only to your advantage to start utilizing free resources available, like LinkedIn, or else be left out of the loop.