Using LinkedIn for Advising and Development

Steven L. Cobb, Jiyoung Kwon, Michael A. McPherson

(Department of Economics, University of North Texas, USA)

Abstract: LinkedIn, a business-related social networking site, provides a unique set of tools for Economics Departments to use for the benefit of current and future students. An individual with a LinkedIn account typically lists the jobs he or she has held, along with the dates of employment. Usually, contact information in the form of an email address is also provided. The University of North Texas Economics Department started with basic information about all undergraduate and graduate alumni provided by our Office of Institutional Research. We then made an effort to connect with each through LinkedIn. Of the 970 individuals who graduated between 1995 and 2013 with an undergraduate degree in Economics, we have information through LinkedIn on 50.1%. That figure rises to 63.8% for alumni of our graduate program. Using the U.S. Government’s Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) System, this paper presents a distribution of specific jobs our alumni hold 5, 10, 15, and 20 years after graduation. This enables us to give specific information to current students. The paper discusses the use of LinkedIn to connect current students looking for employment with alumni in companies with openings. In addition, using LinkedIn in this manner makes it easy to find experts from our alumni rolls who might be invited to visit campus as speakers. The paper goes on to offer suggestions about the use of LinkedIn for purposes of advancement and development.

Key words: LinkedIn, advising, development, occupations