Move over Twitter, It is FACEBOOK'S turn.

Retrieved September 26, 2011 from http://www.flickr.com/photos/67755971@N07/6183784589/a

           
            As I continue on in my ALES204 course I am exposed to many forms of social media. So far we have covered Twitter and blogging and discussed their capability to be used in the professional world. Who would have thought? Here I thought I would just follow a few celebs and tell the world about what I ate for breakfast. WRONG. I can do all of that but I can also take advantage of an abundance of important information in the field of nutrition. (Not that what I had for breakfast isn't important, everyone should care that I had Cheerios this morning). I have used Twitter to update myself on news stories in my community and find the blogs of researchers who are doing tremendous research on Nutrition and healthy living. Sure I am finding information about researchers and dietitians (such as the ASN Blog) who are doing amazing work. But I know you are going to ask "what am I doing to prepare myself to enter that professional world?" My answer is check out my new Facebook Profile.

             Facebook is an easy way to promote yourself to a prospective employer. I have had a personal account on Facebook for years to keep in touch with friends and family, but until ALES204 I had never thought to use it in a professional manner. Our latest ALES204 assignment was to create a page on facebook presenting ourselves as a professional. The process to make a sort of "E-Resume" on Facebook requires more thought than just making one to keep in touch with friends. First of all I had to keep in mind who was going to be viewing this, a potential employer? Maybe a researcher I hope to work for in the summer? I needed to write in a professional manner and keep all the information appropriate and organized. After doing my business profile I was curious to check out how some of my fellow students presented their 'Facebook resume'. There was variety between each page I visited which I thought was very interesting that the profile was capable of showing such individuality. I agree with fellow ALES204 classmate, Mark, that a Facebook profile allows for an individual to "show so much more than a a bunch of words on a piece of paper". 


            Hopefully when the time comes for me to venture out into the professional world social networking sites, such as Facebook, will help to give me an edge in the business world.  So there it is, my E-Resume out there on Facebook for all to see!
*Please may it help me get a job when I graduate and that time comes


-K

It is Nice to Meet You

Personal Image

Hello blogging world, it is nice to finally meet you. I am Kylie McLean and this is the blog that I have created specifically for my ALES 204 class. “WHAT is ALES” you ask? It is the faculty of Agriculture, Life and Environment Sciences at the University of Alberta, where I am a 2nd year Nutrition student. “WHY nutrition” you say? Why not. Food is the foundation to life. We need food to give us energy to do all those lovely things we enjoy doing. What fascinates me most is how what we eat can affect other parts of our life so intimately. A healthy, balanced diet gives our bodies the best opportunity for it to perform its‘ best; whether it be mentally or physically. Nutrition is full of far too many “I heard this,” and “We heard that.” I am out to seek the truth and when I find it I plan on sharing it with those who want to listen. Which brings me back to why I am blogging.

ALES 204 is forcing me out of the dark ages and into social media which will help me in my quest for infinite nutrition knowledge. In the next couple years as I strive towards a Nutrition degree social networks such Facebook and Twitter will allow me to keep up to date with the latest news in the world of nutrition. I have the opportunity to “follow” researchers and enjoy practical learning outside of a classroom. Blogging is easy to see who is saying what and why, about the foods we consume. It is also simple enough to follow a blogger who posts healthy recipes that might interest me. Advances in nutrition are constantly occurring and they won’t end any time soon. This is why it is crucial for me, as an aspiring dietician, to stay current with the latest news. Web communication will not only act a source for nutritional information but also as a means of expression for my new found knowledge on the subject. I am studying nutrition because I wish to enhance the quality of life for my family, friends and community. In order to accomplish my goals an outlet is required to share any nutritional knowledge I acquire. Facebook, Twitter and blogs will be essential tools for spreading the word on the importance of healthy eating.

Until my next assignment -- Adios

-K