Submersing Inevitable Change

I was raised on the roots of a small farm town and now I soar with every opportunity to spread my wings. Around 500 miles north of home, I study Civil Engineering at Michigan Technological University. I am pursuing my passion of global development by studying a concentration in environmental engineering of water resources. I also study a minor in International Spanish which has given me insight to multi-cultural thinking.

The valuable experiences I’ve had in my field build upon one another to create my personalized background and problem solving techniques. I began my career interest in high school as a laborer in precast concrete and Gerace Construction, and soon after developed into a CAD designer. After my first year of college, as a corporate intern at Caterpillar Inc, I was among the first to test and operate the innovative D7E, an electric drive track type tractor. As an intern designing structures falsework at Kiewit Engineering, I relived my enthusiasm for design and development. I strive to become a reputable leader and motivational speaker for environmental ideals and creative engineered solutions on global development and inevitable change. I grew up as an outdoors advocate with a strong interest in chemistry, appreciating water in all its forms. I balance my life as an avid snowmobiler, wake boarder, and angler.

Group Post #1

The social networking site LinkedIn can be very beneficial and is a very useful professional tool. LinkedIn can connect people with professionals, companies, and colleagues providing a service that is priceless in today's world. In addition to connecting with the above categories/people, which could lead to job offers or discussion, jobs can be listed and searched for. This is similar to Nacelink in the fact that a profile is set up and you can tailor your search to your interests and your experience. Also, it provides links to both Career Builder and Monster, which are very helpful as a profile is already created for people who want to use those sites.
In regards to the actual profile aspects, LinkedIn is not as personal as Facebook,Twitter, or Myspace. The LinkedIn profile is much more professional and low risk as the layout is oriented around schools, work experience, and jobs versus picture albums, wall posts, or cyber gifts. It could also be beneficial to actually have a copy of a resume available online, but LinkedIn does not offer this option.
Some things that do relate to other popular social networks include groups and status updates. As a member of LinkedIn, groups can either be created or joined. The use of these groups can be a very helpful career tool. Companies and alumni associations often create groups and joining to stay connected with these groups can help an individual keep up with current events in their specific field. Status updates are also available on LinkedIn and this can directly connect to Twitter and vice versa. LinkedIn also has an option to display information regarding a Twitter account, website or blog links, and a biography.
Overall LinkedIn is a great social network to be connected to. It provides a plethora of information including groups, news, updates, jobs, and other social connections. It is more of a professional tool than a personal one that can provide an edge in finding a job and staying on top of a certain occupation's events. Join LinkedIn, it will not be regretted!