MGoNetworking/Advice Group (EDIT: LinkedIn Group Created)

Submitted by Silly Goose on

Recently I've noticed an uptick in people asking the rest of the MGoProletariat for advice on certain jobs, tests, locations to move, and even how to increase their chances for admitance. This makes a great deal of sense, what with this being a college sports blog and the primary point of college is to learn and eventually apply that knowledge in the real world to make yourself a lot of money. And judging by the comments I've seen, we have a good mix of people ranging from current college students, recent grads, and full time working people. So I was thinking, wouldn't it be great to create some sort of way to leverage the popularity of MGoBlog into helping one another out.

 

What I'm proposing is to create some sort of MGoGroup, either here on the boards (with Brian's permision of course), on LinkedIn, or any other site, where we could ask one another questions about our careers, get to know one another, and even let one another know if there are positions available/share resumes. While there are other sites out there for this, I defintely feel it is helpful to share some sort of bond when you are career searching, and I can think of no better bond than alma matter and our obsessive love of Michigan football. 

 

So what do people think? I know I'm having a pretty difficult time finding a full time job as a recent grad (English/History double major ftw!) so I assumed that other people might be in a smiliar position and would enjoy this. We could help clean up the boards of some of the questions that pop up, create a resource to really help out the MGoCommunity, and most importantly get people employment so they can donate to Beveled Guilt!

 

[ED:BISB - For now, a LinkedIn Group has been created under the name MGoNetworking. We'll see how this works.]

GoBlueInNYC

May 8th, 2012 at 5:46 PM ^

As someone who loves giving out barely-solicited advice and is currently trying to relocate to NYC (including apartment and job hunting), I whole-heartedly endorse this idea.

SamGoBlue2

May 8th, 2012 at 5:54 PM ^

As a recent grad in somewhat the same boat (looking for a job, majored in Communication Studies), I have often thought this would be a great idea and a tremendous resource to have for so many that enjoy this blog. Unfortunately I am still working my way up to 100 MGoPoints, but I have been an avid reader for quite a while.

And you know what they say, who you know is more important than what you know. Or something like that.

evenyoubrutus

May 8th, 2012 at 5:56 PM ^

I believe this is a good idea.  As someone who is a business owner/employer in Ann Arbor, I would definitely love it if I were able to select candidates from the MGoCommunity.

MadMonkey

May 8th, 2012 at 6:09 PM ^

It is largely my "alter ego"  who comes to MGOBLOG to write snarky things, ogle Kate Upton, or post generally NSFW content.   My concern is how do you bridge the desirable anonymity  of a sports blog with the necessary factors of trust and reputation required for serious networking?

However, I am also a C-level executive who is continually pursuing capital and talent.  Such a pursuit requires networking.  Preferably, networking with people who have interest and association with Michigan.  

Your idea is a great one.  I look forward to how you bridge the gap from "sports fun" to "business correctness".

MGoShtoink

May 8th, 2012 at 9:50 PM ^

I think LinkedIn is the best place to have this.  You can keep your identities separate from MGoBlog as there would be no mention of your MGoBlog user name on LinkedIn.  

You can also see a person's professional profile.  The discussion board would also be a place where the community can ask questions about relocation, job advice, etc.

As I mention below, I'm willing to set this up on LinkedIn.

Silly Goose

May 8th, 2012 at 6:20 PM ^

That's why I was thinking it might be worthwhile to have it on LinkedIn or some other site. I don't know the logistics of creating such a group (especially since the connection would be MGoBlog and thus Brian's domain) which is why I posted the thread. I was kind of imagining a link like the ticket spreadsheet where we could all drop our blog identities, but still know where we came from.

Hoke-ish

May 8th, 2012 at 6:19 PM ^

Definitely like this idea, as I'm always looking to find new Michigan connections for networking.  LinkedIn could be a good platform for this, as a private group where you must submit your mgoblog username to the admin before being admitted? Quite a process, but would be a good way of taking job requests/networking off of the boards.

Along those lines...any mgousers down in Charleston, SC? I'm in Chicago but potentiall relocated down south in the next year, it would be great to make some connections!

LSAClassOf2000

May 8th, 2012 at 7:02 PM ^

I would contribute to such a group whenever possible - this is a connected, educated group with tentacles in many walks of existence, and it would be a great opportunity to find someone with experience in a field or on a subject which you are considering as a job or major or whatnot. Indeed, this group has been able to give excellent advice on things up to and including fixing paint bubbles on the hood of someone's car most recently. There is plenty of fuel for such a concept. 

LinkedIn wouldn't be a bad way to go about this if there are concerns about keeping it apart from MGoBlog itself. For professional connections anyway, that's my primary vehicle, but I would love to have MGoConnections on that list. 

From time to time, I have even tinkered with the idea of using my own MGoInfluence to see if I could help people looking for assistance from my own employer, which would be the electric utility for SE Michigan. I figure that the least I can do for this blog is try to keep the lights on, or indeed, turn them on if you're looking for new service. We have an "I Can Help!" site and I have actually thought about posting links to it, and we also tend to have numerous internships if you're an up and coming electrical engineering major or marketing major. 

white_pony_rocks

May 8th, 2012 at 6:25 PM ^

this is great!  I recently got a job as a business manager/social media coordinator of a stand alone fitness/performance training facility here in AA.  I am jumping into this with a econ/finance degree so I am learning as I go.  I wanted to ask the members here for advice on getting more athletes instead of 40-50 year olds, as the owner feels they are under-represented at his facility.  Since most college athletes have access to the weight room and S&C coaches, I figured it would need to be mostly high school students whose parents have disposable incomes, but I'm not sure how to get the word out to them.  Any advice would be great.

Gameboy

May 8th, 2012 at 7:34 PM ^

Alumni Association just launched a Facebook app for a similar purpose called "Hail Forward!"

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/Michiganalumni/app_248750635144385

I have worked many years at a large software company and worked on many tech projects and would be happy to help with any questions you may have.

This is somewhere between Facebook and message boards. Perhaps there is a new app idea here...

DrewGOBLUE

May 8th, 2012 at 7:46 PM ^

This is a really great idea. With the way the job market is right now, it can be hard to find employment without some sort of connection.

If there are job openings at a firm where a certain MGoBlog user works, maybe that person could post application information on the site. Then if they are able to, try and help interested members of the MGoBlog community at least get an opportunity to interview for the position. 

It would also be great to have forums for people looking for general advice, whether it be on finding a finance or engineering job or getting into law or medical school. 

GRFS11

May 8th, 2012 at 7:49 PM ^

Would definitely participate.  Though it might be scary to see all the companies that think their employees (or bosses) are working hard all day but we are really all on MGo...let's connect like-minded people!

DeuceInTheDeuce

May 8th, 2012 at 8:34 PM ^

This is a good idea, as I don't believe networking has ever been more important.*  If the anonymity issues are resolved I'd certainly participate.  Also, any suggestions where a poor incoming grad student who will have all classes on the southern end of central campus might live? 

 

*In response to the "every major's terrible" thread, I'd recommend anyone entering college major in "meeting influential people and getting them to like you."  

MGoPietrowski

May 8th, 2012 at 8:43 PM ^

As a recent grad with intentions of moving to ypsi/a2 in the next year (my love of Michigan/Detroit athletics coupled with the fact that there are just no jobs in my hometown) I think this is a great idea. Sign me up.

skwasha

May 8th, 2012 at 8:48 PM ^

I'm all for the general idea. However, I personally would prefer to stay away from Facebook or LinkedIn as the hub. Facebook is too crowded and creates too much noise. In the past maybe I'd have been more OK with LinkedIn, but lately I've found that the walls there are starting to crumble a bit. I get hit with more and more cold-calls asking if I'm hiring or looking to hire. I feel like it's becoming less and less just my network of connections, rather a tool for recruiters.

All that said, when I have an opening I'd always prefer to give Mgousers the first crack at it.

FWIW - I tried the "official" Alumni posting site thing and didn't get a single response. Either that system just stinks or no one wants a programming job in SoCal.

MGoShtoink

May 8th, 2012 at 9:40 PM ^

I think LinkedIn is the way to go with this... as it's geared toward professionals.   I know one member above has listed some issues with cold calling, but our group would be restricted.

Not sure it's completely appropriate to have this type of thing on the blog.

A couple questions before I create this:

  1. Everyone agree with LinkedIn?
  2. What should the group name be?  MGoNetworking, MGoGroup, MGoBlog?
  3. Sign-up process suggestions?
  4. Volunteers to be a co-group owner to help with sign-up in case it's a little more complicated than just request permission?

 

 

MGoShtoink

May 8th, 2012 at 10:49 PM ^

Search in LinkedIn for "MGoNetworking".

I made it "auto-join" and will keep it this way for a couple weeks while we build a community then we can switch to "request to join" if necessary.

I'll make you a co-owner as soon as you join!  Thanks for volunteering!

I'm going to post this comment at the top of the post as well and add a few board posts over the next week or so soliciting members.

 

bluebyyou

May 8th, 2012 at 10:26 PM ^

Excellent idea....I have a son, a Michigan alum,  starting a residency in surgery this June at Michigan with a wife looking for a job as a special ed teacher/asst principal.  Anything that could assist her would be a tremendous idea.

Count me in.

bluebelle

May 8th, 2012 at 10:31 PM ^

As a former English major I know how tough it can be. I work in marketing communications for an international hospitality company now, so I'm not in the Ann Arbor area, but I would be happy to be involved in something like this.

Dess

May 8th, 2012 at 10:37 PM ^

I think this would be so useful! I know here at UMHS it is pretty much ALL who you know as far as employment/recruiting. I'd love to be able to give opportunities to fellow MGoIntelligentsia.

1blockradius

May 8th, 2012 at 10:47 PM ^

I like the idea. I'm an engineer in A2 looking at potentially changing careers and even though I don't know what I want to do quite yet this is one of the few outlets I have to read what other non-engineers do, ha. Its a nice perspective because it just seems like everyone I know all do pretty much the same thing. (engineering / not business related type careers)

MGoShtoink

May 8th, 2012 at 11:03 PM ^

I know I'm posting this a lot, but I want to spread the word.

Search LinkedIn for the group "MGoNetworking".

Spread the word.  I'll post a board topic about this tomorrow and a few more times this week to spread the word as well.

Sambojangles

May 9th, 2012 at 11:08 AM ^

The amazing part in looking through the Linkedin group members is seeing how many smart, accomplished, successful people are on this site.

...and presumably, are the ones posting cat videos and using the terms posbang and tacopants.