Nice to Meet You All!
Hi, GenYNetworking.com readers! I’m so excited to now be contributing, and I hope I can explore valuable networking topics. As a member of Generation Y myself, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful networking can be — I landed my first full-time job out of college through networking!
For a little bit of background information, I graduated from the University of Georgia in May 2009, smack dab in the middle of the recession. To top it off, I had a shiny new bachelor’s degree in journalism, and unfortunately, traditional journalism hadn’t been faring well for quite awhile. So I made the best of the situation by reaching out to former classmates and colleagues at UGA’s student newspaper, and after a few interviews, found my match. I accepted a contract position to develop a social media marketing strategy from the ground up at a small but successful software company. My position became full-time five months later.
I’ve continued to network — primarily through writing and blogging — and have found the Internet and social media to be invaluable tools, especially to recent grads. I’m excited to contribute to GenYNetworking.com because, although networking is perhaps the most important skill in the “real world,” it’s rarely, if ever, taught in schools. There’s a wealth of information out there and the lines between our personal and professional lives are always blurring, especially in today’s digital world. Feel free to suggest ideas and contribute to the conversation!
I’m looking forward to networking with you all a few times each week!
About the Author
Shannon Otto is a freelance writer and marketing professional based in Atlanta. A forward-thinking communicator, she's fueled by coffee, yoga and the thrill of a deadline. Shannon graduated from the University of Georgia in 2009 with a bachelors degree in journalism and is a passionate believer in the power of networking.
