LinkedIn around the globe.

LinkedIn image: The Associated Press 

LinkedIn as the largest professional networking site is now allowing users to search for volunteer positions in addition to professional paid jobs (Associated Press, 2013). As a long term user, I have been using the site as a way to connect not only to Australian employers but also other countries such as Hong Kong, Europe and America.

What I have found interesting is that now LinkedIn is providing a larger opportunity for those who would want some experience as a volunteer in non-profit organisations as global citizens. We can learn about the world from experiencing different workplaces, cultures and strengthening our knowledge in terms of what is happening around us that was once unknown or never been experienced. Volunteering in a way, allows global citizens to really experience about how the world works for instance, how charity funds are being processed to different countries through aid funds or how the Government can assist refugees find a better home to live in through their Immigration and Citizenship Departments.

As this networking site develops, I personally believe that LinkedIn has allowed direct communication with employers and employees to help me understand more about the people and the corporation itself. Instead of cold-calling or sending a resume and cover letters to the Human Resource managers, the application was just a piece of paper that did not offer a sense of familiarity, no sense of relationship being bridged between the job seeker and the employer. Now as at present, with this particular form of communication, we as global citizens or active global job seekers are being introduced with such technology that can allow us to learn more about the corporation and its culture just within a few clicks. Furthermore, information is being poured into our knowledge about what exactly are these corporations providing to our communities around the world.

The information provided to us are not only for job seekers to understand what the corporations are and what they do, but also the active participation through news and blog updates by these corporations. They educate both employed and unemployed about what is exactly happening. From processes of mergers or buy outs of another companies to updating on the latest technology for a greener work practice, the constant updates on LinkedIn educates us global citizens about matters that we cannot learn from the education system. Such valuable information from this primary source will help those future leaders to understand more about how the economy operates and what motives we should take to prevent any future issues such as environmental impacts or depleting human rights on child labour. I personally believe that this opened network really shows a lot about how companies can actively be global citizens through the engagement of blogging their activities or just communicating out to those who wishes to learn more about the company itself.

The Associated Press 2013, January 15^th 2014, LinkedIn adds volunteer marketplace to job sites, USA Today A Gannet Company, accessed 16^th January 2014, <http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/01/15/linkedin-volunteer-marketplace-jobs-site/4490853/>.