‘People who do not use social media networks will always fall behind in career development opportunities.’ To what extent do you feel that this is an accurate and important prediction?

Social

media

plays an increasingly pivotal role in our lives, and

an

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the

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ability to

use

these systems is certainly an advantage both socially and professionally.

However

, it seems rather excessive to say that ignorance of these matters will ‘always’ restrict people’s careers, and I will explain why.

Firstly

,

career

progression relies on a whole range of factors, not only on the

use

of social 18

media

.

For example

, a professional person will have a range of qualifications, ranging from academic exams to vocational certificates and membership

of

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professional bodies. We see

this

in the way that successful doctors take increasingly specialised qualifications and join specific institutes to develop their skills. Here, social

media

may be a communication tool, but is surely not the driving force behind success.

Secondly

,

career

development relies greatly on interpersonal skills

such

as presentation methods, persuasiveness and negotiation, all of which are used in face-to-face situations rather than remotely.

Finally

, we should remember the dangers of social

media

and the risk of actually hindering one’s

career

,

for instance

by accidentally distributing awkward photos or comments which can be an embarrassment personally and professionally. Indeed, many professionals in fact minimise their

use

of these

media

because of

this

risk. Admittedly, it is true that social

media

presents great opportunities for making contacts and networking,

for example

by building a following or exchanging updates on a particular topic.

However

,

this

tends to happen when a person is already qualified and respected in their field, rather than being a cause of success. In conclusion, it appears that skilful

use

of these

media

can play a useful role in

career

progression, despite the possible risks.

Nevertheless

, the fundamental qualifications and personal skills which drive a

career

will ensure that those who are not enthusiastic users will still progress as they wish.