November 13, 2009

Business college expands use of social media

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Ear buds are everywhere you look on college campuses.

That escalating use of mobile technology sparked an idea in Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s College of Business, said Matthew Purdy, associate director of career services for the college. The result is a new selection of entertaining, informative presentations that anyone can now access free at the iTunes store.

“The goal is to inform students about the exciting career opportunities for College of Business students as well as opportunities for our students to be more engaged and involved. We want to help them launch their careers while they are still on campus,” Purdy said.

He said that while business students are the primary audience for the postings, there also is valuable information for students throughout the University and for faculty, staff and community members. To access the interviews, simply go to http://itunes.siu.edu and click on “Open SIUC” and then on the College of Business button.

“It’s free for everyone and easy to listen to,” he said.

Currently, there are four iTunes interviews online, each lasting from about eight minutes to about 20 minutes. Titles include: “Saluki Student Investment Fund,” “Student Consultants!” “Living in a Mobile World!” and “Sales, Martini Parties and Dump Trucks.”

The Saluki Student Investment Fund, currently totaling $225,000 in invested cash, gives students the chance to really learn finance and investing with hands-on experience. Mark Peterson, Gordon and Sharon Teel professor of finance, talks about the program in one iTunes program. Suzanne Nasco, associate marketing professor, tells about mobile marketing research and campaigns in “Living in a Mobile World!”

Purdy said the online library’s focus will incorporate the 15 or so registered student organizations within the college, career advice, internship information, recent faculty research and much more. Plans call for involving faculty, RSO leaders, alumni and representatives from the world of business.

“Every single employer we talk to wants to see student involvement, not just good grades. These iTunes presentations offer valuable information about getting involved in organizations and activities that are available to business students,” Purdy said.

You can subscribe to the business college’s iTunes too, so each time the college posts a new show, it’s immediately accessible on your computer. Purdy said they anticipate adding new interviews every two or three weeks. For now, the library features just audio presentations but Purdy plans video presentations in the future as well.

The iTunes programs aren’t the only foray into social media for the College of Business. It has more than 800 page fans on Facebook. Purdy said the college also actively uses YouTube, Flickr, Google Earth and Twitter (twitter.com/siubpc) to stay connected with students, prospective students and the world at large.

“Wherever online opportunities exist to promote the College of Business, we’ll be there,” Purdy said.