Social media is a collaborative tool. Do you think there could be downsides to a collaborative approach to developing your career? For example, might there be repercussions from your boss for you being part of a social media network and being aware of your efforts to shift your career?

Could this type of potential downside be eliminated or reduced? How?

Career development is a process that can be viewed as consisting of three phases: assessment, direction, and development. The process of career development used to be mainly the responsibility of the organization, but career development today has largely become the responsibility of individuals. However, individuals can still use help in developing their careers, and many organizations find that assisting with career development is an investment in employees that offers a positive return. As described in the Manager’s Notebook, “Reaching Out to Develop Careers: Social Media as a Skill and a Tool,” some organizations are utilizing social media as a means to develop careers. Although the use of this technology in career development is still emerging, there may be much potential in using this technology to efficiently provide career development.