First impressions are hard to erase

In the new era of social media, it is often forgotten that the way a person portrays him or herself is immediately up for discussion.

Neate Sager wrote an opinionated piece on the newest PR person for the OUA, which is what brought up this train of thought. In a time when it is difficult for current and recently graduated university students to find a quality job, a hiring of a young woman (or man, not discriminating here) for the position may immediately come under fire simply by questioning the experience that she can bring to the position.

However, when thoughts and comments are broadcasted through social media similar to those noted in the article, one has to think that perhaps the OUA made a poor choice in candidate.

Anyone working within the PR sector should know that comments are always up for interpretation and will almost certainly be spun into a context that will support any argument. The whole purpose of this job is to help give the OUA a more positive image within not only Canada but also the United States, especially due to the recent steroid scandal at Waterloo. Instead, the OUA office decided to hire someone who seems a bit unaware of the fact that her comments in social media are easily accessible and open to interpretation.

I will be the first to admit I have written some regrettable comments on my twitter account in an altered state of mind that perhaps were not the greatest sentiments to share with the internet, particularly with a then-open profile. They have been deleted since, and my awareness of what is posted is now much higher. It brought into sharp focus the fact that if my name is googled by a potential employer, Facebook and Twitter profiles would more than likely be the first things to pop up. Despite security settings, there are always personal connections which make gaining information about a person much easier than it previously has been. Judgement is quickly passed on people and generally it is difficult to change a person's opinion, especially if the behaviour is broadcast through social media.

For someone who is looking to create a positive image of not only herself but also that of the OUA, her comments made through social media should seriously be re-thought. One wonders how thorough her understanding of PR itself is if this is the image that is being broadcast.