Introduction: Social Media Is No Longer Just Social
For most students, social media begins as entertainment: sharing memes, following trends, and connecting with friends. But employers see it differently. Today, social media is one of the first places recruiters check when evaluating candidates.
The same platforms that can hurt your chances with careless posts can also become powerful career assets if used strategically. For international students under pressure to secure jobs within the 18-month Graduate Route visa, social media done right can accelerate visibility, networking, and employability.
Why Social Media Matters in Recruitment
Employers spend significant money and time on recruitment. A poor hire costs not just salary, but also training, onboarding, and cultural disruption. That is why they go beyond CVs to assess candidates’ online presence.
- Risk check – Abusive or divisive posts raise red flags.
- Cultural fit – Social behaviour online gives clues about attitude and adaptability.
- Credibility – A consistent professional voice reassures employers.
This is why students must treat social media not as private playgrounds but as extensions of their personal brand.
From Liability to Asset: The Transformation
The good news is that social media doesn’t have to be a risk. Managed well, it can become a career asset.
- Visibility – Sharing insights, projects, and reflections increases your professional footprint.
- Networking – Alumni, mentors, and recruiters are just a message away.
- Learning – Following industry leaders provides free access to knowledge.
- Opportunities – Many jobs, internships, and collaborations are posted first on social platforms.
Real-Life Examples: Social Media as a Career Catalyst
Gary Vaynerchuk – From Wine Store to Media Mogul
Gary Vaynerchuk turned his family’s small wine store into a $60 million business by creating YouTube wine reviews. Today, he runs VaynerMedia, a global digital agency. His career shows how consistent storytelling can transform expertise into global influence.
Huda Kattan – Dubai’s Billion-Dollar Beauty Entrepreneur
Huda began as a makeup blogger on Instagram and YouTube, sharing tutorials from her base in Dubai. Authenticity and consistency built trust, leading to Huda Beauty, now a billion-dollar brand. Her story proves that the UAE can be a global launchpad for social media-driven businesses.
Ben Francis – Gymshark’s Instagram Growth Story
Ben Francis started Gymshark from his garage while studying. By leveraging Instagram and fitness influencers, Gymshark grew into a global sportswear brand worth over £1 billion.
Khalid Al Ameri – Emirati Storyteller for the World
Through heartfelt, family-centred videos on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, Khalid has become a cultural ambassador for the Middle East. His ability to share authentic, relatable stories has made him a household name beyond the UAE.
Karen Wazen – Influencer to Entrepreneur
Starting as a fashion influencer in Dubai, Karen Wazen transformed her Instagram presence into Karen Wazen Eyewear, now sold internationally. Her journey highlights how personal branding can evolve into a sustainable business.
Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) – Tech Reviewer to Global Voice
Marques started reviewing gadgets as a teenager on YouTube. Today, with millions of subscribers, he interviews CEOs and influences the tech industry. His consistency shows the power of niche content.
Anas Bukhash – Entrepreneur & Host of ABtalks
With his YouTube show ABtalks, Anas Bukhash turned candid conversations with global figures into a respected media brand. Based in Dubai, he has shown how building thoughtful content online can establish authority and open business opportunities.
Chiara Ferragni – Fashion Blogger to Global Entrepreneur
Chiara Ferragni built The Blonde Salad into a fashion empire, leveraging Instagram to create her own brand and partnerships with luxury companies. She is now one of the world’s most recognised influencers.
These stories — from Silicon Valley to Dubai — show that social media is no longer just entertainment. It is a launchpad for careers, businesses, and global influence.
Platforms and Their Career Value
- The most career-focused platform.
- Showcase degrees, achievements, and projects.
- Share reflections on studying in the UK, industry updates, or cultural insights.
Twitter (X)
- Track industry news and thought leaders.
- Use hashtags like #hiring or #graduatejobs to spot opportunities.
- A portfolio for creative industries (fashion, design, media, marketing).
- Use highlights to showcase professional milestones.
YouTube & TikTok
- Growing career tools for those willing to share tutorials, student experiences, or thought leadership.
- Short videos explaining concepts or personal journeys can attract wide visibility.
Facebook Groups
- Still effective for job boards, alumni networks, and student communities.
A 5-Step Strategy to Make Social Media Work for You
1. Audit and Clean
- Review accounts as if you were an employer.
- Remove unprofessional posts.
- Set personal accounts to private if necessary.
2. Define Your Career Narrative
- Decide on your message: Are you an aspiring marketer, engineer, or project manager?
- Align bios, posts, and interactions with this story.
3. Share Value, Not Just Activity
- Post about coursework, reflections, or industry developments.
- Share resilience stories as an international student — employers value adaptability.
4. Engage Thoughtfully
- Comment meaningfully on alumni and professional posts.
- Participate in groups and communities relevant to your field.
5. Showcase Testimonials and Achievements
- Share recommendations or endorsements (with permission).
- Celebrate milestones such as certifications or projects.
The Cultural Fit Dimension
Recruiters today care as much about cultural fit as technical skill. Social media provides them with insight into how you might integrate into a team.
- Positive, constructive content signals adaptability.
- Respectful online discussions reflect professionalism.
- Testimonials and collaborations show teamwork.
For international students, this is crucial. Employers want reassurance that you will adapt well to UK workplace culture, and your online presence is one way they measure it.
Networking Through Social Media
Networking is no longer restricted to conferences or job fairs. Social media makes it possible to connect globally:
- Engage with UWS London alumni via LinkedIn and networks like TEG Club.
- Follow recruiters and hiring managers in your industry.
- Join online events, webinars, or discussions to increase visibility.
The key is generosity: comment thoughtfully, share resources, and celebrate others’ achievements. Networking is built on relationships, not self-promotion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Treating professional platforms like personal ones by posting memes or arguments.
- Allowing CV and online profiles to show inconsistencies.
- Staying inactive — a dormant LinkedIn profile suggests disinterest.
- Over-posting irrelevant content that dilutes your professional story.
Social Media for Entrepreneurs and Freelancers
For entrepreneurs and freelancers, social media is not optional — it is essential.
- Trust – Testimonials and reviews on platforms build credibility.
- Referrals – Happy clients amplify your reach through shares.
- Content as proof – Instagram portfolios, LinkedIn thought leadership, or YouTube tutorials prove expertise.
From Huda Kattan to Karen Wazen, the UAE has shown the world how influencers can transform personal branding into thriving businesses.
Erudmite’s Perspective
At Erudmite, we encourage students to rethink their relationship with social media. It is not simply a tool for distraction but a platform for opportunity. Employers spend heavily on recruitment and want low-risk, high-value hires. A consistent, positive, and professional online presence signals exactly that.
Through career counselling in Dubai and networks such as TEG Club, we guide students on how to optimise LinkedIn, build authentic personal brands, and use social media as a true career asset.
A 30-Day Action Plan to Rebuild Your Online Presence
Week 1: Audit and Clean – Remove or hide unprofessional posts, align your bios.
Week 2: Build Foundation – Update LinkedIn headlines, add experiences, and create consistency.
Week 3: Share Value – Post weekly insights, industry updates, or reflections on your UK study journey.
Week 4: Showcase Achievements – Add testimonials, portfolio work, and alumni recommendations.
By the end of 30 days, you will have shifted from being passive online to actively shaping your narrative.
Conclusion:
Social media can be a liability or an asset. The difference lies in how you use it. For international students, it is often the first impression employers see. For entrepreneurs, it is the foundation of client trust and business growth.
The stories of Huda Kattan, Khalid Al Ameri, Karen Wazen, Gary Vaynerchuk, and others prove that social media is not a side tool — it is a career engine.
Use it wisely. Build intentionally. Because in today’s world, social media is not just social — it is your most powerful career ally.
FAQs
1. Can employers really see my personal posts?
Yes. Many recruiters check social media beyond LinkedIn before making decisions.
2. Should I make all my personal accounts private?
Yes, if you want to keep them informal. Keep at least one platform professional and visible.
3. Which platform matters most?
LinkedIn is essential for all. Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are powerful depending on your field.
4. How often should I post?
At least once a week on LinkedIn, and consistently (not excessively) on other platforms relevant to your industry.
5. How does Erudmite help with this?
We guide students on aligning their social media with employer expectations, turning it into a trusted career asset.
