So much has been said in the recent past about the negative impact on one's career with regard to inappropriate blog-material, it's easy to understand why our May grads might be a bit blog-shy (even though I don't think they are).

Hopefully, those who've not used discretion with regard to public venues such as MySpace, Facebook, Blogger, etc., spent the last few months of college cleaning up their act.

If I were just now graduating from college, I'd like to believe that I'd spent the last four years chronicling my educational pursuits and using blogging as a platform to assist future students considering attendance at my school (see how they do it at Vanderbilt).

I would hope that my blog had been a platform to establish myself as a participant in the community of thought surrounding my educational passions. As a supplement to my in-class experiences, it would have helped me to gain a global perspective by interacting (via blog) with people around the world - exchanging ideas.

This is one way I presently use my blog to connect with my new friend as we discuss issues surrounding wi-fi and all things wireless; he from Southeastern Europe (Romania) and I from Frisco, Texas. By the way, I know that what I just said sounds boring, but hang in there; it pays long-term dividends.

Blogging for brand identity
I'd like to think I was smart enough to use my blog to creatively chip away at the rock that would, in four to six years time, best reflect my own unique brand - my way of thinking and acting; that which clearly describes who I am and what I am all about (and hoping that it's admirable).

Having participated in demanding internships throughout college, I'm sure my blog would have highlighted my experiences and provided the opportunity for me to tell potential employers of all that I'd learned – you know, my accomplishments, shortcomings (c'mon, we've got to maintain credibility here), and challenges – and, how I would use each of these to add value to my future employer by positively effecting their bottom line.

Again, I know we've crossed the line to full-fledged boredom, which is why you'd rather blog about the topic in my next paragraph. But you’ve got to choose your keystrokes wisely, young weed hopper (sorry, guess I've been watching too many Kung Fu reruns).

Rather than blogging about the night my roommates and I went skinny dipping at the local Holiday Inn, I'm certain I'd reference the late night strategy sessions that resulted in my team winning the business plan competition held by the Entrepreneurial Management Institute. I would have received far less comments on my blog, but then again, that would be a good thing.

Blog as resume manager
And finally, I'm sure I would have posted my resume on my blog during my first semester, providing updates over the years to reflect my accomplishments, and to convince potential employers of my serious approach to higher education.

Sounds intelligent, eh?

One thing is for sure, college-grad; your brand has been a work-in-progress these past four years whether you were aware of it or not. Here's to hoping that you've spent your time wisely, and that you'll have the opportunity to ride brand YOU straight to your dream job.

Now, let me ask you this. What advice would you offer up to those who will soon follow in your footsteps?