Kaplan University, a leader in higher education innovation, will host an information-packed webinar as part of its “Visionary Voices” series on January 17, discussing how social media can be used to transform careers. The one-hour webinar will feature Techonomy Media founder David Kirkpatrick and Brendan Browne, LinkedIn’s director of global talent acquisition. They will share best practices on how job seekers and professionals can use social media to develop personal brands, build communities and capitalize on industry opportunities. In addition, Kirkpatrick and Browne will delve into ways corporations can use social media to keep up with the Digital Age’s growing demand for authenticity, transparency and good faith.

At Kirkpatrick’s recent Techonomy Conference, it was emphasized that professionals should update their skills every 12 to 18 months in order to remain relevant and marketable in today’s job market. Kaplan University has created a LinkedIn group called ADVANCE: Career. Education. You. to provide support to those seeking to adopt such positive career strategies. New members can join by clicking here.

David Kirkpatrick is founder, host, and CEO of Techonomy, and was also founder and host of Fortune’s Brainstorm conference series from 2001 through 2006 and the Brainstorm Tech conferences from 2007 to 2009. He has served as senior technology editor at Fortune, where he is still a regular contributor. In addition, Kirkpatrick is author of the best-selling book “The Facebook Effect: The Inside Story of the Company that is Connecting the World” and has written and blogged extensively on the impact that social media is having—and will continue to have—on the commerce and careers in our increasingly digital world. As a respected analyst of technology’s influence on the future of business, he has contributed to business and technology discourse in media channels such as WIRED and Forbes.com.

Brendan Browne is the director of global talent acquisition at LinkedIn, a company committed to reinventing the paradigms of networking, talent, and recruitment. At LinkedIn, Browne is helping to reinvent the way organizations recruit talent by adding new depth to the conversation between employers and potential employees. He currently manages a team of over 45 people who process more than 85,000 resumes per year. Browne’s role includes recruiting, but also involves assisting in product development for LinkedIn’s growing recruitment platform. Before working at LinkedIn, Browne served as staffing manager for the Bill Gates Groups at Microsoft, as well as in senior recruiting roles at Northwestern Mutual, Sapient, and Rearden Commerce.

The “ADVANCE” Group is a forum for professionals to create new paradigms for work and learning based on personal innovation and ongoing education. Discussions within the group have focused on topics such as emerging industry trends and growth opportunities, methods for updating work skills, and articles on general career strategies. Members have shared job tips and articles from thought leaders and posted information about career trends, industry conferences, and more.

About Kaplan University

Kaplan University offers a different school of thought for higher education. It strives to help adult students unlock their talent by providing a practical, student-centered education that prepares them for careers in some of the fastest-growing industries. The University, which has its main campus in Davenport, Iowa, and its headquarters in Chicago, is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (www.ncahlc.org) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Kaplan University serves approximately 49,000 online and campus-based students. The University has 11 campuses in Iowa, Nebraska, Maryland and Maine, and Kaplan University Learning Centers in Maryland, Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri and Florida.

Kaplan University is one of Kaplan, Inc.’s higher education institutions, which serve approximately 73,000 students online and through approximately 70 campus-based schools across the United States. Kaplan’s higher education schools offer a spectrum of academic opportunities, from certificates and diplomas to graduate and professional degrees, including a juris doctor degree. Kaplan, Inc. is a leading international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. It is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO), and its largest division. For more information, visit http://www.kaplanuniversity.edu today.

About Visionary Voices

Visionary Voices is an innovative partnership between Kaplan University and top thought leaders, business people and intellectuals which provides insight, inspiration and tips for success through various media which include interactive webinars and an online video library of exclusive interviews. In the past, Visionary Voices has featured speakers such as Jeff Weiner, CEO of LinkedIn; Kevin Kelly, cofounder of Wired Magazine; Jack Canfield, originator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series; and Margaret Spellings, former U.S. Secretary of Education. Learn more about Visionary Voices.