September 15, 2022

Students & Careers: Why it matters to represent yourself well

Download the Huddle Discussion Questions to have real conversations about this trending news story and more!

A former Dollar General employee, Mary Gundel, was recently fired over a TikTok where she discussed the challenges she faced while on the job. 

This is an important reminder for students that 18% of employers have fired people because of something they posted on social media. So what do students need to know about social media when it comes to looking for a new job? Let’s go:

This happens more often than students might believe

Mary Grundel’s story isn’t unique. Rising TikTok star Lexi Larson was also recently fired after posting TikTok videos where she shared her new salary after she was offered a new tech-job. This video quickly amassed thousands of views. Some people are debating the legality of the company’s actions, but Lexi has decided not to file a lawsuit and continues to post on TikTok today. 

A Google search will quickly reveal that employees are often fired over social media posts, and the reasons for termination are varied according to a Sage Journals study. In fact, CareerBuilder found that 67% of employers look up job candidates on social media.

TSI’s take on what these stories and stats mean for students

Should students run and delete their social media accounts? Absolutely not! CareerBuilder.com also tells us that 47% of employers will not hire someone they cannot find online.

Employers want to see student profiles’ reflect them as positive influences, and doing so can help them avoid potential problems online and offline. This is just a good reminder to be mindful of what you post online. Here at The Social Institute, we encourage students to play to their core when posting online by posting things that reflect their values, character, and interests in their actions online. 

What students can do to represent themselves best online

When students play to their core, they are mindful of what they post online and how it reflects them and their values. 

Encourage your students to think about these questions before they post: 

  • How would I feel if my teacher, principal, parent or employer saw this? 
  • Am I posting information that isn’t widely known or easily accessible online? 
  • Does this post reflect how I want others to view me?

Social media is a great place to share our passions and thoughts with the world, but we always have to be mindful of what we post online, because once it is posted, it cannot be taken back. We can learn from these news stories and remember to use social media as an extension of our values and character.

Download the Huddle Discussion Questions to have real conversations about this trending news story and more!

Always stay up-to-date with the latest and greatest trends online by subscribing to our newsletter where we talk about trending tech and social media news weekly! In the meantime, check out our Instagram and TikTok @thesocialinst for tips, trends, and highlights when it comes to social media.


The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in understanding student experiences and creator of #WinAtSocial, a gamified, online learning platform that equips students, educators, and families to navigate social experiences — online and offline — in healthy ways. Our unique, student-respected approach incorporates topics like social media, technology use, and current events that have a significant impact on student well-being. Lessons teach life skills for the modern day to inspire high-character decisions that support the health, happiness, and future success of students, while capturing data that provides insights to school leaders to inform school policy and communications, and enable high-impact teaching and a healthy learning environment. For schools, our turnkey technology allows for easy implementation and a comprehensive game plan to support the well-being of school communities. For schools, our turnkey technology allows for easy implementation and a comprehensive game plan to support the well-being of school communities.