For the ambitious, tech savvy college students who actually do use Twitter for professional reasons and not simply broadcasting to the world what they just ate for breakfast, Twitter chats can be a great way to network. Everyday there are tons of chats taking place on all sorts of topics ranging from music to food, sports or education.

There are a handful of Twitter chats specifically for Gen Y and college students, many of which I participate in on a regular basis. I've found them to be very helpful in terms of professional questions and also personal challenges of making the transition from college to real life. The best Twitter chats are typically moderated by a different person each week and have a predetermined set of questions.

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Most Twitter chats last about an hour and participants can join at any time throughout that time period. While you're home this summer set aside an hour or two to network online using Twitter during one of these top Twitter chats for college students:

  1. #GenYChat
    A chat for anyone in Generation Y. 
    Join this chat each Wednesday at 9PM EST. 
  2. #u30pro
    Under 30 Professionals Chat is for working professionals looking to "drive the discussion to bridge the generational gap, demolish stereotypes and break down differences in the professional workplace."
    Join the chat each Thursday starting at 7pm EST and sign up for the #u30pro digest for a weekly recap of events.  
  3. #CollegeChat
     A discussion forum for education experts/journalists/authors and parents, teens, college students about college: preparing for, applying to, paying for, college life, grad school  and post graduation.
    Join this chat every first and third Tuesday of the month starting at 9PM EST. 
  4. #CollegeBound
    Twitter chats for high school students, counselors, parents or transfer students.
    Gina & Barbara from CollegeBound.net host this chat every Monday at 4PM EST.
  5. #careerchat
    Looking for a job? Interview tips? Workplace advice? This chat is open to female professionals searching for answers to those burning questions about careers.
    Join this chat hosted by MyPath every Tuesday at 11AM EST.
  6. #CChat
    College and Career Chat hosted by Syracuse University iSchool.
    Join the chats after the summer break, beginning in September. These chats run every other week on Tuesdays at 8 PM EST. (The time may be changing to 10 PM EST to accomodate other time zones.)
  7. #GenYJobs
    Aspiring young adults looking to enter the job market.
    Join the chat on Tuesdays, every other week starting at 10 PM EST.

What are your favorite college and career Twitter chats?

Photo:  SidewaysSarah Creative Commons 2.0 Generic