You are young, up and coming, and on the move. Time is of the essence. There is absolutely no shame in using the tools that are available to make life easier. 

Don't let anyone snicker at your use of the Internet to meet new people. To not use such a valuable resource would be the foolish thing to do. 

With new technology comes new customs, and using the Web is an excellent way to widen your social horizons.  In the future, it will be unusual not to have used personals to meet someone. 

There is a wealth of misinformation spread about that might scare you, or make you feel somehow less than competent, if you have to resort to personals to meet new friends. Well that thought is just not worth bothering about. 

The people you meet on the Internet are just like you. Sure a few "kooks" might sneak in, but that is just the same as it would be for any other way you would meet someone. 

With the web you can go over one's profile without wasting the hours it would take to meet them in person. You post your mutual interests, and can check each other out, with no hurt feelings. 

Photographs let you know right off if you want to pursue the relationship farther. Some may think this is cold, but it is absolutely not. There is no harm in wanting someone to be a certain type or have the kind of look you like. 

Remember, once you submit your information, someone out there is doing the same thing, and judging you. 

One word of caution is to be honest in your description of yourself and with your photographs. Don't submit your picture from back when you were in university unless you state it is an old photograph. 

As it is in life, honesty in the personals is the best policy.