- What digital platforms are students currently using to develop their professional network?
I believe most students are using LinkedIn to develop their professional network, as most professionals use it to expand connections in their related industries. As engineers or managers aren’t able to connect in many other platforms to make professional connections. However, there is another side to this, and that is for the creative industry. Photographers, graphic designers, fashion designers, videographers, and writers could all use more mainstream social media networks as a way to develop their professional networks. I am a photographer; I use Facebook and Instagram with the intention of making professional connections and to find paid work. The university has told students to use LinkedIn to make a professional connections. Still, as a digital creator, I have taken the initiative to use Facebook and other photo or video-sharing platforms with this intention.
- What could the student consider in expanding their professional learning network?
What students could consider when expanding their professional learning network is that typical social media platforms we view for personal uses can be a great way to network and find professional connections with similar interests. We see, for example, Instagram as a way to connect with friends, but what if we used it to connect with professionals and get a more personal look into their lives? Students need to see that their professional and personal don’t necessarily need to be different, but I guess that all depends on the individual. As for myself, I find that my personal and professional self is the same as I have taken the time to develop my personal brand to be exactly what I want to reflect both my friends and clientele.
- How do data privacy and security limit and promote a PLN?
I believe that data privacy and security limit a PLN as an induvial doesn’t want to share very personal information that could tell strangers where they live in case they are being threatened. In this case, I believe this also follows true about individuals, for example, celebrities raising children. They decide to keep their children’s identity private and off public social media, which could limit their exposure to having this PLN with other children who are using these platforms. Data privacy and security promote a PLN because you can decide who and what you interact with. You can accept specific friend requests, decide if you want your profile to be public or not, and send messages privately, which are all measures that, if you don’t want everyone to see your activity promotes a PLN.
- In your network, how can you create a digital identity/ reputation?
In my network, I can create a strong digital identity and reputation by continuing to post content that aligns with my personal brand. I love nature, photography, surfing, entrepreneurship, and self-development; these are the key pillars I use when posting content on my social accounts. I post content that aligns with these key pillars so that I am consentient with my posts, so I have long-term followers and attract the right people. I like people to know that I am a real person, so I do post not serious things all the time so that others are able to form a more personal relationship with me. I interact and share other individuals’ posts that I believe my followers will enjoy and that speaks to my values. I believe that if I stay true to these values and pillars I have sent out for myself, I will grow a strong digital identity and form meaningful connections with people worldwide.
COMMENT
I love your post on this week’s discussion ~ your visual is very nicely done! One thing I think you could consider is using social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook in I really love your post to this week’s discussion ~ your visual is very nicely done! One thing I think you could consider is using social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook in a professional way. What I mean by this is to create a “personal brand” for yourself, but that depends on whether it is relevant to your industry. Whether you are into medicine, art, or even biology sharing information or posts on these topics could help establish a professional angle to your profile. This doesn’t necessarily mean all you have to post is stuff regarding your industry, but you can do a mix of both! This way, your social media isn’t strictly just personal but can include the other half of your life, which is your professional. There are a lot of opportunities on these platforms to make meaningful connections and job leads that aren’t just thanks to LinkedIn. Maybe it’s because my career in marketing has to do with social media, which is why this is applicable to me, but I see this as an opportunity for other industries to do as well.