Visitor and Residents Map

What digital platforms are students currently using to develop their professional network?

The most popular digital platform that students use to develop their professional network would probably be LinkedIn. From my experience, most students connect with employers and with coworkers in a professional setting using LinkedIn. With LinkedIn, it is quick and easy to see if an individual has any mutual connections as well as their past and current work experiences. I have used LinkedIn to connect with many of my classmates and also coworkers from my co-op position, it has helped let me stay in touch with everyone. Another platform, although less common in developing a professional network, would be Facebook. Although Facebook is generally not used for professional networking, it can be a good platform to expand your network by viewing Facebook groups that are in a similar field/professional as your own and connecting with the people in the group.

What could the student consider in expanding their professional learning network?

The student should consider expanding their professional learning network to different regions around the world. Although it might be easier to limit your professional learning network to local individuals, it is best to expand to different regions of the world and interact with individuals with varying experiences. Digital platforms have made it increasingly easy to communicate with people across the globe and can be used to easily expand your professional learning network globally. Another thing to remember is that you need to maintain the network. Building a professional learning network is not just about connecting with reaching out to someone once to connect. A network should be one where you develop a positive learning environment and relationship with everyone in your network and communicating semi-frequently to frequently is crucial in this process.

How an employer would respond if you applied for a job with them and they assessed your social media presence via your digital identity.

An employer would find it hard to find anything about me on social media as I do not participate in social media often. I have no posts on any of my social media accounts. The only thing an employer would be able to view is the connections and job experiences I have on Linkedin. I do think that I could improve my digital identity to have a better impression on employers.

Thread Discussion: How do data privacy and security limit and promote a PLN? In your network, how can you create a digital identity/ reputation?

Data privacy and security are limiting to a professional learning network (PLN) by making it difficult for users to find and connect. If someone chooses to set hide their personal information and their privacy settings on, it would make it hard for someone to look up their personal information, employment background, or school to find them. Data privacy and security can also promote PLN as people feel safer only by allowing specific users to connect with them and having a safe environment that promotes learning. In my network, I can create a digital identity by updating my LinkedIn more often and interacting with connections frequently. Liking and commenting on posts is a great way to develop your reputation. For example, I have commented on a post made by a connection on LinkedIn and this led to making a connection with someone who was a mutual connection. This method is a good way of building up your reputation and presence online.