Blog #9 – Engaging your PLN Using your PLN to engage business, career opportunities, and relationships.

Can your PLN be used to help professional development post-course?

I believe my PLN can be used to help professional development post-course. With the nature of my courses, there are a lot of group work and opportunities to grow a PLN. Through working with others in a PLN, people are able to gain insight into how their PLN operates, whether it be their work habits or competencies such as time management or organization. Group work is a good way to get a sense of how someone will work professionally. Therefore, I think that PLNs can serve as connections for professional development because individuals are aware of how each other works and can make recommendations to their companies if they are looking for a candidate to hire, thereby opening up more opportunities for employment. In addition, a PLN in a similar field can provide tips about what to do during an interview at a company they have previously worked for, increasing the chances of being hired.

Can your PLN be relied on to open professional opportunities?

It is definitely possible to open up professional opportunities through PLNs. In the same way people make professional connections, PLNs can also be used to connect and network with individuals who have a mutual connection to you. I used my PLN to connect with someone working at the BC Ministry of Health in one of my past work experiences. Through that new connection, I was able to connect with even more people. This kind of networking is similar to a branch leading to a variety of smaller branches. I believe that your PLN can be the catalyst to open up more professional opportunities to connect with others.

3 Comments

  1. ntreskin

    Hi Thomas, great post! I fully agree with you in that working with groups is a great way to further your professional development, especially in a post-course context. Because most students go through some level of difficulty when trying to enter a field of work, it’s often the case that the hardest part is beginning , figuring out where to start, and I think that’s when working in groups with others (in similar positions as you) can prove to be very beneficial as you gain tons of feedback and are able to bounce ideas/thoughts off of each-other.

  2. Mengyang Zhang

    I found it to be very informative and engaging, and I appreciate how you highlight the importance of leveraging your PLN to build connections, explore career opportunities, and stay current with industry trends.

    One thing that stood out to me was your emphasis on the importance of building a diverse PLN, with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. I think this is an essential aspect of building a strong and valuable network, as it exposes you to different viewpoints and ways of thinking that can enrich your own understanding and knowledge.

    I also appreciate how you provide practical tips and strategies for engaging with your PLN, such as participating in online discussions and attending industry events. These are excellent ways to build connections and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in your field.

    Another important point you make is the value of using your PLN for professional development, such as pursuing additional education and training opportunities. This can be especially valuable in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing job market, where staying current and adaptable is essential for success.

    Overall, I think your post offers valuable insights and advice for anyone looking to build and engage their PLN. I look forward to reading more of your posts in the future!

  3. nickkk

    Hey Thomas,

    I agree that PLN helps in creating professional opportunities. Your example of the BC Ministry of Health sums it up pretty well as how it aided you in making many new connections. Your PLN can indeed act as a catalyst to open new professional opportunities. Great work!

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