For the past few decades, the internet has provided a number of resources and platforms from which individuals can gain and share knowledge and connect with each other regardless of where they are located around the world. A professional networking site that I believe is quite popular when used correctly is LinkedIn. Unlike Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, LinkedIn is a platform that is designed to help individuals create connections, share experiences, resumes, help find jobs, and support each other to become professionally successful (Johnson, 2019).
I have personally created a LinkedIn account a few months back and have realized the importance of making meaningful connections. I am looking forward to applying for a Master’s in Public Health and have used LinkedIn to create connections with professionals already in the field. By adding them to my personal network, not only was I able to ask them questions regarding the program, but I was also given insight on what their jobs looked like and whether or not this career path was a good fit for me. Through one of these connections, I was also able to understand how I can make my application stronger to become a competitive candidate for the program. The best part in making these professional connections is the fact that they are very happy to share their experiences with others and do their best to motivate and encourage their goals.
Apart from adding relevant connections, I also feel it is necessary to post about one’s own experiences in the professional world, especially if those experiences have the power to inspire others. I know that I’ve been very inspired by reading about the experience’s others have had, whether they were good or bad. They have provided a great learning opportunity for me because I now know what kind of mistakes I could potentially make and find a way to avoid those obstacles.
To create a positive digital identity on LinkedIn, I believe it is advantageous to outline your educational and work/volunteer experiences on your profile. Just doing this, will allow the LinkedIn algorithm to produce several profiles that have similar skills and backgrounds whose connections can prove to be meaningful in the future. When requesting to add a connection, I believe it is very important to message the individual on who you are and why you would like to connect with them. Doing so will greatly increase your chances of getting accepted and your connection will start off stronger!
In the image below is a screenshot of a post I encountered that outlines how to use LinkedIn optimally. I did not know this individual personally, however I genuinely enjoyed reading the post and decided to “like” it. The same individual later sent me a request with a message saying, “Thank you for liking my post and they would like to connect.” Although our backgrounds were vastly different, I greatly enjoyed reading the consistent positivity in their posts and it was something that put value into my life! This random incident gave me confidence to explore LinkedIn further and connect with individuals I did not know and expand my professional learning network for future success.
Pic Credits: Reet
My profile on LinkedIn is public therefore anyone can look me up and view the contents on my feed. If an employer were to look at my content on LinkedIn, I believe it would not do any harm to my employment opportunity. Instead it would be beneficial as it would display the passion I have for my career path and how I am working towards becoming a successful and independent individual.
Below is a screenshot of my Visitor and Resident (VR) Map. Majority of my social media presence is based on personal networks and used for visitor purposes. However, I am starting to use LinkedIn and Zoom more often to create professional connections and have virtual face to face meetings with fellow students and working professionals!
Pic Credits: Reet ; Website: experimental.worldcat.org
References:
Johnson, D. (2019). “What is LinkedIn?”: A beginner’s guide to the popular professional networking and career development site. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-linkedin.
October 3, 2020 at 7:22 pm
Reet,
I was really impressed with your display of your understanding of this weeks content.
Specifically, your description of how you have utilized LinkedIn is brilliant. I am planning on attending law school after I graduate with my undergraduate and as I am preparing to write the LSAT, I have gathered quite a few questions. It had never crossed my mind to use LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the realm of the legal field to help guide me.
In terms of your V&R map, I really like the colour pallet you chose. Your incorporation of online banking is also something I had not thought of but definitely use. Overall, I think you did an awesome job!
October 4, 2020 at 10:17 pm
Hey Reet,
I really like how you added the ‘rules of LinkedIn’ image – there are some good takeaways from that. I also great job on the V&R map!
Well done on this week’s blog post!
October 7, 2020 at 11:14 pm
Hello Reet,
Your posting this week was very well thought through. I really appreciated your mentioning in how other’s experiences have shaped your thinking in your professional field. As young learners and professionals we tend to really take into consideration their opinions and experiences. Having an open mind to their positive or negative experiences gives us as new learners the opportunity to create our own notions and judgments about the professional world.
Your post was very relatable, thank-you for sharing it with us!
October 8, 2020 at 9:32 am
Awesome VR Map and reflection of your presence on LinkedIn.