Digital Platforms that Develop Student Professional Network
Largely, digital platforms offer a lucrative chance to network considering that a large number of professionals spend their time online. First on the List is Linked-in. Linked-in is a professional network that offers a platform for professionals to socialise online and even take their professional networks offline if possible. This platform thus offers a chance for students to expand their professional networks since they can easily connect and communicate with individuals within their professional fields. Twitter is also quite important in networking. For example if there is hashtag about a certain conference, students can follow up to check individuals engaging in them and connect professionally. Facebook also offers a chance to professionally network ranging from infographics, discussion groups and trending topics which can be selectively chosen by students based on personal professional needs.
Digital Networking Considerations
What I would consider when creating digital networks as a student include the ability to connect with corporate decision makers as well as the ability to keep up with news and events that revolve around my field of industry. This is because besides connecting, communication is important and when having conversations with professionals, it is important to have sufficient knowledge at hand.
Creating My Digital Identity
The best formula that I would use to create my digital identity would be to have a clear plan on what I would be posting on my platforms. A content ratio would therefore come in handy such that half of my content should be a discussion on industry trending topics. The other half would revolve around the projects that I am currently undertaking as well a few personal experiences. With this, I can manage my digital ID besides the fact that in some instances, I would forget a few details about myself just as mentioned by Reagan & Jesse (2019).
Employment and Digital Identity
I honestly feel like it is inappropriate for employers to use digital content when considering prospective employees for opportunities. This is because our digital identities and content go beyond our current fields. For example, a number of people joined Facebook and Twitter back in junior high school before they could specialise on their current fields. This means that their digital content is barely related to their careers.
References
Privacy, Ethics & Security in Digital Spaces Developing Awareness of Privacy https://digitaltattoo.ubc.ca/quizzes/privacy-and-surveillance/ Regan, P., & Jesse, J. (2019).
Hi Alan,
I was thinking about the same question on the employer and digital ID! I am so glad you mentioned this aspect! I am considering that do the employer has the right to have the prospective employees’ social media IDs? And I think this is another privacy issue. To be very honest, I would not like the employer to have my social media ids, such as Facebook or Twitter, however, I do agree they can have my professional digital ID, the platform where I would like to share my academic success or job experiences.
Also, I had mentioned on my blog that some social media accounts really don’t present employees’ working ability and you also mentioned that some content is barely related to the careers. Therefore, if the employer searches about the prospective employees and rejects them because of their personal life or personality shown on the internet, would it be considered discrimination?
Yes, it’s true. I would also encourage employers to only request and have access to my professional Digital ID’s for example Linked-In. That’s awesome because on such a platform I would only have showcased my skills and educational achievements which are important for my professional career. But scrolling through my personal Tik Tok, Facebook, Twitter and the likes for me is a no. This is because whatever I do on my free time is often not what I am supposed to do at my professional circle.
Conclusively, picking employees based on the careers they post online is quite discriminative.