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

Students are using many platforms to develop their professional network. The main social media networks LinkedIn and Facebook are good for connecting in a professional setting. Twitter and Instagram are also very good ways to interact with others and utilize the opportunity with the PLN. Tiktok and Youtube have provided new and great opportunities to build relationships and interact. LinkedIn is the most popular when it comes to professional settings but the other platforms get overlooked because it can be used for professional and non professional settings. 

• What can you (as a student) consider to expand your professional learning network?

These overlooked platforms can bring many great opportunities and for the younger generation, there’s more peers for us. Using these platforms of social media I can build and expand my professional learning network. If most people only stick to one platform and not the majority of them, we can’t maximise the potential of each platform. We should use all platforms and not stop there, we need to be active on these digital platforms so we can have successful professional learning networks. Also joining clubs and groups could expand your network as you are interacting with new people and sharing ideas. Attending events in general and lectures can grow and expand your professional network. 

• In your network, how can you create a digital identity/reputation?

My digital identity can be tracked by my digital footprint and my activity on these digital applications. My digital identity and reputation comes from how I build my profile to be, sharing my business and showing others what I do. Sharing what you do is a digital residency you leave behind and allows you to build an identity in your network.

• Consider what a local employer would do if you applied for a job with them – can they search the content, is it of benefit to the career path, does it hinder the opportunity of employment?

Employers usually do background checks and within them, they can view your digital identity. If it is my personal social media I usually keep my life private. But for my Professional Learning Network, you can build your identity and portfolio, if your qualifications are similar to the job it can be beneficial for you as it shows you have the abilities to benefit the employer.