Above you will find a copy of my V&R map. This map demonstrates what platforms I use for personal and institutional reasons. I use Netflix, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Spotify quite regularly simply for personal use and enjoyment. I typically use Facebook and Twitter for myself, but also to interact with my classmates usually regarding school projects and assignments. I also use YouTube and Google to often search for videos and ideas regarding both my personal and my institutional interests. Both Mattermost and WordPress are used to engage with my peers and colleagues. Gmail is fairly universal for me, as I use it for both personal and institutional reasons. I also use it to connect with friends, family, and peers.

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

The most common digital platforms that students are currently using to develop their professional network are Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. All of these platforms can be used connect individuals to their friends, family, and their colleagues. Although I am not familiar with LinkedIn myself, I have heard that it is a great platform to develop professional networks online. I personally have multiple friends that use both Facebook and Instagram to promote their own business. They post their products, information about their products, and tips and tricks about their programs to promote their business. I personally use WordPress currently to get my blog out into the world. I also use Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to develop my social relationships.

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

Being a student is a great opportunity to expand your professional learning network. The University provides many opportunities to build your networks through meeting with peers, building a profile, and accessing websites that can be helpful. I am curious myself to check out LinkedIn and perhaps expand my professional learning network. As I am in my fourth year of university, it is an important time to start building relationships with future employers and colleagues. I believe that a student can further expand their professional learning network by being active on social media and making an effort to develop relationships.

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

I think, as a student, it is extremely important to make sure I remain active throughout my social media. By posting, liking and commenting on posts, sharing links and articles, I am developing my own digital identity and reputation. I am interested in learning more and possibly creating a LinkedIn account to further expand my social network. It is important to keep in mind, when being active on social media, that everything you post, say, share, etc., can be traced back to you. This is important to keep in mind because when future employers are considering hiring you, they may see old posts of yours, and you want to make sure they are appropriate and professional. What you post and say online is and will continue to be a reflection of who you are, and that is why it is important to remain respectful and professional.

Find out what a local employer would do if you applied for a job with them?

I have heard from many people and experienced first-hand that one of the first things an employer does after gaining interest in you is do a background check, usually from your social media. My current employer let me know after I had an interview with them, that they would be assessing my social medias. I believe employers do this to learn who you are as a person and who will be potentially working for them. This is why it is extremely important to be aware of what you are posting online!