Month: June 2023

Engagement has become more accessible and convenient due to the emergence of social media. Social media provides a platform for discussions on a wide range of topics of your choice. Individuals can post, comment, and share their thoughts, allowing them to connect with an even larger community. Individuals are exposed to a diverse range of perspectives, ideas, and opinions on various topics. Active engagement on social media offers individuals opportunities to shape their thoughts, develop their political perspectives, and explore their interests. 

However, engagement on social media also comes with its challenges and drawbacks. As social media platforms grow in influence and openness, it becomes increasingly difficult to freely express thoughts and opinions without facing potential backlash. These days, individuals may feel hesitant and cautious about positioning themselves on sensitive and conservative topics. Even on social media, individuals often form groups and engage in debates that can sometimes lead to opposing viewpoints and arguments. 

With this being said, some companies now consider social media presence as a factor in their recruitment process, often requiring access to applicants’ social media profiles. A social media screening involves researching a prospect’s social media profiles and their activity, including what they post, like and comment on (Cotriss, 2023). This topic has been a significant controversy among employees and employers, as individuals hold differing views on the boundaries and limitations of privacy in relation to social media. 

When it comes to the policies of employer social media communication expectations, always remember to be mindful of how you position yourself! (“Social Media in the Workplace: What to Include in a Social Media Policy,” 2023) 

1. Think before you post
2. Respect copyright
3. Avoid revealing personal information
4. Consult with colleagues
5. Know your audience
6. Keep personal and business contacts separate

My PLN is inclusive in terms of occupations, gender, perspectives, and ethnicities. Having an inclusive P

My PLN is inclusive in terms of occupations, gender, perspectives, and ethnicities. Having an inclusive PLN is crucial as it widens your perspective and enhances your growth. In a podcast interview with Markiel Simpson, it was emphasized that networking with diverse individuals is significant. Markiel proactively looked for opportunities to raise his voice and engage with his community. Within his PLN, many influential individuals actively retweet his content, utilize his hashtag, and lend support to his causes, thereby raising awareness (Miller, 2021).

As a co-op student currently working at a tech company, my PLN allows me to embrace the viewpoints of others and engage with various internal stakeholders. From my employer’s perspective, I bring fresh and creative thoughts and perspectives as an undergraduate.

References

Clark, J. A., & Aufderheide, P. (2011). A New Vision for Public Media Open, Dynamic, and  Participatory. In Media & Social Justice. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230119796_5 

Social media in the workplace: What to include in a social media policy. (2023, June 15). BDC.ca. https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/employees/manage/managing-social-media-tips-ensure-appropriate-employee-use 

MILLER. (2021, June 2). EDCI – 338 MARKIEL SIMPSON [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsoDHGaXNNs 

BUILDING A REPUTATION AND TRUST

Building a reputation and trust within such a culture can indeed be challenging. It requires putting in the same amount of energy, effort, and time to establish your reputation and gain trust, especially in today’s interconnected world through social media. Consistency and a proactive nature are key factors in building a reputation and trust.

To build a network of dynamic, reliable, and participatory individuals, I have actively sought out various networking events. As an introvert, it has been quite challenging for me to take a proactive approach to signing up for events. However, during my academic years at the University of Victoria, I had the opportunity to attend many mandatory networking sessions. I made the most of those sessions by sitting next to professionals, connecting with them, and gaining valuable insights into their passionate fields. I always follow up with LinkedIn requests and send personal note, emphasizing my appreciation and eagerness to connect. 

Apart from networking events, I have been making efforts to be more active on LinkedIn. I follow numerous professionals in my industry of interest and consistently read and like their posts. Although I haven’t mustered the courage to comment on their posts yet, I am actively working on building that confidence and enhancing my online presence. I have professionally designed my LinkedIn profile to boost my credibility and trust, aiming to attract like-minded professionals in my industry. It seems to work, as I have received more views and follow requests.

In the article “Building your own PLN: seeking new insights and ideas? Expand your personal learning network,” Bianca Woods emphasizes the significance of seeking insights and ideas beyond our own learning and development (Woods, 2013). It is indeed true that there is much to learn from individuals outside our field. While most people within our PLN may be from similar industries due to shared work or interests, it does not necessarily mean we all have the same thoughts, perspectives, or approaches.

As a student and professional in the business and hospitality industry, a majority of the individuals in my PLN work in hotels and accounting firms or attend the University of Victoria. However, it is crucial to recognize that working in the same field does not guarantee identical viewpoints. In my current job, I proactively schedule meetings with employees from various departments to foster collaboration and exchange ideas for my projects. Despite their diverse areas of expertise, their inputs and ideas open up fresh perspectives I may have never considered. It is always important to open up to a broader range of insights and ideas that can further enhance healthy relationships for growth. 

CREATING A PLN PRIOR TO ENGAGING IN A SOCIAL MEDIA

In the Podcast interviewing Sophie Lui, she shared her experiences with getting a job back in the day and building her own learning network. She explained that she used to cold call, actively join networking events and conferences, and use physical phone books to build her PLN and engage in her areas of interest (MILLER, 2022). 

Similar to Sophie’s experience, if I were to create a PLN before embarking on a social media campaign to raise awareness of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), I would follow a multi-step approach. 

Firstly, I would reach out to my friends and family to identify their interests or inquire if they know anyone who might be interested in supporting this campaign. I believe that building a PLN begins with leveraging connections from your immediate circles, such as friends, family, and relatives. 

Next, I would actively seek out EDI advocates within my community, enabling me to connect with like-minded individuals and engage in knowledge sharing, discussions, and collaborative planning to ensure a successful campaign launch. 

Lastly, as a small community group, we would proactively search for larger groups, clubs, or communities to join, allowing us to amplify our voices and expand our presence.

References

MILLER. (2022, June 6). Sophie Lui – EDCI 338 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfcXgKLzOVM

Woods, B. (2013, November). Building your own PLN: seeking new insights and ideas? Expand your personal learning network. T+D, 67(11), 70+. https://link-gale-com.ezproxy.library.uvic.ca/apps/doc/A348998538/ITBC?u=uvictoria&sid=summon&xid=1010abdf

HOW DIVERSE IS YOUR PLN?

My PLN encompasses professionals from diverse backgrounds, including various ethnicities, educational backgrounds, and cultures, thanks to my background in the hospitality industry. I have built connections with numerous individuals working in the hospitality and tourism industry who have supported me throughout my career. Upon transferring to UVIC, my PLN became even more diverse and began to include young students and professionals who share my vision and mission. Throughout my academic years, I have had the opportunity to connect with many amazing professionals in my field of interest, accounting and business analysis. Additionally, the University of Victoria offers a great Mentorship Program where I met one of my mentors. In my previous post, I emphasized the importance of having a mentor to guide you, and I am fortunate to have two. Currently, I am working as a junior business co-op at an innovative SaaS company, where I have been able to expand my professional network (PLN). I am actively building relationships with my teammates, and by the end of my co-op work term, I hope to develop strong personal connections with them. 

ARE YOU LEARNING FROM A VARIETY OF DIVERSE VOICES? ARE YOU EXPANDING YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE VIEW OF OTHERS?

Throughout my previous role in a management team during my professional years, I had the opportunity to interact with a diverse range of individuals, each with unique backgrounds. These backgrounds encompass education, cultures, languages, work ethic, ethnicities, countries of origin, and more. A variety of diverse voices fostered collaboration and creativity both within and outside the department I managed. I made a conscious effort to incorporate different perspectives, viewpoints, and ideas when developing new initiatives for the department, aiming to enhance productivity and efficiency. Furthermore, working directly with numerous external stakeholders and guests and receiving their feedback significantly expanded my willingness to understand the views of others. 

Moreover, throughout my academic years at Camosun and UVIC, I had the opportunity to collaborate with students from diverse backgrounds around the world. This experience proved to be the most effective way of expanding my understanding of different perspectives. Particularly in team settings, I was naturally exposed to numerous opportunities to listen to and comprehend my fellow team members’ opinions and points of view. It’s impossible to count the number of times I was amazed or shocked by the ideas they brought forth. If I had worked alone, I would have never conceived of those ideas! 

One more important aspect I have realized is that it is not solely about opinions and ideas. It is also about understanding the process through which individuals develop their ideas and what enables them to feel comfortable expressing themselves. People vary in their natural inclination toward extroversion; some are naturally extroverted, while others are not. 

WHAT IS THE LEARNING OUTCOME OF YOUR PLN? HOW ARE YOU ENSURING YOUR EXPOSURE TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION?

The article ‘One without the Other,’ written by Shelly Moore, deeply resonates with me and significantly broadens my perspective on the concept of inclusion. One particular phrase that profoundly impacted me was, ‘Inclusion is not just about students with special needs; inclusion means everyone – but actually everyone.’ Society highlights the importance of inclusion but tends to focus primarily on special needs, disabilities, genders, and other sensitive topics. Inclusion means richness in diversity, cultures, and language, and most importantly, the diversity of ability. 

Growing up, I have always naturally gravitated towards people and contexts that are familiar and feel safe. Looking back on my academic years, I often formed friendships with individuals who looked similar to me and shared similar backgrounds and cultures. 

The learning outcome of my PLN is that it plays a significant role in my personal and professional journey, but only if I fully take advantage of it (in a positive way 😊). As mentioned in my previous posts, a PLN offers numerous benefits for building a professional journey enriched with networks of individuals, resources, and communities. Engaging with these networks facilitates continuous learning and fosters professional growth.

I ensure diversity and inclusion in my PLN by connecting with employees from other departments. We have a weekly ‘Donut Be Strangers’ event where I get to chat with a team member outside of Operations. This gives me a deeper understanding of other professions, allows me to find new interests, and expands my network. I am planning to join clubs in my 4th year to expand my PLN and engage more in community events to build relationships with professionals. 

HOW LIKELY INDIVIDUALS ARE GOING TO CONTINUE WITH THEIR CREATED CONTENT AND NETWORK?

With the emergence of social media, networking and building a Personal Learning Network have become more accessible and likely. However, not all individuals succeed or have a ‘digital legacy,’ as referenced in the article ‘Digital Leader: Five Simple Keys to Success & Influence’ by Erik Qualman. The key element of possessing a digital legacy is the level of commitment and persistence. The same applies to networking. Networking does not just happen out of nowhere. In some cases, individuals may click and form long-lasting relationships. However, individuals need to be consistent in staying in touch, communicating, and sharing knowledge to help each other grow and maintain healthy relationships.

References 

Moore, S. (2017). One Without the Other: Stories of Unity Through Diversity and Inclusion. Portage & Main Press. 

Qualman, E. (2012). Digital leader : 5 simple keys to success and influence (1st edition). McGraw-Hill.

Non-Discrimination and Inclusion – The Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law. (2023, May 5). The Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law. https://rwi.lu.se/what-we-do/focus-areas/inclusive-societies/ 

WHAT SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM DO I USE TO DEVELOP MY PROFESSIONAL NETWORK?

I use LinkedIn as my primary digital platform to develop and expand my professional network. LinkedIn is a highly effective social media platform specifically designed for professionals. It provides an ideal space to connect with individuals in various industries, including my field of interest, accounting and business analysis. 

One of the key benefits of LinkedIn is its extensive network of professionals from diverse backgrounds. I can search for and connect with individuals who share similar career interests. This allows me to expand my network, gain insights, and learn from their experiences. LinkedIn also provides opportunities to engage in professional communities and join industry-specific groups. These groups are great for participating in discussions, sharing ideas, and connecting with professionals with similar interests or expertise. It is a valuable platform for seeking advice, asking questions, and staying updated on industry trends and developments. I also use it to showcase my work and achievements. I can share projects, experiences, or accomplishments to demonstrate my knowledge, skills, and expertise to my network. This helps to establish my professional credibility and opens up new opportunities. 

Below is my visitor and residential map that shows which social media platforms I use for different purposes. You can create your own map using this site!

WHAT COULD WE DO TO EXPAND MY PROFESSIONAL NETWORK?

There are many ways you can expand your professional network (Panel, 2022)! With the emergence of social media, you can leverage platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with numerous professionals.

1. Identify Relevant Communities: This can be done through LinkedIn, Facebook, Indeed, and simply Googling!
2. Attend Networking Events: Make sure to make the most of networking events provided by your school, community, and workplace. By leveraging your existing connections, you can expand your network and meet new individuals. Remember, it’s not about how many people you know, but rather the quality of the connections you make that truly matters!
3. Utilize Alumni Networks: This is similar to attending networking events! As an alumnus of Camosun College, I frequently receive emails from my previous instructors inviting me to upcoming events. Through alumni networks, I have had the opportunity to meet numerous professionals who share the same interests as me.
4. Seek Mentorship: I highly recommend having a mentor. I met my mentor through the UVIC mentorship program, and he has been a valuable support throughout my personal and professional journey. He has connections with professionals in my industry of interest. Having a mentor in your life who can guide, support, and advise you is of immense importance.
5. Collaborate on Projects: Collaborating on and executing projects helps you build credibility and trust. Remember, the professional network is smaller than you think, and word spreads quickly. Always seek opportunities to showcase your abilities and skills.

HOW DO DATA PRIVACY AND SECURITY LIMIT OR PROMOTE A PLN?

As much as we want to build our professional reputation, digital identity, and credibility, it is important to consider data privacy and security when it comes to sharing information and posting content. We might become hesitant to share information, not be as engaged as we would love to be, or simply avoid building any deeper connection. To avoid this or to prevent data leakage, it is vital to educate ourselves.

Here is a useful resource for you to test your own knowledge of data privacy and security limit! Test your own knowledge using ‘Privacy and Surveillance Quiz.’ With proper knowledge, you can be more comfortable engaging in open and trusted communications and understanding the role you play in protecting your own data as well as that of others.

HOW CAN YOU CREATE A DIGITAL IDENTITY AND REPUTATION?

I have emphasized the significance of leveraging social media to build your digital identity and reputation. LinkedIn has numerous features and tools that facilitate networking and relationship-building. You can create a comprehensive professional profile highlighting your education, work experience, skills, and accomplishments. This is a great opportunity to build your digital identity, enabling you to present yourself effectively to potential connections and opportunities. Through consistent postings and sharing posts, you are able to create a digital reputation and build trust among other professionals. Always keep in mind languages, tones, and content, as these elements could potentially shape your image, portrayal, and reputation!

References

Panel, E. (2022, November 30). 14 Steps To Take To Build A Strong Professional Network. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2022/11/30/14-steps-to-take-to-build-a-strong-professional-network/

Visitors and Residents. (n.d.). http://experimental.worldcat.org/vandrmapping/signIn

Privacy and Surveillance Quiz – Digital Tattoo. (2019, August 8). Digital Tattoo. https://digitaltattoo.ubc.ca/quizzes/privacy-and-surveillance/

WHAT IS DIGITAL IDENTITY?

Digital identity can be defined in many ways. As described in the video ‘What is Digital Identity’ by Eric Stoller, it goes beyond simply having an online presence. It includes everything an individual posts, such as comments on others’ posts, portfolio content, and interactions across the web. In today’s interconnected world, our digital identity remains accessible and searchable, leaving a digital footprint of our activities.

More than just a collection of online data, the digital identity reflects who we are and shapes how others perceive us. It serves as a showcase of our values, interests, and experiences, ultimately forming a representation of our identity. However, it is significantly important to be aware of our digital identity and how others may interpret it. The impressions formed from our online presence can impact personal and professional relationships, as well as potential opportunities. 

HOW DO PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL APPROACHES TO DIGITAL IDENTITY AFFECT SOCIAL MEDIA USE?

Personal and professional approaches to digital identity differ significantly, impacting social media usage. The main purpose of using social media is driven by unique end goals. In the article ‘Digital professional identity: Dear Internet! Who am I?‘, it is discussed how medical students acquire essential aspects of professionalism and effectively communicate and network on social media, integrating digital networking into their professional digital identities (PDI). The internet facilitates interactions and the formation of virtual communities, enabling students to connect, exchange information, and engage in discussions. Social media usage enhances information gathering and promotes efficient and productive discussions. Networking on social media provides professionals with opportunities to enhance their abilities and skills in areas such as peer learning, teamwork, collaborative learning, leadership, communication, ethics, and professionalism. Lastly, professional approaches have a direct influence on their professional reputation, as they shape how colleagues, potential employers, and clients perceive an individual’s expertise, professionalism, and industry knowledge. Therefore, professionals must be aware of their language, tone, and content when engaging in social media.

On the other hand, personal approaches to digital identity using social media mainly revolve around connecting with friends, colleagues, family, and personal acquaintances, resulting in a more closed and intimate network. The main purpose of using social media in personal contexts is to engage in casual conversations and share daily updates within these close networks. As a result, personal approaches to digital identity often prioritize privacy and may have stricter privacy settings in place. Individuals may restrict access to their personal information and posts, allowing only close connections to view and engage with their content. Consequently, the tone and language used in personal digital identities are often more casual and relaxed compared to professional contexts.

HOW DO DIGITAL IDENTITIES CONVERGE IN NETWORKED PUBLICS?

In the video ‘Davos 2019 – Press Conference: The Value of Digital Identity for the Global Economy and Society,‘ several well-known individuals effectively present the impact and benefits of digital identity. Digital identity offers various benefits, which will be discussed below.

THE IMPACTS AND BENEFITS

1. Facilitates activities like filing taxes, e-voting, e-schooling, e-banking, and digitally signing documents.
2. Offers e-residency to people from around the world, attracting new global users.
3. Provides economic value and potential opportunities for both developing and developed economies.
4. Enables micro-entrepreneurs to access government services, pay taxes, and establish rights and assets.
5. Supports women’s empowerment by providing identification for accessing various services and asserting rights, especially in developing countries.
6. Enhances delivery services’ efficiency, particularly in areas with no birth certificates or traditional forms of identification.
7. Enables financial inclusion, with millions of new bank accounts opened and direct cash transfers facilitated. (Example of India)
8. Provides a secure and reliable means of identification for accessing education, healthcare, and official registrations, especially for individuals who are frequently on the move.

Alongside the economic benefits of digital identity, it is essential to address the concerns surrounding privacy and security. Clear rules and regulations must be in place to protect individuals and their digital identities. A well-implemented digital identity can have a positive impact by empowering and safeguarding individuals. As Manju George, the head of Platform Services, emphasized, ensuring wide distribution and inclusion in accessing meaningful opportunities and the quality of the identity is essential. Individuals should have the ability to keep their data secure and retain control over how their identity is used. Individuals must be allowed to control their own data and decide with whom they want to share it.

References

Gunpreesh. (2022b, February 21). Talking about Digital Identity. . . – Gunpreesh Kaur. https://edusites.uregina.ca/gunpreesh/2022/02/21/talking-about-digital-identity/

Jawed, S., Mahboob, U., & Yasmeen, R. (2019). Digital professional identity: Dear Internet! Who am I? Education for Health (Abingdon, England), 32(1), 33–35. https://doi.org/10.4103/efh.EfH_232_17

University of Derby. (2016, November 25). Eric Stoller – What is Digital Identity? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0RryRbJza0

World Economic Forum. (2019, February 5). Davos 2019 – Press Conference The Value of Digital Identity for the Global Economy and Society [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-V7lyxrOmw