How can you help students build a professional online presence?

A few different approaches: 1. There should be some points during a programme where social media is directly discussed, highlighting that everything online adds or detracts from a person's professional reputation. 2. Programmes should have an 'Online Professional Portfolio' built into them. This might be something that develops through tutorials over the course of the degree, for presentation/submission towards the end of the programme. Many packages integrate with platforms such as LinkedIn so examples of work and projects can be immediately shared.

To define student's goal for a professional online presence, students should first pinpoint their career ambitions, as this will dictate the nature of their online interactions and the content they create. They need to identify key skills and experiences they wish to showcase, aligning with their desired industry or role. Networking objectives are also crucial; they should aim to connect with industry professionals and thought leaders regularly. Additionally, students must consider the personal brand they wish to establish and how they want to be perceived by peers and potential employers. Setting these targeted goals will provide a clear direction for cultivating their online persona.

I would recommend starting with one platform and mastering it before adding another platform. Dividing your time and efforts among many platforms can make your presence half-hearted and ineffective. Focus is key.

My recommendation is that for a professional online presence, students should select platforms that align with their career paths. LinkedIn is a universal staple for networking and job exploration. Twitter serves well for engaging with industry leaders and staying on top of trends. Tech-oriented students might prefer GitHub to present their coding prowess, while creatives could opt for Behance to exhibit their portfolios. Choosing platforms that reflect their professional interests and where they can authentically engage will set the stage for meaningful connections and opportunities.

First of all, we need to decide on the topic to be discussed and identify key arguments. Divide the broad area into meaningful chunks. This will help us to bring clarity to what we want to present without digressing into many areas. Structure your content in such a way that each meaningful chunk is built on the previous one.

To create quality content, students should focus on material that aligns with their expertise and sparks dialogue within their professional community. Accuracy is non-negotiable; content must be well-researched and credible. Originality will distinguish them from peers, as will sharing personal insights or fresh takes on common topics. Consistently updating their platforms with such content will establish their reputation as engaged and dedicated professionals in their field.

Presenting the content in an engaging way is a real challenge. Why would your audience read your content? Device strategies that keep a sustained curiosity among your reader/viewer is very critical. I found posting questions in the beginning and then bringing the content as an answer to them is one of the ways to engage the audience. Another mode is story telling.

Engaging with others online is about building relationships and contributing to conversations. Here’s how you can do it effectively: - Comment and Share: Regularly comment on posts by industry leaders or peers, and share content that aligns with their values and professional interests. - Join Groups and Forums: Participate in LinkedIn groups or professional forums related to their field, contributing to discussions and sharing insights. - Collaborate: Look for opportunities to collaborate on projects or content, which can expand their network and showcase their ability to work with others. - Professional Etiquette: Always maintain professionalism in interactions; respectful and constructive dialogue goes a long way.

In the early stages, have a strong peer review team from your friends with whom you can have open communication. Be open to criticism. Be self-critical. Along with tracking analytics, critical reflections from your peer helps us a lot.

For monitoring and improving your online presence: Analytics Tools: Use platform-specific analytics to understand which content performs well and why. Feedback: Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors on how to improve their profiles and engagement strategies. Stay Updated: Keep up with industry trends and adapt their content and engagement accordingly. Reflect and Adapt: Regular self-reflection on their online presence and openness to adapt based on what they learn is crucial for continual improvement.

To help students build a professional online presence, start by emphasizing the importance of a clean, polished LinkedIn profile, including a professional photo, detailed descriptions of their educational background, skills, and relevant work or volunteer experience. Guide them in creating a personal website or portfolio showcasing their projects, writings, or other relevant work. Stress the importance of maintaining consistency and professionalism across all online platforms, including social media. Teach them to regularly Google themselves to monitor their digital footprint and address potential issues. Seek recommendations from professors or past employers and endorse them on LinkedIn for skills you have observed firsthand.