The final reflection – UOSM2008
Prior to undertaking the module UOSM2008 Living and Working on the Web, my knowledge of managing my employability through the use of the web was limited. I didn’t use twitter, I had never had a blog and I didn’t have a LinkedIn profile – so I feel my development on this module is quite clearly evident in my self-test!
Something I changed very early on in the module was my privacy settings on my Facebook. Prior to this module, I gave little consideration to the connections I had made and privacy settings I adopted. This module has made me aware of the potentially detrimental effect this could have on my employability, and how important it is that you represent yourself appropriately online, so I felt it was appropriate to increase my privacy settings. I have also had a ‘clear up’ of my friend list – as inspired by the case study tweeted by Jazmin!
Despite my main intention for my Facebook to be for social use, during this module I was actually able to receive a part time job offer through the site! As my interest into my employability increased, I began searching for more ways to engage with employers and increase my employable digital footprint. This led to me joining a group which specialised in promotional work, interacting with a company who had advertised on the group, being interviewed through Skype, and then successfully being awarded the job – all within the space of a few hours! Before this module, I would never have considered actively searching for employment through social media – my eyes have really been opened to how vast the benefits of online profiles can be.
One of my largest developments has been my Twitter. I have gained numerous connections with employers, academics, university connections and businesses. Prior to this module, I had never considered how a ‘professional’ twitter would be of use to me. I have really enjoyed interacting with my peers, being able to use hashtags to find (and be found) by people who are interested in similar topics to me, and keeping up to date with businesses and areas which interest me.
LinkedIn was another part of my online profile which didn’t exist prior to this module! This was perhaps the area of my digital profile I used the least during this module, as I am enrolled on a scholarship scheme with Deloitte, and not actively searching for an internship or graduate job. However, I tried to take on board as much as I could from Topic 3 to make this area of my digital profile as ‘authentic’ as possible. Creating my LinkedIn profile and joining LinkedIn groups which are of interest to me I feel will be something which benefits me further in the future. Until this time, I hope to increase my connections, gain recommendations and engage more in the LinkedIn groups.
I have tried to sync all my professional online profiles, using the same photo and referring to myself as ‘Rebecca Knowles’, so that I have the most ‘authentic’ online identity that I can, and attempting to keep my ‘social’ profiles (such as my Facebook and Instagram) separate – referring to myself as ‘Becca Knowles’ and using a different profile photo.
Reflecting on this module, I believe my digital profile has come a long way, and I endeavour to continue using my professional Twitter to build my connections and networks, and definitely enhance my LinkedIn in the future. This module has really enhanced my interest in all things digital, so much so that I am taking MANG3052 Digital Marketing: Engaging with the Customer as an optional module next year – I hope I enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed UOSM2008!
