Topic 3

Topic 3: Reflection

Posted on by Vanessa Li

Taken from: Pinterest

Notice the very old macbook and ipod..?

Hello once again everybody.

Initially, I felt online profiles were only for the creative people who needed a portfolio. Especially those who do freelance work. But after reading so many post and commenting on Patricia’s and Yu Ting’s blogs. I realised that an online professional account is more than that.

An online professional account is an extension of your resume. In the past it would have seemed cool to have an online presence for work purposes. Now it is a necessity.

Most of my classmates looked at this topic and thought of job opportunities and recruitment.  Simon made a few relevant points that I notice is constant with what most of my classmates wrote.

The need to research on yourself to find any loopholes in your online presence, the need to develop your profile through enhancing the positive points and “mitigating” the negative points. Lastly, the need for honesty and authenticity.

I feel that these are essential steps to make when developing a profile. Although they are a bit commonsense, many web users often overlook these points because of it’s simplicity.

I also really like Ian’s point on being real.

People often get lost in the need of looking holistic and clean to create an image of professionalism. However, they are so caught up in that need they tend to forget that an online profile is suppose to represent the user.

I like that Ian brought up SteveKardynal. Because what Steve has is passion and through his online presence, he shows the passion that he has and that is what attracts employers.

Overall this topic has been very eye opening, especially for me who has been quite myopic in this subject matter. I think I thoroughly enjoy reading what my friends wrote.

Cheers!

Topic 3: Online Professional Profile

Posted on by Vanessa Li

Question: Discuss the ways in which an *authentic* online professional profile can be developed.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me to introduce to you the dynamic and constantly changing art of creating an online professional profile…

First, watch this video for insights on how to create a generic online profile.

To a marketer, having a digital profile expresses the knowledge of digital literacy. It shows that this person with the profile has awareness of the growing industry that is rapidly moving (or is already in) the digital stage whereby digital marketing and e-commerce is all the rage.

Developing an Online Professional Profile

There are many ways and purpose of creating a digital profile. Some examples are LinkedIn for professional networking services or blogs like WordPress for that digital resume. The options are endless.

There are some aspects that needs to be looked at for a digital profile.

Firstly, the profile must represent the user in terms of tonality and imagery. For example, the profile of a graphic designer would differ greatly from that of an accountant. The graphic designer’s profile may be wild, funky and wacky rolled into one. Whether the accountant’s profile may be serious and professional.

Secondly, this profile can also be a hub, whereby all your other social medias or previous works can be viewed from. Therefore, as mentioned in my previous post, consistency is important as it leads to credibility.

A good example would be avatars or profile pictures. They must show the same person and the photos must reflect who you are in real life.

Lastly, updates and participation in profiles is a must in keeping up with times. An online profile is there forever and once you have created something you’re proud of, you would want to update it and keep it checked. You never know when you might need it again.

However, online professional profiles has numerous advantages, it is important not to get too lost it in creating the perfect profile because ultimately, the viewers want to know you. You as in the person behind the keyboard.

In Conclusion…

From the research and readings I have done, I personally feel that the purpose and goal of the profile is the most important because it is the guide, sort of like the spine for the body. The profile then revolves around this purpose and hopefully, achieve the goal.

Another note would be that it is a good idea to Google yourself as the first step and check out what the Internet thinks of you before you attempt to enhance or eradicate that image. What the Internet thinks of you could lead to a future employer’s perspective of you.

Ultimately, the profile is you. It is a reflection of who you are and how you portray yourself.

References

InternMatch Blog, (2014). How to Create a Killer Online Professional Profile – InternMatch Blog. [online] Available at: https://www.internmatch.com/blog/how-to-create-a-killer-online-professional-profile [Accessed 3 Dec. 2014].

Markgren, S. (2011). Ten simple steps to create and manage your professional online identity How to use portfolios and profiles. College & Research Libraries News, [online] 72(1), pp.31-35. Available at: http://crln.acrl.org/content/72/1/31.full [Accessed 3 Dec. 2014].

WebAppers, (2011). 35 Professionally Designed Personal Portfolio Websites. [online] Available at: http://www.webappers.com/2011/03/08/35-professionally-designed-personal-portfolio-websites/ [Accessed 3 Dec. 2014].