Photo Source: Michigan Municipal League (CC BY-ND)
Despite the appeal of hashtags (they make everything sound/look cool, #truestory,) I initially rejected the idea of Twitter because I saw it as yet another forum for people to publically document every minute of their lives. Talk about an idle waste of my time, #amiright? And yet, a recent study by G. Veletsianos from the University of Texas focused on the practices of higher education scholars on Twitter finds that Twitter does indeed serve a purpose in helping create a unique voice for ourselves; that it can be instrumental in allowing us to shape our digital identity. A report by CNN touches on the dwindling business of paper resumes and is just a small indicator that we perhaps should be investing a little more time and attention into these 140-characters that reveal so much of our own character.
The study found seven themes consistent with its participants (PhD holders employed by a higher education institution at a teaching/research role each with 2000+ followers on Twitter.) And though I am still in the process of working towards my Bachelor’s, let alone my PhD, there are certainly a few things that can be taken from the practices of these experts, especially as more and more employers are looking towards online profiles on social networking sites such as Twitter for their hiring.
Themes Found Relevant to University Students:
What the pros do: When coming across info/media/resources relevant to profession, they share!
- How it can help me: Sharing content that is related to my desired profession/interests can engage other users, incite discussion, and demonstrates thoughtful social media practices.
What the pros do: They make classroom activities/information available to others outside of the classroom and provide opportunities for students to interact with individuals outside of the classroom
- How it can help me: As transferable knowledge becomes more and more in demand, showing my application of classroom knowledge to real life situations shows that I’m not a student just for 4 years; I’m a student for life.
What the pros do: They both ask for and provide assistance
- How it can help me: Asking for help is a testament to my willingness to learn, while helping others speaks of not just my knowledge, but my ability to be a good digital citizen
What the pros do: Publically express intentions, likes and dislikes, mindsets, aspirations, goals, experiences
- How it can help me: Being honest will help others get to know the real me and will diminish any discrepancies between my online and offline personas.
What the pros do: Draw attention to work and professional endeavors
- How it can help me: Showing people what I can do in an e-portfolio is one of the surest ways to prove that I can do what I say I can do
What the pros do: Strive to connect and network with others
- How it can help me: Being a part of a network of like-minded individuals may lead to future professional opportunities.
What the pros do: Highlight their participation in other social networks
- How it can help me: Being involved and well-versed in other social networks showcases my well-roundedness and versatility.
As always, be conscious of the risks associated with shaping your digital identity.
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