Presentation to the Digital Literacy Conference, University of Southampton, June 2012. Subject: Online Profile of Early Career Researchers.

1. Awareness of online
professional profile by
early career researchers
MADELINE PATERSON
Career Transition Coach Transition Project Manager

2. The researchers?
Early career researchers (from various
disciplines) selected for Southampton’s
Talent Development Programme
Early career researchers selected for the
Doctoral Prize to boost their prospects
Researchers (some postdocs) participating
in a Knowledge Transfer Scheme and
seconded to industry for a year

3. In 2012, I have worked with
various researchers to widen
awareness of career choices;
to explore their professional
development; and to investigate
their experience of industry
secondments – trying to focus on
their career, not just their work!
Online professional profile and
networking opportunities

4. Concerns over self-promotion and privacy
Online profile is a low priority activity

5. Asked them to shape an
authentic description
that others would find,
understand and
appreciate.

6. “Your online identity is already out
there – so take care of it!”
We assessed their profile, described what
we found, discussed enhancements.
They made changes - and we met again.

7. Be yourself, with skill
Keep your profile up to date
Record your achievements
Link to it from everywhere

8. Successes!

10. As a career specialist,
if I didn’t believe that online
profile matters, I would be
failing my clients.
Raising it in an authentic context
helps individuals to strengthen
their presence and boosts their
professional confidence.

11. “Even if you choose not to
engage, adoption by others
is changing the environment
in which you operate.”
(Weller, M., 2010. The Digital Scholar.)
“Career specialists must
know that a well
managed online profile is
essential. Maintaining my
own digital literacy is
key. My profile and
networks help me to
develop my own career,
so my job is to help
others do the same!”

12. What would you like to ask or discuss?

13. linkd.in/madelinepaterson
twitter.com/madelinep
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