I am often asked what social media presence should a PhD student have? When they are on the job market?
In responding,I rephrase the question to what online presence every PhD student should have? From day one of their time in their program?
Why an online presence?
Because social media is just a small part of most academics online content.
Most students will have a uni managed page, online conference proceedings, a LinkedIn page, and more non-work related content.
You need to be attentive to managing your online presence bc it constitutes a big part of how you will be evaluated as a job candidate and a scholar.
So curate and shape that presence.
Why your entire PhD program?
Because faculty & employers look at your online presence long before you are ever on the job market.
They look for a variety of reasons - from wondering who is currently studying at a place to curiosity after meeting you at a conference to looking for an expert to knock down a sticky wicket.
So manage your presence the entire time you are in a PhD program.
That way, you minimize risk of a tweet said at 20 haunting you at 30.
So what online presence should you have?
(1) you have to have something.
I recently read a paper that used rigorous experiments to show that job candidates with no online presence are regarded with more suspicion.
So think about what you want to share about yourself.
(2) you should have a presence through two carefully groomed outlets - LinkedIn and your uni.
LinkedIn can be used to signal professional interests.
Uni should be used to show status in the program and who you work with.
(3) it is ok to offer additional content.
I was asked about a PhD student writing an advice column.
Everyone appreciates tips and tricks.
I don’t think it hurts and it can help if you keep it constructive.
(4) it is ok to post about your research & accomplishments.
We hear a lot about the peril of the humble brag.
It’s not bragging if it’s relevant and true.
I know students who found leads to jobs through nicely written posts about their research.
I know students who secured interviews after winning teaching awards.
(5) there is peril to posting too much about your emotional state & mental health.
I am an advocate for balance & attending to mental health issues.
But as you work through issues, keep it out of unsecured, public forums.
My own research shows hiring managers stigmatize people who post about mental health online.
(6) there is peril to posting negative opinions.
Negative content on specific people or their scholarship should be presented sparingly if at all.
(7) selectively disclose your personal life.
It’s ok to post about life events, but not too much.
I have lost opportunities bc I overdisclose at times.
So have something, keep it positive/helpful, & don’t go after others.
You can save the tough stuff for after tenure :)
Best of luck!
Yorumlar