Professional social media i.e. LinkedIn and Research Gate,
are great ways to build a web of contacts with professionals with the same
interests as yourself. I have been an avid user of LinkedIn since my undergraduate
days, using it as a way to say, “I’m here. Hire me, please”. LinkedIn has helped
me by enabling me to interact with subject experts by commenting on public
posts and forums, an opportunity which would be hard to find during the day to
day working life.
Research Gate is largely geared towards authors of
scientific research papers, allowing a social media platform to show your
reputation as an academic. However, there are still opportunities for research
students and those new to their fields to gain a reputation by asking and
answering questions that you have a particular expertise in. Also, you may get
lucky in finding that particular research paper not available to your institute,
directly from its author!
The likes of LinkedIn and Research Gate gives you a separate
platform away from your private social media like Facebook and Twitter, to
allow you to develop your “suit and tie” impression through the medium of your
computer in the comfort of your desk or home.
.CJ*
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