What is this MOOC all about?
Creating a Professional Online Presence is an online course available on Future Learn. The course is run by professionals from the University of Leeds. This two-week course contains core learning outcomes with both lectures and online exams to benefit individuals. These cover;
- An explanation of professional online presence, benefits, direct and indirect activities.
- How to evaluate and improve your personal professional presence.
- Effective communication strategies and comparing of different social media platforms.
Within the MOOC, you can evaluate your progress each week via the progress button, where it informs learners of results and provides material for the next week.
Why did I choose to complete this?
In today’s society, the use of social media platforms is rapidly growing, businesses are evolving and enhancing on social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter. Thus completing this course will benefit how I present myself in a professional light and increase future employability.
As a Final Year student bearing near to the end of my studies, employability is a huge concern, due to this I felt it was adequate to update and enhance my skills on social media, as I only use It for a personal benefit, not professionally and I am not entirely sure the sufficient way to do so.
My Involvement within the Course.
Overall my perception of the course was a success, I thoroughly enjoyed taking part and fell that I have gained skills and knowledge for the future. It has enlightened my perception of social media, that it can be used in a professional way.
Within the course we had to complete a plan based on how to improve our online presence with the content already provided, I achieved a score of 80%, as I went into detail on the consideration of LinkedIn and twitter, as well as the to start a blog due to my interest in Marketing/ Digital Marketing. I have always struggled with LinkedIn, as I was never entirely sure how to connect with professionals, what to say/ approach them but this course provided me with the confidence and information on how to do so through a short five-minute video.
I also feel that completing the course online at my own pace was a successful attribute, as a busy young lady I could fit this extra learning into my everyday life.
The only concern I had while accomplishing this course, was the comment box, it was considered as a ‘useful learning technique’ although the delay on replying from the lectures was lengthily, they also didn’t answer in an experienced way, it was disconnected and rushed, as if they didn’t want to be disturbed.
Since completion, I have reviewed my LinkedIn profile, updating areas such as; my bio, expanding my achievements, work experience, considered taking a amassed professional photo. I also have taken apon myself to become more involved and active within LinkedIn, show casing recent achievements, such as this course and the consideration of evolving in the world of Digital Marketing.
I have also recently constructed a professional twitter account, separate from my personal account, to follow inspirational and professional users, this will inturn benefit my employability in the future as I am making connections with the society of marketing.
Kirsty Burnside 