#UOSM2008 Final Post

I feel that through the peer learning aspect of this module, I have discovered many ways in which I can develop my professional profile. My first step was creating an about.me page. Now, and in the future, this will act as the main 'portal' for all my digital links, whilst also giving the viewer a small insight into my personality and interests. I am looking forward to tailoring this page to suit the next chapter of my life.

Before embarking on this module, I definitely was not using LinkedIn to its full potential. However, over the past months, I have taken inspiration from the course content and peer recommendations (particularly from Topic 3!) to develop my LinkedIn page. I now believe that

I am offering a far

more authentic

and reputable

profile.

I have learned, however, that developing a professional

profile is an on-going process: a process that I feel motivated to continue working on throughout my career trajectory.

As a geography student, my degree has revolved around writing essay after essay... In an attempt to get all my work done the 'traditional' way, it is easy to start feeling very distanced from the powers of the web - especially in terms of enhancing a professional profile. I have found the concept of blogging my way through a module extremely refreshing. Seeing the UOSM2008 students, despite all being based in very different faculties, come together and spark interesting discussions has been an enlightening and satisfying experience. The high level of engagement has kept me on my toes!

I completed a 'self test' at the start of the module and before beginning this final blog post.

Twitter used to be a place where I would post mindless updates about my day, but during this module, I have truly begun to understand the power of the hashtag! By using #UOSM2008, alongside other relevant hashtags, I have steadily started to attract a larger audience - I am getting more retweets and gaining more followers simply by sharing my interests. I have also started to use and track hashtags surrounding my chosen career path, gemmology, and have since attracted professionals in the field and have been added to a Twitter 'list'. This has really made me feel like part of the gemmology community... and I haven't even started yet!

I am overwhelmed with how far

my skills have come - all from

researching and discussing some

of the most relevant themes

within the digital world!

To conclude, it is clear that keeping this blog has taught me a wide host of skills. From having an authentic digital portfolio, to appearing professional, to remaining ethical online, I have acquired knowledge that I am certain will benefit me far beyond the reach of this module. I am aiming for my next digital endeavor to be setting up another blog where I can document my professional life after university - watch this space! Overall, my goal is to maintain my digital image by upholding and developing my current online platforms.

#UOSM2008 Final Blog Post