Your PLN can be used to help your professional development post course. Guiseppe, F., et al (2013) states that the internet is the best source of media and communication due to its high level of interactivity. The high level of activity on the internet and social media applications that follow gives you great place to expand your network. Post-course you can specify your PLN to your professional goals to help you grow into that field.

Your PLN can be relied on to open professional opportunities. Guiseppe, F., et al (2013) states that in 2013, 39% of the world’s population was using the internet, and I can only imagine that its significantly more now. Since so many people are active on the internet this makes it a great place to reach out due to the amount of opportunities that can present themselves. Personally, I found that LinkedIn works best. LinkedIn provides a professional space where it’s easy to find other users interested or working in your field. LinkedIn makes it easy to find users resume and work history to make you feel more comfortable working with or conversing with them.

The earlier you get started on your PLN the more it will help you in the future. This is because your PLN works like an investment, the earlier you start investing into it, the more you get out of it down the road. Instead of money, you invest time in networking and learning. Glauser (2020) is a director for a healthcare IT company, but went to school to become a nurse. Glauser (2020) is an example of why a strong PLN is good because you do not know what the future holds.

Glauser (2020) said that we need to be aware of our “bad breath”, meaning to be aware of your weaknesses or characteristics that others may not like. We should not reject people that give you feedback on these traits, but use them to your advantage. You can grow from the feedback people give you to make yourself better. Taking and responding to criticism can be out of someone’s comfort zone, but it’s a necessary step for growth. While moving forward with you PLN you should use the same be aware of your “bad breath” strategy to ensure your growing and learning in all the right ways.

References

Giuseppe, F., Matteo, R., Ashutosh, K., and Mario, S. (2013)Journal: European Business Review, 2020, Volume 32, Number 3, Page 71-83

DOI: 10.1108/EBR-06-2019-0129

Glauser, A. (2020) A Global PLN – Supporting One Another – Course Youtube Channel https://youtu.be/RiWaXNfnHAg