Let’s be honest. We know that many suitable jobs will never be visible to us.
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| image by geralt/pixabay |
A quick glance around you will be enough to realize that fewer and fewer people are in tenured positions that provide appropriate social insurance. Instead, most of us have to jump from project to project to make a living. This means that we are constantly on our toes, looking for the next short-term project, contract, or stipend to keep us afloat. On a side note, we scientists are not alone in this – it is a phenomenon seen in many different fields such as graphic design, child care or construction work, to name a few.
Crafting an Online Personality
In our digital world, it has become increasingly important to show one's presence on specific online networking platforms. Sadly, though, if your online self-promotion isn't all that impressive, you'll likely get passed over by potential employers. We are in danger of dividing the job market in two parts. On one hand, there are people who know how to use the internet for self-promotion and engage in networking. On the other hand, there are people who never learned this skill, have underwhelming profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, Xing or other platforms, or do not want to have their CV exposed on the internet. Even if they work equally hard, or do their jobs better than their networking-gifted peers, they will still have a disadvantage on the job market. And my critique doesn’t stop here. On these online self-promotion platforms some profiles may look fantastic, but in reality one month internships are blown up as 'work experience' and made-up titles such as 'Lecturer' are self-awarded after having given a single seminar.
In our digital world, it has become increasingly important to show one's presence on specific online networking platforms. Sadly, though, if your online self-promotion isn't all that impressive, you'll likely get passed over by potential employers. We are in danger of dividing the job market in two parts. On one hand, there are people who know how to use the internet for self-promotion and engage in networking. On the other hand, there are people who never learned this skill, have underwhelming profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, Xing or other platforms, or do not want to have their CV exposed on the internet. Even if they work equally hard, or do their jobs better than their networking-gifted peers, they will still have a disadvantage on the job market. And my critique doesn’t stop here. On these online self-promotion platforms some profiles may look fantastic, but in reality one month internships are blown up as 'work experience' and made-up titles such as 'Lecturer' are self-awarded after having given a single seminar.
What is the Consequence?
Are we in need of a new education system that puts emphasis not only on technical skills, but also on how to use digital self-promotion? But do we really want a job market that favors those who are the best at showcasing and 'embroidering' work experience?
Unfortunately, we as students and job-seekers are not in the position to change the way jobs are given. We are told how important self-promotion and networking is, therefore we adapt. What could we possibly do to change the situation? Let us know your thoughts.
by Claudia Willmes, PhD Student AG Eickholt / AG Schmitz
this article originally appeared December 2016 in CNS Volume 9, Issue 4, From Cradle to Grave in the Brain
Unfortunately, we as students and job-seekers are not in the position to change the way jobs are given. We are told how important self-promotion and networking is, therefore we adapt. What could we possibly do to change the situation? Let us know your thoughts.
by Claudia Willmes, PhD Student AG Eickholt / AG Schmitz
this article originally appeared December 2016 in CNS Volume 9, Issue 4, From Cradle to Grave in the Brain
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