Can your PLN be used to help professional development post-course?
As known, PLN is super helpful for professional development and learning, especially in the university course that allows students to communicate with each other and share information and resources. However, not only during the course time, effective PLN also facilitates professional development in post-course period. Take my experience as an example, I used to form a very friendly and effective PLN in one of my major courses. In the group chat we created, we discussed about our assignments, share information and resources gained from the class, and also review together for the exams. Because of the network and connection, we made progress together and gained good grade for that course. After the course was finished, we did not just dismiss the PLN, but keep connecting with each other for other aspects, such as sharing latest information about co-op finding, career path and directions, etc. We all obtained useful information from each other, which makes it much easier for our post-course career exploration. Thus, it indicates that an effective PLN can help both course and post-course professional development through useful connection and information exchange.
Can your PLN be relied on to open professional opportunities?
People could rely on PLN for more professional opportunities to some extent, for instance, continuing my own PLN example in previous answer, I formed a very effective PLN that helps both in-course and post-course professional development. Back to last August, one of the members in my PLN was working as a junior data analyst in Vancouver Coastal Health. Since I was working on the same career direction as her, I asked her about her experience as a healthcare data analyst, such as what is her work content, and how to perform everyday tasks, etc. She told me very precious experience and knowledge that makes my direction much more clear, and at the same time she said if it is possible, she will try to recommend me to her manager using the employee referral. It is a great professional opportunity for me to open my career path, as the result of my PLN built and maintained. Whereas, opening professional opportunities cannot be fully relied on PLN. The reason why the member is willing to recommend me is I also share much useful information, and always maintain the connection with her and other members. I also provide many useful resources to exchange with her. So, she exchanged resources with me this time, for further potential collaborative progress and professional development opportunities. In conclusion, PLN can be relied on to open professional opportunities to some extent, but for more sustainable and long-term professional opportunities, individual competency development is still the most important.
Hi Wanqi,
Your paragraph provides a good example of how an effective PLN can help with both in-course and post-course professional development. It demonstrates the value of creating and maintaining a strong network of peers and experts in your field, and the benefits that can come from sharing information and resources. Additionally, your example of how a member of your PLN was able to recommend you for a professional opportunity highlights how PLN can potentially open up career paths and opportunities. However, I think that relying solely on your PLN for professional opportunities is not always feasible or sustainable, and it is crucial to continue developing your own competencies and skills to achieve long-term success in your career.
Hey Wanqi,
First of all, I loved reading your blog. It clearly states everything that was asked in simple and straightforward language. You mentioned in the second paragraph that a member of your PLN could help you with the employee referral. This highlights how useful PLN can be even post-course, moreover, how beneficial it is in creating various opportunities in various fields. Great work!