Tips for Grads: Building a Professional Online Brand

By Skye Xollo, PhD student

An important yet often overlooked aspect of professional development for PhD students is the task of building a compelling professional brand online. In today’s digital age, PhD students pursuing careers in academia should prioritize cultivating a strong online presence. A well-crafted brand not only showcases research skills, teaching proficiency, and professional alignment but also significantly boosts career opportunities.

Engage on Social Media: Start by leveraging LinkedIn and Instagram to chart your professional journey. LinkedIn is ideal for sharing updates about your research, teaching experiences, and significant milestones. Instagram allows for visually engaging posts about your work, behind-the-scenes moments, and highlights from conferences. Emerging platforms like BlueSky offer additional opportunities for academic networking. Consistent engagement on these platforms builds a robust professional network and increases your visibility.

Develop an Online Presence: Complement your social media efforts by creating a professional website using budget-friendly services like Google Sites, Wix, or Squarespace. Ensure your website features a comprehensive CV, detailed descriptions of research projects, publications, and teaching experiences. Highlight any awards or recognitions and develop a digital portfolio showcasing research papers, teaching materials, and conference presentations. This site should provide a cohesive narrative of your academic journey and future goals.

Write Articles and Op-Eds: Beyond academic journals, consider writing for popular publications about your research, teaching methods, or industry trends. This strategy enhances your public credibility and broadens your reach. Share these articles on your website and social media to further boost your visibility.

Building a professional brand online is vital for PhD students, demonstrating research and teaching competence while establishing a broader academic presence, making you a more attractive candidate for tenure-track positions.