05 BEST PRACTICE TOOLS FOR UNIVERSITY FACULTY TO BUILD DIGITAL PRESENCE: A PERSONAL BRANDING GUIDE

 

In today's digital era, having an effective online presence is crucial for more than just influencers and businesses. Building a professional online presence can also be quite beneficial for faculty members. The education sector is increasingly moving online, and digital platforms have become crucial for research dissemination, networking, and student engagement.

Why Faculty Members Need a Digital Presence?

Amplify Research and Thought Leadership:

Academics often produce groundbreaking research, but without a digital platform, the reach of this work remains limited. Faculty members can connect with peers worldwide, express about their findings, and engage thought leadership using platforms such as Google Scholar, LinkedIn, Twitter, and ResearchGate.

Engage with Students Beyond the Classroom:

Students today turn to social media for academic discussions, announcements, and even career advice. Strong online presences allow faculty members to mentor students, offer additional learning materials, and develop a rapport with them that goes beyond the classroom.

Networking and Collaboration Opportunities:  

A robust digital profile opens doors for collaborations with other academics, institutions, and even industry professionals. Building a digital presence may improve visibility and networking opportunities, whether you're offered to speak at conferences or collaborating with researchers on a research paper.

Building Personal Branding:  

In an age where content is king, faculty members can use platforms like LinkedIn or personal blogs to share insights, reflections, and updates on their academic journey. This not only builds a personal brand but also showcases their expertise to a wider audience, including prospective students and partners.

Contributing to the University’s Brand:  

Faculty members are the face of their respective institutions. Their accomplishments, visibility, and online involvement highlight the university's academic prowess. Encouraging faculty members to establish and nurture their digital presence helps build the university’s overall reputation.

Best Practices for Faculty Members:

Choose the Right Platforms:

Not every platform is necessary for everyone. LinkedIn is ideal for professional networking, while Twitter is perfect for academic discussions. Personal blogs or websites are also effective in showcasing a faculty member’s full portfolio of work.

Consistent Updating is Key:

Building a digital presence requires consistent effort. Regularly sharing research papers, updates, or insights keeps the audience engaged. Furthermore, it ensures that academic members remain at the forefront of opportunities.

Engage Authentically:

Authenticity builds trust. Faculty members should not only share their achievements but also engage with the content of others, offer thoughtful comments, and be willing to participate in meaningful conversations.

Collaborate with University’s Digital Channels:

Faculty members can leverage the university’s official social media and blog channels to promote their work. Collaborating with the university’s digital marketing team can amplify their reach.

Digital Tools for Research and Teaching:

Beyond social media, faculty members can explore platforms like Google Scholar, ResearchGate, SSRN and educational YouTube channels to share their work. These tools can also help in enhancing the learning experience for students.

Conclusion:

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, a strong online presence is no longer optional for university faculty. It's a crucial aspect of academic life as it allows faculty members to strengthen their impact, enhance the credibility of their college or university, and effectively interact with peers and students. Building and maintaining a digital profile can pave the way for new opportunities, greater visibility, and long-lasting academic impact.

Author: Mr. Pitambar Sahu, Manager- Digital Marketing & PR, NIST University

Stay tuned for more such updates on our official social media: https://linktr.ee/NISTUniversity

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