Using socilab.com I was able to gain insight into my social network data and analyze the connections I have through LinkedIn.
Key findings:
- When I first went to college, I took a specific program in Sporting Goods Business. This industry is very well connected and networking has been very important. The connections within that hub are very dense, where many of my contacts know each other. Most graduates of the program have left to work in the industry and have kept connected throughout the years, I was not surprised with this data.
- Geographic clusters: By living in Montreal, Peterborough, Toronto, Ottawa and now Calgary, I have broadened my network throughout the country. Most of the dense clusters are collections of people I know from the specific jobs I had in each of those cities.
- Peripherals: Most of the individuals on the outside of my network are people I have met in courses, conferences, and in some cases are unknown to me. Friends and family are also scattered throughout the peripherals as many of them do not share career connections with me.