Using Socilab I was able to create a map of my network on LinkedIn. After creating my digital presence plan it was helpful to look at my network and identify any gaps that I would like to fill. After examining my network, I was not surprised to see that the majority of my contacts were professional in nature. I view LinkedIn as a professional platform, and I have continually maintained a separation of personal and professional personas.
The largest group of contacts is related to my work in the culinary industry. This group is made up of colleagues, chefs, suppliers and other individuals related to the food and beverage industry. I worked as a professional Pastry Chef for many years before switching to education and my current role as an instructor at a culinary school. You can see that most of those contacts are interconnected. It may appear large, but the culinary industry all over the world is very close. I continue to grow this network to maintain my currency in the field.
The second largest group is connected to my work in education. This group is made up of fellow faculty and leaders in the industry whom I follow for professional development. I have only been creating this network for the last 5 years and I continue to add to it as I meet new people and am introduced to new ideas.
The third group is a network of former students. I really enjoy following the careers of my graduates, and as they move forward, they will become my peers in the industry.
Lastly, there are two very small groups made up of both friends and family. I very rarely combine my business and personal accounts, so it is no surprise that these two sections are very small.
As I move forward in my new roles as both a graduate student and an educator, I expect that my network in education will grow. An important part of professional development is staying current, and increasing connections in my network will allow me to do so.