A webinar that was conducted by BUSE on embracing AI in Career Guidance and Development taught me something that completely shifted how I view my professional future.
Professor M. Tsvere, one of the panelists, shared a tip that stuck with me.
She said as a student you need update your digital footprint on LinkedIn or any social media platform to ehance your online presence, then go to Google and search your name.
Google will show you exactly who you are and what you do.
I tried it myself. I searched my name and found my profile.
There were a few gaps like my follower count and connections not appearing, but those are minor things.
I'm sure Google simply takes time to update.
What mattered most was that my profile was clean.
Any adjustments I need to make, I will handle them in good time.
Now think about this. You have dropped your CV to an organisation.
Before they even call you in, some organisations, not even many or all, may take it upon themselves to search your name on Google.
The first thing they find will be the content you chose to put out there. That is why you need to be intentional about what you post.
Those pictures from TikTok and Facebook, the clubbing photos, the smoking videos, those funny things that felt harmless at the time, a recruiter could find all of that while considering you for a sensitive or senior position.
Your digital footprint is your silent CV. Make sure it represents you well and perfect it before opportunity comes.