{"id":441,"date":"2025-06-20T12:33:53","date_gmt":"2025-06-20T12:33:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/teachingandlearning.nl\/?p=441"},"modified":"2025-06-20T13:18:26","modified_gmt":"2025-06-20T13:18:26","slug":"week-2-crafting-your-academic-professional-identity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teachingandlearning.nl\/index.php\/2025\/06\/20\/week-2-crafting-your-academic-professional-identity\/","title":{"rendered":"Week 2: Crafting Your Academic &amp; Professional Identity"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\n  body {\n    background-color: #f0fdf4;\n  }\n<\/style>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\"><strong>Overview:<\/strong> In this week, you will learn how to identify and effectively present your strengths, values, and interests. You will also learn how to utilize different online platforms. This will especially be handy when you want to make lasting professional connections with academics and fellow colleagues.<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\"><strong>Objective<\/strong>: Presenting yourself with confidence and precision.<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\"><strong>Key topics: <\/strong>Linkedin, online profile, communication <\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Activities<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">1- Elevator pitch<\/mark><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Task: create an elevator pitch and present it to a friend\/family member<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">What is it:  40-45 seconds introduction to you!<\/mark><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">\u2192 Who you are<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">\u2192 What you\u2019re studying<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">\u2192 What you&#8217;re interested in professionally<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">\u2192 Something that makes you unique<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Sample:<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">\u201cHi, I\u2019m Lena, a third-year psychology student at the University of Groningen, with a strong interest in how culture influences cognition and behavior. I recently completed a minor Culture and Cognition, where I explored topics such as cross-cultural psychology, cultural identity, and how different cultural frameworks shape perception and thought. I\u2019m looking to connect with professionals and researchers interest in the dynamic relationship between culture and the mind.<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">2- Master Linkedin<\/mark><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Task: Create or perfect your Linkedin profile<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">We all know that Linkedin can sometimes appear to be really complex and therefore feel overwhelming. Luckily, with this week\u2019s module you can learn the ins and outs of this popular platform.<\/mark><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Create your profile<\/mark><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Learn the basics first<\/mark><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXfwrucp3zGG3TGqPL7caXH9EKfOoLn1DjeTwsojMcD_UmI7R78HXjDJhYWZN-V22-V5KPch99Cney6or8Jcrnj5Lb2kGN9tLGBPZwZ25evyyNKFd4SvJSWDHnGuriSHL_gjPvykfA?key=vjsmKoh35b7QXTPbF6GPZQ\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Profile photo<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Your profile photo is one of the first things people see, and it can communicate a lot. While it\u2019s great to show some personality, keep in mind that LinkedIn is a professional space. Choose a clear, high-resolution image where you look polished and approachable.<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Wear appropriate attire, smile naturally, and look directly at the camera\u2014this conveys confidence and helps establish trust.<\/mark><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Background photo<\/mark><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Opportunity to display your research interests, specialization or your institution.<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Common photos options include;<\/mark>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Personalized images<\/mark><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Photo of you giving a presentation<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Photo from&nbsp; your research (e.g. microscopy images)<\/mark><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Generic images<\/mark><\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Image that relates to your field, for example;&nbsp; a stock image of the&nbsp; brain for neuropsychology<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">You can find some free stock images from <a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/\">https:\/\/pixabay.com\/<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Another commonly used option is putting the picture of your university or city (see example profile)<\/mark><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Create a custom URL<\/mark><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Linkedin automatically gives you an URL with random numbers e.g:<a href=\"http:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/1727237\">www.linkedin.com\/in\/1727237<\/a><\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>T<mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">o create your own custom URL, simply go to the \u201cEdit public profile &amp; URL\u201d section on your LinkedIn profile and choose a version of your name or something close to it that\u2019s easy to share e.g; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/basak-saracoglu\">www.linkedin.com\/in\/basak-saracoglu<\/a>&nbsp;<\/mark><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Headline<\/mark><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Your LinkedIn headline is a key element of your profile<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">It shows up right under your name and in search results, making it one of the first things people notice.<\/mark>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">You have up to 220 characters (including spaces) to make your introduction count.<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">A strong headline should reflect your current academic interests, skills, or future career goals. Including relevant keywords can help increase the chances of appearing in recruiter searches or when others are browsing LinkedIn.<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">There are generally two approaches you can take:<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Role-based: Simply state what you&#8217;re doing now, like:<br>&#8220;Master\u2019s Student in Environmental Policy | Researching Sustainable Urban Design&#8221;<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Aspirational: Focus on your broader interests or goals. For example:<br>&#8220;Exploring the intersection of psychology, society, and policy&#8221;<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">You can also combine both:<br>&#8220;Final-Year International Relations Student at University of Amsterdam | Interested in Global Development &amp; Human Rights&#8221;<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">While you\u2019re free to write your headline however you like, avoid overloading it with every job title or big-name institution you\u2019ve been associated with;phrases like \u201cex-UN, ex-Oxford, ex-Deloitte\u201d can come across as a bit showy. Instead, keep it clear and authentic; let the rest of your profile fill in the details.<\/mark><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\"><em>Tip: The Linkedin algorithm works by keywords; you get recommendations based on the words you put in your headline and you appear on other people\u2019s feeds in a similar way.<\/em><\/mark><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">So keep it short and simple, only including actually relevant keywords<\/mark><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Summary<\/mark><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Use the summary to briefly introduce yourself, highlight your key skills, and share your career goals. Keep it clear, personal, and professional.&nbsp;<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Include relevant keywords to get noticed and end with a call to action, like inviting people to connect or collaborate.<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">&nbsp;Make it engaging but concise about 3-5 sentences is perfect.<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Some people like to write a whole essay but it usually is not the most important aspect of your profile.&nbsp;<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">It is also common to not put anything to the summary section.<\/mark><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Skills<\/mark><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Highlight the most important skills that align with your academic background and future career ambitions.<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">&nbsp;These can include technical abilities; data analysis tools, statistical software, or research methods; as well as interpersonal skills such as teamwork, leadership, or public speaking.<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Arrange your skills so that the ones most relevant to your goals appear first. It\u2019s also helpful to ask classmates, lecturers, or internship supervisors to endorse your skills, which can boost the credibility of your profile<\/mark>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"486\" height=\"383\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXcpD1LwbKcUDM3RiUGoQMmwS8E1VQqXc7tV4BlgrhA8NlHNPyxG4k-jm1DbfzRuiFrtEUk9vs_3DAOdJ8KbtjVKDxzuLnjNTpsqEF80EVdPDBXwx0J9mTr4d_j1xk8EPM3iVViCfw?key=vjsmKoh35b7QXTPbF6GPZQ\"><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Key takeaways<\/mark><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">A clear, confident introduction helps others connect with you.<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Your elevator pitch is a quick, powerful way to present who you are.<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">A strong LinkedIn profile builds your professional presence; focus on clarity, relevance, and authenticity.<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Visuals matter: choose a polished photo and meaningful background.<\/mark><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Keep your summary and headline simple but purposeful.<\/mark><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/teachingandlearning.nl\/index.php\/2025\/06\/20\/week-3-making-meaningful-connections\/\">Continue with Week 3<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Overview: In this week, you will learn how to identify and effectively present your strengths, values, and interests. You will also learn how to utilize&#8230;<\/p>\n<div class=\"more-link-wrapper\"><a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/teachingandlearning.nl\/index.php\/2025\/06\/20\/week-2-crafting-your-academic-professional-identity\/\">Continue Reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Week 2: Crafting Your Academic &amp; Professional Identity<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-441","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/teachingandlearning.nl\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/441","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/teachingandlearning.nl\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/teachingandlearning.nl\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teachingandlearning.nl\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teachingandlearning.nl\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=441"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/teachingandlearning.nl\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/441\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":567,"href":"https:\/\/teachingandlearning.nl\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/441\/revisions\/567"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/teachingandlearning.nl\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=441"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teachingandlearning.nl\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=441"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/teachingandlearning.nl\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=441"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}