Consider our guests and their steps in building a podcast relying on a PLN. Can your PLN be used to help professional development post-course? If yes, how? If no, what limitations exist? 

I definitely think that my PLN can be used post-course to help my professional development. With what we have learned in this course for building a successful PLN with intent to broaden one’s professional PLN, these skills will be helpful in my future for sure. Considering our guest Mo Amir, creator of the local podcast This Is Vancolour. Mo has used his PLN to his advantage and gotten many influential guests to speak on his podcast, like Jagmeet Singh, Leader of the NDP. He emphasized his use of Twitter and the uniqueness of it, how it allows for direct communication with new people every day. Mo commented that “networks are really important, and I think your reputation as well in terms of how you work with others”, highlighting the benefit of networking and using one’s PLN to help professional development. 

Can your PLN be relied on to open professional opportunities?

I do believe that your PLN can be relied on to open professional opportunities, but it doesn’t come without work. Expecting opportunities to jump out to you is unrealistic, professional success won’t come without effort. Making new contacts, reaching out to people in your field, sharing new thoughts and ideas, and being active in the online and actual community around you are key steps to take in order to advance one’s professional PLN. Our guest Mo Amir talks about credibility, reliability, and consistency in one’s PLN are important factors as well.