Digital identity and the workplace
"The best way to predict the future is to create it – and that includes your professional reputation."
Peter Drucker, Drucker Institute
What is a digital identity
In simple terms, your digital identity is the impression you create through all your online activities and profiles. It's both built and continually shaped by how you engage online. This includes posting on social media, professional networking profiling, contributing to discussions, and sharing content. People can learn a lot about you just by looking at your online presence.
Note
It’s important to develop a greater awareness of your own online presence. It's just as critical to understand how information available online can impact your professional identity. Think about the results that come up when someone Googles your name.
Professional digital identity
Your professional identity is a significant part of your overall digital identity. Think of it as your professional brand: a reflection of your skills, values, and work ethic. Managing it well ensures others see you at your best.
For new graduates, your online presence is often the first impression you make. Building a positive digital identity involves being intentional about what you share and how you engage online. Employers, recruiters, colleagues, and clients will look you up. What they find should reinforce your professionalism and expertise.
A well-crafted digital identity can open doors to opportunities and help you stay visible in a competitive job market.
Professional identity and social media
You can use a variety of digital platforms to create and share content with online communities. Social media platforms let you express your opinions, share content, and tell stories to either a select group or a global audience. This means you can shape a professional identity in these spaces as well.
If you already have personal social media accounts, now is the time to curate your online presence with your career in mind. Click on the plus (+) icons below to explore social media platforms commonly used for building a professional digital identity:
LinkedIn has become a key platform for building a visible professional presence. Professionals use LinkedIn profiles to showcase their skills and achievements. Users can also connect with colleagues, expand their network of contacts, join relevant groups, and engage in industry discussions.
This high-engagement space is also useful for career development. LinkedIn is more than just an online resume; it’s where employers and recruiters actively search for talent. A strong digital profile increases your chances of being spotted for job opportunities.
LinkedIn visibility and hashtags
On LinkedIn, professionals in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) fields can enhance their visibility and engagement by using specific hashtags. Here are some popular hashtags relevant to STEMM professionals:
- #AIInnovation – Focuses on AI-driven advancements and applications.
- #TechTrends – Discuss emerging technological advancements and their industry impact.
- #TechInnovation – Highlight new advancements in technology and engineering.
- #ScienceCommunication – Promote effective ways to share scientific knowledge with diverse audiences.
- #HealthInnovation – Explore advancements in medical technology, digital health, and biotech.
- #SustainableTech – Showcase technology solutions that support environmental sustainability.
- #DataAnalytics – Dive into trends in big data, AI-driven insights, and analytical methodologies.
- #Biotech – Discuss biotech research, industry developments, and ethical considerations.
- #QuantumComputing – Explore quantum technology breakthroughs and their applications.
- #Genomics – Focus on genome research, CRISPR developments, and personalised medicine.
- #UrbanInnovation – Highlight smart cities, sustainable urban planning, and infrastructure advancements.
- #SustainableDesign – Focus on eco-friendly architecture, green building materials, and energy-efficient construction.
- #SmartBuildings – Discuss IoT, automation, and technology integration in modern buildings.
- #ResilientCities – Explore climate adaptation, disaster-proof design, and future-proof urban planning.
- #DesignInnovation – Discusses new approaches in architecture and urban design.
X (Twitter)
X (formerly Twitter) is a widely used platform for shaping and maintaining a professional digital identity. Typically X is used as a ‘micro-blogging’ platform. Businesses and individuals can use it to access people’s views, read news, and create social networking.
A well-managed profile helps increase visibility and reinforces your expertise within your industry.
Some professionals use X to share expertise, engage with industry leaders, and stay informed about breaking news and emerging trends. X is also used to participate in professional discussions through hashtags and live chats.
X and hashtags
Here are some hashtag examples commonly used in STEMM fields on X (formerly Twitter) for networking, research sharing, and industry discussions:
General STEMM & Science Communication
- #STEM – General STEM content
- #SciComm – Science communication
- #ScienceTwitter – Science-related discussions
- #AcademicTwitter – Academia-focused conversations
- #PhDLife – Life as a PhD student/researcher
- #WomenInSTEM – Highlighting women in STEMM fields
- #BlackInSTEM – Amplifying Black voices in STEMM
Technology & Engineering
- #TechTwitter – Tech industry updates and discussions
- #AI / #MachineLearning – Artificial intelligence & ML topics
- #CyberSecurity – Cybersecurity news and best practices
- #Robotics – Robotics innovations and discussions
- #EngTwitter – Engineering topics
- #DataScience – Data analytics and science
- #OpenSource – Open-source software and projects
Medicine & Health Sciences
- #MedTwitter – Medical professionals, research, and healthcare discussions
- #NeuroTwitter – Neuroscience topics
- #PublicHealth – Public health discussions
- #OncoTwitter – Oncology and cancer research
- #CardioTwitter – Cardiology updates and research
Mathematics & Physics
- #MathTwitter – Mathematics research and discussions
- #Physics – Physics-related conversations
- #QuantumComputing – Quantum tech and research
Environmental & Biological Sciences
- #EnviroSci – Environmental science discussions
- #ClimateChange – Climate science and policy updates
- #Ecology – Ecological research and conservation
- #Bioinformatics – Computational biology and bioinformatics
Instagram and Facebook
Instagram and Facebook are social media or networking platforms used to share content, updates, thoughts, and photos. Also used by businesses to advertise events, news, and job opportunities. Generally more used as personal social platforms, they can also play a role in shaping your professional digital identity. Facebook has professional groups and can be used for networking in some industries. Instagram is heavily used in visually oriented fields (like architecture, design, or marketing).
The way you engage, post, and interact on these platforms can influence how colleagues, employers, and industry peers perceive you. If you choose to use them, consider creating a separate professional page or account. Otherwise, keep your personal profiles private.
Instagram tips
Instagram is a powerful platform for visual storytelling, allowing professionals to showcase their work, engage with industry trends, and build a professional presence through imagery and video.
- Highlight projects and research. Share images, infographics, or process shots to showcase your work.
- Use industry hashtags. Engage with relevant communities and increase visibility.
- Follow and interact with professionals. Connect with experts, organisations, and industry events.
- Leverage Stories and Reels. Share behind-the-scenes insights, career milestones, or quick tutorials.
- Curate a professional aesthetic. Maintain a consistent and polished feed that aligns with your field.
A well-managed Instagram presence can help position you as an engaged professional in your industry while maintaining authenticity.
Facebook tips
Facebook can be a valuable platform for professional networking and industry engagement. For example:
- Join industry groups. Engage in discussions, share insights, and stay updated on trends in your field.
- Follow professional pages. Keep up with organizations, thought leaders, and research institutions.
- Manage privacy settings. Separate personal content from your professional presence to control what is visible.
- Share relevant content. Post industry news, achievements, or insights to contribute to your field.
- Use Facebook Pages. Create a dedicated page for your work, portfolio, or professional updates.
A well-curated Facebook presence can support career growth and industry visibility while helping you maintain a balance between personal and professional interactions.
TikTok and YouTube
TikTok and YouTube platforms are more unconventional in a professional sense, but they are increasingly used for personal branding.
TikTok
TikTok is an emerging space for professional engagement, allowing you to share expertise, showcase skills, and connect with industry communities through super short-form video content. Tips for using TikTok as part of growing or maintaining your professional identity:
- Share industry insights – Use short videos to explain concepts, trends, or research in an engaging way.
- Showcase your work – Create quick demos, tutorials, or behind-the-scenes looks at your projects.
- Use industry-specific hashtags – Increase discoverability by tagging relevant fields (e.g., #SciTok, #TechTok, #EduTok).
- Engage with professional communities – Follow and interact with experts, researchers, and organisations in your industry.
- Leverage storytelling – Make complex topics accessible through creative and compelling video narratives.
A well-crafted TikTok presence can help you build credibility, share knowledge, and connect with global audiences in an engaging and innovative way.
YouTube
YouTube can support professional engagement, allowing you to share expertise, build an audience, and connect with industry communities through long-form and short-form video content. Tips for using YouTube as part of growing or maintaining your professional identity:
- Share industry insights. Publish in-depth explainer videos, industry updates, or trends breakdowns to establish expertise in your field.
- Showcase your work. Upload project walkthroughs, portfolio showcases, or case studies to highlight your skills and experience.
- Use industry-specific keywords and tags. Improve discoverability by optimising video titles, descriptions, and hashtags relevant to your field (e.g., #DataScience, #EdTech, #UXDesign).
- Engage with professional communities. Comment on and collaborate with established creators, industry leaders, and professional organisations.
- Leverage storytelling. Use compelling narratives, interviews, or vlogs to make complex topics more accessible and engaging.
- Host live discussions or webinars. Conduct live Q&A sessions, industry panels, or professional training sessions to engage directly with your audience.
A well-maintained YouTube presence can help you establish credibility, share valuable insights, and connect with a global professional network in a highly engaging format.
Alert
Be mindful of what you share on your personal social media accounts and review your privacy settings. Content posted outside of work context on your social media can potentially be seen by employers, colleagues, and clients. This can impact their perception of your professional identity.
AI and your professional reputation
Organisations often use AI tools, like resume-screening tools or chatbots, which interact with your digital identity. Many companies use AI tools to evaluate online profiles, applications, and even social media presence. It’s important to tailor your online profiles to match the skills and experiences employers are looking for, ensuring that AI tools highlight your potential.
Using AI tools to create your digital documents and resumes is a great starting point. However, you should always review, edit, and adjust content that has been produced by an AI tool. For example, a resume written by ChatGPT often has an AI tone or vibe. Make sure you are putting in the effort to personalise your online presence so you stand out from the crowd.
Caution
All workplaces will have policies on using different platforms, tools and applications. Before using a new digital product, such as ChatGPT, check the company policy. Your workplace might have an internal platform you can use freely, or they may restrict the use of all products.
Google and you
Be mindful of the information about yourself that’s publicly available online.
Search engines like Google personalise results based on your location, search history, and other online activity. What you see when you search your name may be different from what others see. These factors shape how your online presence appears to different people.
Your Task
Do a search for your name in an internet browser. Then another search of your name in a different internet browser.
Take note of the information you find and consider:
- Does the internet browser have an impact on the information you see?
- Is the information up to date?
- Does the information accurately represent the professional image you would like?
Tip
When using an internet browser to search for yourself be sure to clear cookies or search history. Alternatively, don’t use your regular internet browser, such as a browser with saved search history, or a browser you log into (e.g. Google Chrome). Browsers you regularly use retain cookies and data that can influence the results of your search.
Digital identity management
Your digital identity is shaped by the online content you create, including accounts, posts, and comments. Employers and professional networks may review this online content, so it’s important to proactively manage your online presence.
Click on the plus (+) icons below to discover helpful ways for managing your digital identity:
Key advice
Anything online can resurface, even if set to private, so think before you post. Regularly check privacy settings, as platforms update policies that may affect your content’s visibility. If you wouldn’t say or share something in a job interview, avoid posting it.
Your digital footprint or brand should reflect your values and expertise.