Resources
Social Media for Scientists
Are you interested in learning how to present yourself online as a scientist? This page provides resources on:
- How to build your professional “brand” as a scientist
- Best practices for social media to bring attention to your research, boost your professional reputation, expand your network and find other professional opportunities
- How to create accessible content
Watch Researchers Share How They Use Social Media
"Share Your Knowledge & Be Authentic"
Angelica Alberto, DPT
CSUN BUILD PODER
"Your Brand is Built With or Without You"
Kamali Clora
ReBUILDetroit (Wayne State)
"Us Black Girls in Science: Uplifting Black Women & Femmes"
Nashae Prout
MSU ASCEND
What is Your Brand?
Your brand is how you are perceived online and how you communicate your goals and values. Reflect on your values, goals, skills and identity as you develop your professional brand as a scientist.
- List the skills and talents you’ve attained as well as the ones you are looking to develop in the future
- Think about how your personal values align with your career and educational goals
- Look to professionals in your field who have succeeded and study how they present themselves online
Best Practices in LinkedIn
1. Create a great profile
- Write an engaging headline
- Keep your “about” section succinct and include keywords
- Use a high quality photo
2. Be active to build your online presence
- Share accomplishments and research activities
- Comment on and like posts from people in your field
- Share/repost from trustworthy people or organizations
Best Practices for Safety,
Privacy & Well-being
- Don't share sensitive information
- Consider what is visible/audible in any photos & videos
- Always think about your career goals
Benefits of Different
Social Media Platforms
- Most popular social network for users aged 35-44
- Communicating with personal, close connections
- Manage who sees your content in privacy settings
- Visual-based, popular for sharing photos & videos
- Good for creating a space for a specific topic or to showcase milestones in your career
TikTok
- Short-form video content, utilizes humor, music
- TikTok videos are widely shared on other platforms
- Search content using Hashtags
Create Accessible Content
Download our presentation on accessibility for more information on:
- Making your social media accessible
- Adding alt text to images
- Using closed captioning on videos
