[Last modified: November, 27 2024 01:14 AM]
My research explores how international graduates build professional networks to integrate into London workforce. Digital ethnography is central to my research because digital networking spaces offer a rich field of interaction that transcends traditional ethnographic settings. LinkedIn for example, is a professional networking hub beyond its job-search functions, it acts as a space where users curate their professional identities. Observing profile updates, recommendations, and posts can reveal patterns in how individuals adapt to London’s workforce expectations. Instagram, blurs the line between personal and professional, especially in the creative industries. Some participants may use it to share glimpses of their work or industry-related events, particularly those in arts fields like dance, music or theatre. Facebook groups often act as informal networking spaces, connecting individuals within niche industries or communities. Examining interactions across these platforms can help me uncover how digital spaces complement or contrast with traditional networking offline. Conducting digital ethnography this way allows me to capture nuances that aren’t always visible offline. For instance, the frequency of posts, types of content shared, or the engagement levels on professional updates provide insights into how people manage their visibility. This can reflect cultural differences too, for example, whether someone openly celebrates achievements or prefers subtle, indirect networking strategies.
Presenting the Findings Through Multimodal Methods
To present these findings, I will also adapt multimodal approaches such as infographics and network maps. For instance, infographics could illustrate the flow of interactions, from a LinkedIn connection request to a face-to-face coffee meeting. Network mapping is another way to showcase how connections evolve. Imagine a visual that starts with a single online post and branches out into new opportunities, like invitations to events or job referrals. Using embedded tools like Google Maps, I could also trace participants’ offline movements, like locations of key networking events or industry-specific hubs in London.
Furthermore, Location-Specific Apps like Meetup or Eventbrite facilitate offline gatherings. These are good platforms for bridging digital and real-world interactions. Incorporating these elements can illustrate the interplay between online networks and tangible spaces, like theatres, co-working spaces, or networking cafes.