Your Professional Online Presence
TL;DR
You should have a credible, ethical online presence: such as a simple personal site, a refreshed LinkedIn, and a small portfolio.
This site gives lightweight, practical steps for students, graduates and educators looking to build a professional online presence.
What does a web search about you really say? A lack of information can be as damaging as posting the wrong information.
This site is mainly aimed at university students, but may also be useful for academics, and for others.
A thoughtful professional online presence matters
- Opportunities find you: recruiters and collaborators look for people with the skills they need.
- Evidence beats claims: portfolios, talks and posts demonstrate skills better than a CV alone.
- Integrity and professionalism: this is your reputation at stake.
Quick start guide
- Personal site: develop a main site you control, with a stable 'About', current role/course, location and a contact method.
- Own your identity: multiple social media profiles, regular syndicated content, focus on LinkedIn first.
- One-page portfolio: link to 3–5 artefacts with a short reflection on each, technical fields should include small projects with README context and clear licencing.
- Search hygiene: audit your name results regularly, adjust privacy settings as needed, promote your best content.
Questions & Answers
What do you mean by a professional online presence?
A credible, consistent set of public pages, such as your own site, your LinkedIn, and your portfolio, that demonstrate who you are, what you can do, and how to contact you.
Who is this site for?
Students, recent graduates and educators who want light, practical guidance to build trustworthy digital profiles without heavy technical complexity.
Where should I start?
Secure your domain, set up a simple one-page site, refresh LinkedIn, and publish a short portfolio with curated artefacts.
Is this advice only for computing students?
No. Some examples are computing-flavoured, but the principles apply across disciplines. Tailor the artefacts and language to your field.
Do I need social media everywhere?
No. Prioritise one or two channels (often LinkedIn first). Ensure profiles are consistent, current and link back to your site.
How long does a basic setup take?
A weekend is enough for the essentials: domain and site, LinkedIn refresh, and a lightweight portfolio page.
Can educators reuse this material in class?
Yes. You are welcome to reference and adapt these ideas; please link back to this site.
How to cite
Use the APA-style reference below to cite this page.
Lancaster, T. (2025). Your Professional Online Presence. Professional Online Presence. https://professionalonlinepresence.com/