Tell us about your academic background and what inspired you to pursue your PhD in Education here at Walden.

I’m a scholar-practitioner, and my research and interests are in test-based student retention policies. I specifically focus on policies in Georgia and Florida; however, I’ve expanded a bit throughout my PhD.

I chose Walden for multiple facets, but most importantly, the mission aligns closely with my commitment to real-world leadership.

What is your background with social media?

I’m a Subject Matter Expert (SME) at Google, and I’m considered a mentor to those working on the Gemini Project. I really strive to use my social media to bring everyone together. Because everyone is working on different projects, I try to let LinkedIn be our hub where I share information and allow people to communicate.

I’m active on TikTok and Facebook, as well as on LinkedIn. I have a different function on each of the platforms, but they all tie back to education and leadership. I use my TikTok for informative, educational broadcasting, and I use Facebook for my K-12 educators.

I use all of my social media very strategically. I set goals for my social media at the beginning of the year, and this year, my focus is on professional branding, leadership, and engaging in meaningful educational discussions.

How did you start working with Google?

I was recruited for the position on LinkedIn! One of those random chats popped up. I was kind of skeptical about it at first, but I responded to it, and it ended up being an international recruiter for Google. I started off working on the Gemini Project doing some editing, and then it just grew and grew and grew.

It was my experience at Walden that helped me grow so quickly there. I was starting a residency right when I began with Google, so I went back to Google and said, “Why don’t we start doing colloquiums here?” So, they let me start, and now I run colloquiums.  I think that we’re probably the only project at Google that has colloquiums for engineers.

What was it about your LinkedIn profile that attracted the attention of the recruiter?

It was my experience in writing, education, and AI. I had all of those keywords in my profile, so they were able to find me through keywords and my experience.

How often do you work on your LinkedIn profile and engage on LinkedIn?

I engage daily on LinkedIn now. After being recruited for my role at Google, I saw how powerful it is, and I said, “Wow, if I were just on here randomly and this happened, I need to spend some more time on here!”

I post at least three times a week. I really try to focus my posts on education policy and personal taxes, because those are the realms that I work in, and I know that if I keep those keywords circulating, I’m going to get more connections related to those, and more connections mean more doors will open for me through word of mouth.

I also use LinkedIn to research current trends in employment and apply for more roles. Google is not my only job; I also work 16 hours at Intuit on the weekends. I got that job through LinkedIn as well, but not through a recruiter; I saw the job posting and applied.

How has LinkedIn helped with your academics?

It has helped tremendously. It keeps me updated on policy and research opportunities and connected with other educators. I didn’t realize how powerful that was until the most recent phase of my degree, when I saw people posting about needing research participants. So, not only does LinkedIn give me the experience of participating in other people’s research, but I’m also able to find participants for my own research.

I was also grateful that following the residency, a lot of students reached out to me on LinkedIn and said, “Hey, what do you think about my topic?” So, we’re able to initiate those academic conversations on LinkedIn. I stayed connected with all of my Walden peers from the residencies.

What advice do you have for anyone who is new to LinkedIn?

Well, the advice that I give daily, because I have a large team that I’m a mentor for, I tell them: make sure that you have a nice, professional photo. Also, add everyone around you as a connection, write a creative headline, and stay authentic. Know what realm you want to be in and continue building out that realm on LinkedIn. It’s very important to use your LinkedIn profile as your professional portfolio.  And keep it professional.

The Career Planning and Development department thanks Monique Mitchell for sharing her inspirational story and insights! 

Resources: 
Need help creating or updating your LinkedIn profile? Schedule a Career Advising Appointment.
Visit the Career Planning and Development website and learn more about Networking.
Watch the Launching with LinkedIn webinar.
Connect with Walden Alums and ask career-related questions on the AskAlums site.
Visit the Research and Doctoral Services website for question related to using social media to conduct research.

Interview Contributed by Monique Mitchell, Walden PhD in Education Student

Edited by Alison Fahy, Specialist, Department of Career Planning and Development