From the Expert: Philani Mokoena, Navigating a Digital Career Journal


By Lindelwa Masuku

‘From The Expert’ is a weekly feature that shines the spotlight on experts from various industries. This series aims to highlight the professional journeys of accomplished individuals and provide insight into their unique career paths. 

By profiling these experts, we hope to inspire others to pursue their passions and pursue success in their chosen fields.

In this edition of ‘From The Expert’ we feature Philani Mokoena, who has leveraged LinkedIn to create a digital career journal. By sharing his experiences, skills, and insights, Philani demonstrates how professionals can use social media to enhance their careers and make valuable connections. 

His innovative approach to using LinkedIn sets an example for others to follow, showcasing how digital tools can be used to achieve professional growth and development.

From our chat with Philani, this is what he had to say.

Briefly introduce yourself and your expertise in using LinkedIn as a digital career journal:

Hi there! I'm Philani Mokoena, a dynamic artist hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa. My passion for the arts led me to pursue an Honors degree in Dramatic Arts from the University of the Witwatersrand, where I honed my skills in Design, Arts Management (Cultural Policy), and Musical Theatre, making me a well-rounded and versatile artist.

I am also a continuous learner, as evidenced by my completion of a comprehensive digital marketing course at Digify Africa and my current studies at the Red & Yellow Creative School of Business. My areas of expertise include strategic thinking, community management, and brand account management, among others.

In a nutshell, I am a creative maverick, a scintillating performer, and a fun-loving individual who is driven to make a positive impact in the world of arts and beyond. I am eager to share my passion, knowledge, and skills with audiences everywhere.

Highlight one or two benefits of using LinkedIn as a digital career journal that you have encountered:

LinkedIn is a game-changer for me! It allows me to connect with fellow professionals who share similar interests and goals, which is so important for staying in the loop and on top of industry trends. I always feel like I'm in the know thanks to my LinkedIn network.

Discuss the advantages of using LinkedIn for career development and job search:

LinkedIn is a fantastic tool when used correctly! A strong, optimised profile can lead to some amazing connections and job opportunities. But it's not just about job hunting, I also love using it to document my career journey and showcase my achievements. 

It's so important to have a record of your work and milestones, and LinkedIn makes it so easy to do that on a global scale. It's like having your digital portfolio, accessible to anyone and everyone. So, my advice is to treat your LinkedIn profile as a brand and make the most of this amazing platform!

Provide examples of how you used LinkedIn to document and reflect on your professional growth and achievements:

I understand the anxiety that comes with using LinkedIn. People often get hung up on things like what to post, when to post, and how they'll be perceived by their connections. But the key to building a great profile is to start small and build up gradually. 

Just focus on completing your profile, making sure your summary showcases your unique value proposition and highlighting your experience in a way that emphasises your strengths. 

Take the time to position yourself as a subject matter expert, engage in relevant conversations, and connect with other professionals. And don't worry too much about the posting at first. 

Just focus on building your profile. With time and practice, it will get easier and more natural.

How to effectively use LinkedIn as a digital career journal:

To effectively use LinkedIn, present yourself professionally with a clear and concise summary, highlight key details that make you stand out, be authentic, understand your audience, and actively network by seeking new connections and engaging with others.

Best practices for documenting your career journey on LinkedIn:

When it comes to building a strong brand, having a clear guardrail is crucial. That means knowing what topics you feel comfortable discussing and what you have a solid understanding of. 

Remember, you don't have to try to sound smart by using fancy language. It's more important to be authentic and speak in a way that feels natural to you. 

By staying true to your brand and your voice, you'll build trust and credibility with your audience. So don't be afraid to be yourself and share your thoughts on topics you're knowledgeable about.

Tips for a Compelling LinkedIn Profile:

1. Treat your profile like a book - make the cover, title, and summary appealing and unique.
2. Research competitors and learn from them.
3. Define your unique value proposition - starting with a headline, profile picture, and summary.
4. Complete all LinkedIn profile features.
5. Be consistent in your presentation and show expertise.
6. Build a diverse network of connections and engage regularly.
7. Step out of your comfort zone for growth opportunities.

Share examples of content that you have posted on LinkedIn to document your career journey and highlight some of your prestigious expertise





What motivated you to use LinkedIn as a digital career journal?

As a young professional with a background in theatre, I have come to understand the crucial role that archiving plays in preserving the work of artists and playwrights. Unfortunately, finding information about African playwrights and their works on search engines can prove to be a difficult task, highlighting the pressing need for digital transformation in this industry.

For individuals who aim to impart knowledge, inspire change, and make a positive impact on the world, documentation is a vital tool. Without proper documentation, their work may go unnoticed and become inaccessible. 

The importance of documenting one's work cannot be overstated. It serves to ensure that their legacy lives on and continues to inspire and impact future generations. 

As an expert in this field, I strongly recommend prioritising documentation to maximise the impact of your work.

Philani Mokoena's approach to his career, using his LinkedIn profile as a digital journal, is a unique and effective way to showcase his skills, achievements, and expertise. 

By keeping his profile updated and engaging with his network, he can stay relevant and continue to grow his career. He is a true inspiration for those who are looking to take control of their careers and leverage the power of digital tools to achieve their goals.

Catch us again next week as we shine the spotlight on another expert in their respective field.
You can connect with Philani Mokoena on his LinkedIn profile


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