In our constant quest for knowledge, be it through our experiences in formal education, the invaluable life lessons we gather along the way, and our endeavours in DIY projects, blogging stands out as an invaluable asset.
In this article, we will discuss the reasons why you should blog as a learner and the opportunities it may open up for you in your job search.
Let us get started!
What is Blogging
Before we go into the benefits of blogging, let us clarify what it is. The term blog is short for weblog, which is essentially an online journal or digital platform allowing individuals to share their thoughts, ideas, and experiences with the world. It serves as a space for self-expression, creativity, and knowledge sharing.
While we will not get too deeply into the technical aspects of starting a blog in this article, if you are interested in learning more about the nitty-gritty of blogging and launching your own, check out our comprehensive guide from a previous article.
Reasons Why You Should Blog
1. Builds Your Web Identity
It is no secret that your online presence matters, now more than ever since we are all interconnected 24/7.
Maintaining a well-crafted blog can serve as an extension of your brand. It showcases your expertise, interests, and unique perspective, making you more memorable and appealing to potential employers. Additionally, having a blog increases your online accessibility, meaning that when employers search for your name, they are more likely to come across your blog and gain insights into your skills and capabilities.
I am a living testimony of this as I have witnessed the huge visibility boost I got only months after I started blogging.
Case Study - Showcasing Student Expertise with Traleor Blogs
Traleor Blogs provides students with a dynamic platform to convert their extensive knowledge into valuable, educational content.
Here are a few case studies:
Regine Cyrille’s Blog
Regine's blog serves as a testament to how Traleor empowers students to talk on complex subjects freely. Her articles on Cybersecurity and Cloud Computing establish her as a credible expert in these domains, showcasing her deep understanding.
Meli Imelda’s Blog
As the owner of this blog, I have personally experienced the transformative potential of blogging on Traleor. My blog documents the continuous learning process in my pursuit of becoming a Cybersecurity expert. It not only showcases my journey but also inspires others by demonstrating how Traleor facilitates personal and professional growth through effective content sharing.
2. Shows mastery of the subject matter
Blogging not only allows you to share your personal experiences and knowledge with others but also showcases your mastery of the subject matter.
As you write about the things you're learning or have become an expert in, you solidify your understanding while becoming a trusted guide for other beginners.
It's an online community where you get to connect with like-minded individuals who are eager to learn from your experiences.
Plus, as you write and teach others through your blog, you naturally improve your communication skills and become better at explaining complex ideas in simple terms.
Through blogging, you demonstrate your expertise and establish yourself as a knowledgeable authority in your field.
3. Develop Analytical Thinking
Having a blog is not just about pouring out your thoughts; it is about structuring them effectively. It requires you to think critically and rationally about the topics you write about. It involves researching, analyzing information, and presenting it coherently and engagingly.
This process of organizing your thoughts and arguments strengthens your analytical thinking skills.
4. Promotes Self-Expression
As young adults and simply learners, we are constantly evolving, discovering new facets of ourselves.
Blogging provides a platform for you to express your thoughts, opinions, and creativity in a unique and personalized way. It encourages you to find your voice and explore different writing styles, ultimately refining your ability to articulate your ideas effectively.
This self-expression is valuable not only for personal growth but also in professional settings, where effective communication is highly valued.
Case Study
Academy Omen
Academy Omen’s page is yet another example of a great way to leverage the power of blogging. In their blog, they craft project-based contents to help you learn how to build powerful and scalable software with modern technologies like Blockchain, Python, Go, TypeScript, Solidity and more.
5 Earn Money
While not the primary focus for every learner, blogging can also be a source of income. As your blog gains popularity and attracts a wider audience, you may have opportunities to monetize your content through advertisements, sponsored posts, or even selling your products or services.
There are a lot more benefits to blogging than what has been explained thus far, but let us end here for now.
How Blogging Can Help You Land a Job
When you come across those often-dreaded job application forms with a section for portfolio samples, your blog serves as your potent ace. By sharing a link to your blog, you offer hiring teams a comprehensive glimpse into your capabilities, showcasing not only your qualifications but also your adaptability, creativity, and digital fluency.
It’s not just a blog; it's your visual, interactive resume, making you a standout candidate in a competitive professional landscape.
1. Demonstrates Diverse Skills
Blogging isn't just about putting words on a page; it's a holistic skill set. When you blog, you're not just creating content; you're doing design, photography, marketing, analytical thinking, and problem-solving. That means you’re a writer, editor, designer, and marketer of your digital space. By showcasing these diverse skill sets on your resume, you become an attractive prospect for employers who appreciate candidates with a wide range of talents.
2. Shows Initiative and Commitment
Consistently updating and maintaining a blog requires discipline, time management, and a strong work ethic. By demonstrating your commitment to your blog and the topics you write about, you showcase your ability to take initiative, work independently, and see projects through to completion. These qualities are highly desirable to employers who value self-motivated and proactive individuals.
3. Expands Your Network
Having a blog opens doors to a whole new community of bloggers, readers, and even commenters who share similar interests and passions. Engaging with this network can lead to valuable connections, collaborations, and eventually job opportunities.
Building relationships with like-minded individuals can provide support, inspiration, and a wider professional network that can benefit your career journey.
Conclusion
Whether you're a student eager to share your knowledge or a job seeker looking to stand out, blogging isn't just an option; it's a necessity!
Your blog is the story you tell, the skills you showcase, and the connections you make. It's a beautiful journey that promises growth, and opportunities.
So, what’s still holding you back?
