What Not to Blog
As an undergraduate, blogging is difficult to get right. It seems easy: blogging and education go together naturally; you already spend your life reading, writing, and using the internet. Sharing what you learn comes naturally. And writing a blog can help you make a name for yourself, develop your ideas, and create a portfolio of writing samples.
Or it can torpedo your hopes for a global health career.
You have to assume that any blog you write under your own name will be seen by a potential employer. The trick is to write the right kind of blog. You want to showcase your skills, your commitment to global health, and your easygoing nature. You don't want to sound cranky, opinionated, or full of yourself. What not to write:
1) Don't post your papers. Nothing you write as an undergraduate is likely to be worth circulating that way. If you write something so amazing your professor wants you to look into getting it published, then you could post it. Otherwise, no.
2) Don't rant. You haven't earned it yet. I know that's a tough thing to say, but you need to work in global health for a while before you start to criticize. Otherwise, you look cocky. You'll scare off potential employers with your discontent.
3) Don't share your feelings. It will just make you look moody. If you want to talk about your emotions, get an anonymous livejournal. If you're writing under your own name, keep your feelings to yourself and talk about what you are learning.
COMMENTS (6)