What are your thoughts about putting credentials next to your name on Linkedin?

[bjcheung77]

Personal preference, it depends how you want to do things, it's not really something that will cause too much of an issue if you do update or not. An option as mentioned is, the educational section already has your background, they know you've taken doctoral studies and that's mainly what counts. Some would like to have that show up, some are just fine leaving it out... Flip a coin!

[smartdegree]

I agree with the majority that the addition of the degree abbreviations is a bit tacky. However, I wholeheartedly recommend that anyone who has an MD put it right next to their name because (a) they deserve all the applause for their profession and (b) as a prospective patient, I want to know if you're a "real" doctor or not. For example, in the health care field, it is important to distinguish between MDs and PhDs. There's nothing wrong with a PhD, but don't let it fool others into thinking you can write prescriptions.

[berlinerd]

In my opinion, in LinkedIn it's better to leave in "profile description" rather than add a title or an extension of a name. The title is awkward nowadays, it's my honest opinion. Especially, when you see a 500 IQ person with a "regular Joe" name and their achievements/position/personality say a lot, and a person who is clearly trying to sell something having "LLB, LLM, DJur" in their name. I think MD is an exception, as this is a very special case.

[eLearner]

However, if Doctors of other disciplines besides MDs are working independently, then it's perfectly fine for them to call themselves Doctor without explanation.

For a Doctor of Dental Surgery clearly practicing as a dentist: Yes. Uncontroversial, long history.

The Doctor of Pharmacy has been the standard entry-level degree for pharmacists in the US for a generation. For a licensed pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy working at a pharmacy: Are we sure? For a licensed pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy in a hospital medical unit to consult: Are we sure?

Inside a Pharmacy? Sure. In a hospital unit? Likely. In one of my local hospitals, the Pharmacist runs their space and only ever has contact with Medical Doctors by phone or email. There is never a situation where they interact with patients in scenarios where a Medical Doctor would be present. I think the main concern revolves around the opportunity to confuse. In the absence of that opportunity, it's fine to use the title.

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I agree with the majority that the addition of the degree abbreviations is a bit tacky.  However, I wholeheartedly recommend that anyone who has an MD put it right next to their name because (a) they deserve all the applause for their profession and (b) as a prospective patient, I want to know if you're a "real" doctor or not.  For example, in the health care field, it is important to distinguish between MDs and PhDs.  There's nothing wrong with a PhD, but don't let it fool others into thinking you can write prescriptions.

Personally, I don't subscribe to the idea of "real Doctor" because it implies that anyone who isn't a Medical Doctor is a fraud and that just isn't true. That to me is a misconception of the masses that needs to go away. Medical Doctors don't and never have held the market on who can use that title, it didn't originate with them, and there was a time when Medical Doctors were not even respected. It took a long time for the profession to reach the respect level that it has.

About PhD's using the title of Doctor: If the PhD is in Psychology and the person has achieved the title of licensed Psychologist, that person has earned the right especially considering what one has to do to become one. It should also be noted that Psychologists who hold a Master's in Psychopharmacology can write prescriptions in 6 U.S. states and the military, and there is a push to increase that number.

[soliloquy]

This clip is funny. I have not seen this show. But, it sums up the debate in a hilarious manner.

[smartdegree]

Also reminds me of this video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkEA7ZUZIkI

[spohara]

1: I think a masters is a bit cheesy unless you are working in academia or a think tank and your posts on LinkedIn revolve around academic subjects and it is highly relevant to see that next to your name.
2: I think hard credentials such as CPA are fine, but I'm not sure how hard PMP really is by comparison and definitely don't put an alphabet soup there. Your 2 day scrum course on your name line makes you look silly.
3: I think either is fine (unless norms like medical dictate). I don't see much difference between a PhD, DBA, DPA, EdD, DEng, etc and I think using the Dr. title is fine in all of those cases. The title lends to the credibility of the author, and the nature of the post/article is going to be what it is (professional practices or academic).

[Wowbagger]

Of the 2000+ people on my LinkedIn I've seen many put "Dr" and PhD within the name. I have zero problems with that, and why should I? They worked hard and earned those distinctions, which are rare accolades denoting a serious level of professional expertise.

I do find it odd when people put "BA" or "MSc" after their names as those are common achievements. I've even seen someone put DipM (Diploma in Marketing) which looked very sad and desperate. It actually suggests you have limited qualifications if you're putting such a lowly achievement right at the top.

So my take is that if it's a very high honour then they should use it and be proud. If you're a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants then go ahead and put FCA after your name. It denotes and recognises decades of professional excellence. Let others grumble and be jealous.

At the same time, putting a lower level qualification in your name tells the world you've not achieved much.

[ThatBankDude]

Masters and above, I have no issue.

[soliloquy]

Also reminds me of this video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkEA7ZUZIkI

That is clever marketing and funny!