LinkedIn for College Students
LinkedIn has evolved over time,
and waiting to graduate to join this social network, can prove a true career
blunder. Social media networks are a core
means in which you can communicate, collaborate, and interact both personally
and professionally. Making the best use of these networks will actively develop
your career skills while building your professional network and personal brand.
Most students are familiar with the
social uses of Facebook, and Twitter but many may not understand the business
benefits available in joining LinkedIn while still in college. Understanding where
to join, what to share and ways to stay involved will prove to be the valuable
in you professional advancement.
LinkedIn operates the world’s largest
professional network on the internet with more than 200 million members so it’s
important for you to stand out while still in school or as a post graduate.
With that in mind LinkedIn developed a free site geared towards college students
seeking either an internship or a job. As a college student you can join via the
site LinkedIn Student Jobs;
here you can create a basic membership account which offers a host many of
benefits also available within their full LinkedIn environment. Once you’ve
created your account you’ll need to add your name, upload a professional photo,
and most importantly craft a headline that effectively describes your value
proposition, expertise, and something of significance that will encourage a
recruiter to take a second look.
In order for recruiters to view
your profile you’ll need to make sure you share information that can easily be
found. Upload your current and past work history using industry terms that are
most frequently used in search criteria i.e. Social Media Correspondent,
Digital Marketing Specialist. As you continue to add your summary details make
sure you use those keywords. Your next steps will include adding your Skills,
Expertise, and Education. In these areas
you’ll want to include skills acquired while in school, your current level of
educational courses completed and your current degrees achieved. The last stop in this process is joining
groups related to your industry of focus.
LinkedIn boast a number of groups
you can join, but you’ll want to focus primarily on relevant groups that tie to
your industry i.e. Health
Information Management Sales Professionals, for Healthcare Professionals, or
Information
Technology: IT Networking, Forum and Jobs for the IT Professional. With
LinkedIn you should also follow companies you are considering submitting an
application for, this will prove to be your greatest interviewing advantage as most
companies post up to date activities and events on their corporate LinkedIn
page. While it’s important to join groups it’s also valuable to stay active and
involved in the group discussions as your career advances these connections
will help overall improve your profile.
As mentioned earlier there are
over 200 million members already registered on LinkedIn, that number includes
fellow students and graduates, so your goal once you join LinkedIn is to create
a profile that will improve your searchability. While in school it’s important
to develop your skills and expertise you’ll also want to join groups that share
industry best practices, which overall will enhance your career development. Finally,
its official you’ve started to build a professional network while also creating
your personal brand all while still in college.
