LinkedIn came into existence in 2003 and currently has more than 750 million users. More than 200 countries are using it as a social platform. It was created not only to connect workers and employers but has evolved to offer various services to recruiters, sales professionals, educators, and career development. You need not wait to enter the job world to create an account. College students can use LinkedIn to establish a professional online presence, which is important for getting jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities while still in school. In this post, we will go through how to use LinkedIn as a student.
With a LinkedIn account, you can display your credentials, post-academic updates, and interact with industry experts and potential employers. And thus you start your professional status.
Access to the LinkedIn account is free, but again you may choose to be a premium subscriber by paying a certain amount that offers extra tools to help you hire talent, get a job, follow leads, and grow a business.
LinkedIn is not only a tool for working people to network and find new jobs, it is also a tool for college students, and serves as your resume.
Purpose
As a college student, use LinkedIn effectively. Enhance your profile to make connections, find internships, and jobs, and make sure your profile is noticed when recruiters search for new candidates to hire. Make your profile in a way that attracts employers looking for fresh graduates to fill entry-level positions. This means potential employers will find you, instead of you having to find them.
When you apply for an internship or job, be assured that the recruiter or hiring manager, or both will search your name. And if you do not have a LinkedIn profile, your chances of being placed are less.
In today’s world, a professional web presence is a must. There is no need of waiting till graduation or finding a job to build your profile, it is better to create a LinkedIn profile while still a student. So once you are ready to enter the job market, you already have a good number of connections and leads required to place yourself in a good position.
To start off with, creating a basic LinkedIn profile is sufficient. But also study the premium subscription plans that LinkedIn offers to see if it suits you.
Benefits of having a LinkedIn profile for students
- Employment Opportunities.
- Easy Job Applications.
- Skill Assessments. …
- Initiate Connections. …
- Endorsement and Connections.
- Branding.
- Get Job Alerts.
- Positive Social Image.
Reasons for students to be on LinkedIn
There is a lot of opinion and confusion relating to LinkedIn. Some people compare it to Facebook while others see it as a platform for job search. Both views are correct to some extent. LinkedIn is more professional. LinkedIn in fact is an invaluable resource for students
To build a strong network of professional contacts – To do well in any career it is important to build your contact. Begin by connecting with your peers and your lecturers, then move on to the industry of your interest. The bigger the network, the higher is your chance of finding a job. Your connection can come in handy any time.
To get job alerts – LinkedIn is useful for students. You can program LinkedIn to send you job alerts for certain companies, industries or specific job titles, so as not to miss out on a good opportunity.
To let the companies find you – with the social media so active, when you apply for a job, your prospective employer will definitely search you on the internet. Your LinkedIn account helps to represent you in a professional manner. LinkedIn account allows companies to not only find you easily but also find the information that are required.
To prepare for interviews – Interviews are no doubt always stressful. But if you have an account on LinkedIn, you can research for the company, and the employer, and attend the interview feeling fully prepared.
To prove your dedication – When you have a LinkedIn account as a student, it shows your interest and dedication in pursuing a career. By being specific in your resume and connecting with people in the field of your interest; you prove that you are putting in the time and effort needed to succeed in your chosen career.
Tips to students for creating a LinkedIn profile
Create a detailed and engaging profile.
- Students should maintain proper etiquette when making connections and sending messages.
- Regular update of your status and survey job postings.
- Use a professional profile picture.
- Join LinkedIn groups to follow companies that you are interested in.
- Use your profile as an extended CV and put in as much information as you can to impress your employers that you are a well-rounded person with many skills that can be of good use in the workplace.
- Join LinkedIn in your first year of college to show your development in the coming three years as a student.
- After making the profile, start building up strong network/contacts. Be active in your LinkedIn account and keep updating.
- Attach a professional photo, dressed professionally and have a natural facial expression with a smile. Do not use selfies.
Questions frequently asked
Should a student get a LinkedIn account?
LinkedIn is not just for professionals/employees. A LinkedIn account benefits students. Creating a LinkedIn account helps students connect with professionals, peers, and professors. Moreover, students can receive job email alerts and network with prospective future employers through their public profile.
Is LinkedIn free for students?
LinkedIn is free for students and you can create an account in a few minutes. You need to first understand your purpose for creating this account; and then build your LinkedIn profile properly.
What should you post on LinkedIn as a student?
Like any other profile, this too should include the basics; real name, professional profile photo, and headline, location, and if you have a job, then the industry you work in. Your profile could include your work, certificates, and volunteer experiences.
As a student, how do I make my LinkedIn profile good?
Your summary and professional headline are what you need to show in your profile. You need to build a reputation on the things you want to be known for. Creating a strong profile needs to be unique and appealing. Even though you are a student, you should try your best to create a profile that looks professional.
How do you convey you are a student on LinkedIn?
The headline is the first thing that people notice in your profile. If you are a student, you can show it on LinkedIn by writing a short and informative headline related to your subject or interest. In addition, pick a high-quality and professional-looking photo and list down your education details including your minors, major, courses, and even your GPA for people to gauge your skills, and blooming professional sharpness.
Final word
With all said and done, gone are the days when people looked into newspaper advertisements for job prospects. Today the world is well-connected through social media. We can join LinkedIn groups and be in touch with our friends and alumni, teachers, professors, and family.
LinkedIn is a good platform for finding our prospective employer and landing a great job. It is advisable to create an account on LinkedIn as a student, the earlier you start- the better. Gradually you can keep updating your profile as you grow and make it look really professional for employers looking out for interns, part-time or full-timers.
At the same time, you too may have some companies in mind and could look them up on LinkedIn just to get an idea of the company and feel positive before you walk in for an interview. It is actually not a one way but two-way traffic!
Feature Image Credit: LinkedIn