College students are told repeatedly that LinkedIn will be their best friend in finding a job, as graduation approaches; however, most students have not felt this energy from the platform. This could be for multiple reasons, but more often than not, college students just aren’t sure how to maximize LinkedIn.
Many students create a LinkedIn profile because they were told to, or heard that they should. Once the profile is completed, that’s usually where their activity stops. Whether that’s because they don’t know what else to do or feel they don’t have enough experience to add more.
So, what can students do to feel LinkedIn is a tool for them and their futures?
5 Ways to Maximize LinkedIn (as a College Student)
1. Optimize Your Profile
Even if you have created a LinkedIn profile, ask yourself if it accurately represents who you are. Ensure your profile picture is up to date, and that you have a banner that coincides with what you’re communicating. A short description of who you are as a student and what you’re hoping to gain is also imperative.
How you present yourself on LinkedIn (profile picture, banner, description, etc.) is your first impression with potential connections who may be discovering you for the first time.
Read: 5 Tips for Updating Your Profile Picture
2. Make the First Move
LinkedIn has more than 1 billion members, 214 million of which are in the United States. The main purpose of LinkedIn is to expand your professional network with new and existing relationships. Don’t wait for others to find you, take action and send requests to connect.
This may seem intimidating, especially if you haven’t formally met them in person (or online). They say it’s all about ‘who you know,’ and your connections can lead to opportunities and a better experience on LinkedIn.
As your network expands, you’ll notice your search results include 2nd-degree connections. Ask your mutual connection to send an introduction to help break the ice.
3. Nurture Relationships
Growing the number of connections is only one step, it’s important to reach out and nurture your relationships. If the message you’re about to send will be your first conversation with them, keep it casual yet professional. Thank them for connecting. Then briefly let them know why you’re excited to connect with them.
Perhaps something they posted resonated with you, maybe they work somewhere you’d like to be hired, or you want their advice. If nothing else, the desire to expand your professional network can be enough.
If it makes sense, include additional details about yourself that may not be shown on your LinkedIn profile.
4. Post, Post, and Post Some More
Another way to nurture relationships is to be active on LinkedIn by posting content. You can make new connections from interactions you get from your posts too. As your connections engage with your content, their connections will start seeing your posts in their feed as well.
Each post is a chance to continue communicating who you are, beyond a college student.
Share your accomplishments and other opportunities you’re proud of. You can never talk about yourself too much on your own LinkedIn profile.
More reasons to make a new post:
- Received an acknowledgment from a professor or supervisor
- New experience – like studying abroad
- Volunteer work in the community
- Took a leadership role on a project or in a club
- Looking for advice for a goal you’re working towards
Be consistent and try to post a couple of times a month, as you get comfortable, increase your post frequency.
Showing your network the things you value beyond a major and GPA gives you a personable feel, which could make you more attractive and approachable to recruiters.
This is also a great way to stand out from the competition in an already competitive job market.
5. Leverage Easy Apply
Sending out job applications can not only be daunting but also defeating.
LinkedIn’s Easy Apply mitigates those feelings by making the application process, easier. You can apply for positions effortlessly without leaving the platform.
No need to create new accounts or upload documents each time you see a job you’re interested in. By using this feature, you not only streamline the process, but you’ll maximize your productivity.
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Now that you know 5 ways to maximize LinkedIn as a college student, get creative and have fun making updates. Don’t try to portray who you think professionals want you to be, rather, be yourself so you find opportunities that are the best fit for you. Keep the faith and recognize that being personable may be your best bet for landing the job!
When used effectively, LinkedIn can help you grow your professional network and help you find a career you enjoy.
Sophia Stobbs
LinkedIn Profile
Sophia is a Public Relations and Advertising student at Marquette University with plans to graduate in 2025. During the summer of 2023, she studied International Media and Journalism at the London School of Economics.
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