How to absolutely nail your student LinkedIn profile
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Loading... - Debra Martin
- 16 Mar 2023
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What is LinkedIn? Is it really necessary? How does it even work? Do employers actually look at it?
…. Are all questions I frequently hear whenever the corporate social media platform LinkedIn is ever mentioned (usually accompanied by some groans). Most students have heard of it, some students have it, but very few actually utilise it to its fullest extent. It’s often thought of as a ‘necessary evil’ that you need to have for job applications, but the mood around it is often rather begrudging.
What is LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is yet another social media platform, targeted specifically at the business community. The purpose of it is to grow your network and maintain connections with people you know professionally, and share your current projects and achievements with them. You can also follow companies and popular figures in the business world, like Bill Gates or Richard Branson, and view their posts, recommendations and current ventures. There is also the Learning side of LinkedIn, where you can go on courses and take exams to earn digital certificates and qualifications that you can add to your profile.
Is it really necessary?
If you are looking to expand your network, seeking employment, and maintain connections with people you meet in your field of study in the future, having a LinkedIn presence is highly advisable. Unlike other social media platforms, having a massive network or follower count isn’t necessarily the goal – the point of it is to follow people who you are interested in, and connect with a core group of people you know on a professional basis and want to stay in touch with – potentially with the goal of working with them in the future.
What sort of people use it?
All sorts! From big, influential CEOs to HR managers looking to hire people, to students and professionals. In the last few years, LinkedIn has had a bit of a resurgence, with more Gen Z users than ever before. Popular online creators like MrBeast and Zach King post frequently with analytics breakdowns of their most popular videos, creativity tips, and behind the scenes insight into their ideation process.
How does it work?
You have a homepage feed with the latest posts from the people you follow, which is usually comprised of posts they have directly written, or reposts that they have shared or commented on from other people or organisations that they thing is worth sharing or celebrating. Here is an example of a post which one of my network, Students’ Union Exec Officer Celina Pereira, liked recently, which then showed up on my feed.
You also have your own profile page, featuring a summary about you which is publicly visible (more on that shortly). Read More…
