By College of Arts and Sciences faculty member Alexandra Plake
Summer is a time for rest, relaxation, and . . . networking? Without homework and studying taking up all your time, you just may have a few moments to get your professional life sorted out by setting up an account on LinkedIn.
LinkedIn is touted as the world’s largest social network for professionals with 500 million users. It’s a place where recruiters and companies source candidates for jobs. It’s great for job hunting, career networking and professional development. It’s no wonder that 40 million students and recent grads are using LinkedIn.
Graduation may be a long off or you may think you’re not ready for the job search just yet. But internships are often required in college and LinkedIn is a good place to get your foot in the door.
So, as a college student, here are a few things you can get started doing with LinkedIn:
1. Post a Profile Picture: This should be a professional photo of you wearing something you would wear to work or an interview. Make a good impression! Why? Because adding a photo could result in 14 times more profile views than if you hadn’t.
2. Include Coursework and Extracurriculars: If you’re involved in any college clubs or do volunteer work outside of school, include that. List any courses that would help you in the field you want to work in. Employers want to know that you have a passion and they can see that side of you if you include these experiences on your profile.
3. Show Off Your Schoolwork: Upload any research papers, design work or writing samples to showcase your skills and competence. LinkedIn offers the ability for members to publish articles. If you’re knowledgeable in a certain area, this is a great way to write content that shows off your expertise.
4. Connect with Industry Leaders: Find the management team of the places you want to work and connect with them. Send them messages and ask them for professional advice. People love to help students and you’d be surprise how many will make time to help. Anderson University’s LinkedIn page has 6,000 alumni who I am sure would love to connect with you professionally.
5. Ask Professors or Advisors for Recommendations: Have someone vouch for your hard work and it will be visible on your profile for all to see. Take it a step further and ask people to check off LinkedIn endorsements for you so future employers have a good idea of the skills you can offer.
6. Ask Questions in LinkedIn Groups: Join groups to rub elbows with people who have the same interests as you. Lots of opportunities pop up in these groups on LinkedIn.
So in between trips to the beach or hanging poolside with your friends, take time to sign up for LinkedIn and get your professional brand ready!
Professor Alexandra Plake is a part-time instructor in the communication department in the College of Arts and Sciences. Professor Plake has experience teaching, researching and working in social media and public relations. She can be reached at aplake@andersonuniversity.edu or connect with her on LinkedIn.