Welcome to Your Professional Journey!
LinkedIn is an essential tool for building your professional network and showcasing your skills, experiences, and achievements. Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your existing profile, this page provides all the resources you need to create a standout LinkedIn presence.
Why LinkedIn?
- Expand Your Network: Connect with professionals in your field, alumni, and potential
employers. - Showcase Your Skills: Highlight your skills, experiences, and accomplishments.
- Job Opportunities: Access a vast database of job listings and internship opportunities.
- Professional Development: Follow industry leaders and join professional groups for
insights and advice.
Getting Started With LinkedIn
-
Visit and sign up for a free account.
-
- Profile Picture: Choose a professional headshot.
- Headline: Write a concise and impactful headline that reflects your career goals.
- Summary: Craft a compelling summary that tells your story. Include your aspirations, skills, and what you're looking for in a career.
- Experience: List your work experiences, internships, and relevant projects. Use bullet points to detail your responsibilities and achievements.
- Education: Include your university, major, and any honors or awards.
- Skills & Endorsements: Add skills relevant to your career. Ask connections to endorse you.
- Recommendations: Request recommendations from professors, mentors, or employers
Customizing Your Profile
-
Customize your LinkedIn URL to make it more professional and easier to share (e.g., linkedin.com/in/yourname).
-
Upload samples of your work, such as presentations, reports, or projects.
-
Include sections for certifications, publications, languages, and volunteer experiences.
-
Post updates, share articles, and engage with content relevant to your industry.
Dos and Don'ts
-
Optimize Your Profile Picture:
- Use a clear, professional headshot.
- Ensure the background is plain or neutral.
- Make it specific and reflective of your career goals.
- Highlight your key skills or roles.
- Share your career story, including your goals and passions.
- Use first-person narrative for a personal touch.
- Like, comment, and share relevant content.
- Connect with classmates, colleagues, and industry professionals.
- Regularly add new experiences, skills, and accomplishments.
- Tailor your profile to reflect your current career objectives.
-
Use Unprofessional Photos:
- Avoid selfies, group photos, or casual pictures.
- Ensure your photo is recent and appropriately dressed.
- Fill out all sections, including skills, education, and experience.
- A complete profile is more attractive to recruiters.
- Avoid clichés like "hardworking" or "team player."
- Be specific about your achievements and skills.
- Personalize connection requests instead of using generic messages.
- Avoid sending too many connection requests at once.
- Keep your posts professional and relevant to your field.
- Avoid sharing overly personal or controversial topics.
Contact Us
For personalized assistance with your LinkedIn profile or any other career-related questions, always feel free to contact Traci Beighle or Dawson Gremmels by using the provided links, or visit them in the Student Success Center.