The importance of LinkedIn for students

Develop meaningful connections and create impactful change.

If you’re a student right now building your career, then LinkedIn is the best platform for you! LinkedIn is the ultimate tool that can help you in a variety of ways. Just think of it as Instagram, but for career networking. There are employers, mentors and professionals who use LinkedIn to look for new employees, and you might just be the person they’re looking for!

Your LinkedIn profile will basically act as your digital resume. There, you can highlight your skills, experiences, achievements and rewards, which will eventually catch the eye of employers. Make sure you’re always keeping your profile updated. You can also share posts related to your interests and ideas. Your online presence can make a lasting impression on potential employers and professionals in your field.

Here are some ways LinkedIn helps you with your career:

Professional networking

Woman on the phone saying "I'm networking." — *Via GIPHY*

LinkedIn helps you develop a professional profile, which can be valuable to your career. It helps you connect with similar people who are in your field and, who knows, you might come across someone who can be your next mentor.

Engaging with professionals might lead to introductions, interviews and open internship opportunities. Always keep in mind that networking is a two-way street; it’s not just about how you can benefit, but also how you can contribute and add value to your connections.

Finding new job opportunities

Woman shaking hand saying "You're hired." — *Via GIPHY*

Many professionals use LinkedIn, as it helps them recruit new potential employees. So, it’s important that you have an updated and well-maintained LinkedIn that will catch the eye of employers.

Highlight your experiences and achievements and don’t miss out on details. Keep a neat profile that’s engaging and easy to navigate. Regularly update your profile with recent projects and certifications that reflect your current skills and career progress. Engaging with relevant content and connections further boosts your visibility and shows your active involvement in your industry.

Increase your global reach

A portion of Earth from outer space. — *Photo by NASA via Unsplash.*

LinkedIn is a global platform and it can connect you to people all over the world. This can help you form partnerships with people living in different countries, engage in international collaborations with different brands and gain knowledge of different market trends.

This exposure will broaden your professional perspective and enhance your adaptability and strategic thinking. As you interact with a global network, you’ll also have the chance to learn from international experts, further boosting your expertise and career development.

You get access to industry insights

People working on their laptops and notebooks in an office. — *Photo by Scott Graham via Unsplash.*

LinkedIn is a hub of professional content where you can follow different companies, join groups and participate in discussions. It keeps you updated on trends and provides insights that can help you make important decisions about your career.

Students can also learn from different mentors and gain a deeper understanding of the skills required in that field. This will boost your expertise and advance your career, enhancing your global outlook. Staying updated on global trends will increase your knowledge of brands and make you capable of handling complex challenges.

A lot of internship opportunities

Man saying "Go interns! Wooo!" — *Via GIPHY*

LinkedIn is really valuable for those looking for new internship opportunities. It offers tailored job recommendations based on your profile and interests, making it easier for you find good opportunities to work in your field and learn new skills.

There’s an easy-apply feature on LinkedIn, which makes it simple for you to complete the application process with just a few clicks. This way you can apply for multiple applications in a day and, hopefully, some of them will get back to you immediately.

Making new graduate connections

Man and woman cheering a drink. — *Via GIPHY*

Various schools and colleges have their own graduate groups on LinkedIn, which helps students connect with graduates who are already on a good career path.

Engaging with these people can definitely provide new students with valuable mentorship and guidance. Graduates can help in providing job market insight and explaining the expectations and demands of the industry.

A man and a woman high-fiving each other in office. — *Photo by krakenimages via Unsplash.*

In the digital age, LinkedIn is more than just a networking site. It is an essential platform, especially for students, to build their professional presence and connect with different industry professionals.

Sharing your ideas and talking about your field of interest on LinkedIn can lead to conversations with other people who are in your field and that might lead you toward a new job opportunity. Using LinkedIn early on can help students enhance their chances of employment and have a smooth transition from college life to the professional world.

So, make sure your LinkedIn looks just as good as your Instagram!

Feature image courtesy of Souvik Banerjee via Unsplash.

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