{"id":210,"date":"2024-01-03T19:08:14","date_gmt":"2024-01-03T19:08:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/horizons\/?p=210"},"modified":"2024-01-04T01:03:03","modified_gmt":"2024-01-04T01:03:03","slug":"a-guide-to-linkedin-for-college-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/horizons\/2024\/01\/03\/a-guide-to-linkedin-for-college-students\/","title":{"rendered":"A guide to LinkedIn for college students"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Five ways to maximize LinkedIn<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/5894\/files\/2024\/01\/LinkedIn_phoneimage_AdobeStock_606142121_Editorial_Use_Only.jpg\" alt=\"A person wearing pink pants holds a smartphone on their lap. The screen shows the LinkedIn logo.\" class=\"wp-image-211\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/5894\/files\/2024\/01\/LinkedIn_phoneimage_AdobeStock_606142121_Editorial_Use_Only.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/5894\/files\/2024\/01\/LinkedIn_phoneimage_AdobeStock_606142121_Editorial_Use_Only-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/5894\/files\/2024\/01\/LinkedIn_phoneimage_AdobeStock_606142121_Editorial_Use_Only-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you making the most of LinkedIn? As of 2023, it\u2019s the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.similarweb.com\/website\/linkedin.com\/#overview\">16th-largest website in the world<\/a> (just two spots below Tiktok!), and it\u2019s also a completely free way to build an online presence that can boost your job or internship search.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out these five ways you can maximize LinkedIn to achieve your career goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step one: create a profile. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Think of your profile as a digital version of your resume \u2013 it\u2019s a place to show off who you are and the skills you can bring to a new organization.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t think that because you\u2019re still in college, you don\u2019t have anything to add. Even if you don\u2019t have extensive work experience, or you\u2019re in the middle of <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/horizons\/tag\/career-changes\/\">changing careers<\/a>, you can highlight the <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/horizons\/2023\/04\/05\/enhancing-your-resume-with-classroom-experience\/\">skills you\u2019ve gained just being a student<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Start simple: begin with your name, a profile photo, and what you\u2019re studying at OSU, then build it up from there. Here\u2019s how to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/career.oregonstate.edu\/sites\/career.oregonstate.edu\/files\/build_a_great_linkedin_profile.pdf\">Build a great LinkedIn profile<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/career.oregonstate.edu\/sites\/career.oregonstate.edu\/files\/linkedin_checklist.pdf\">LinkedIn profile checklist<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/students.linkedin.com\/\">LinkedIn for students<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step two: make connections. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if you\u2019re not looking for a job today, you will be someday. Build a network now so that when you need a job, you have a ready-made community you can turn to for introductions or tips on job openings.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, search LinkedIn for people you already know: friends, co-workers, past bosses, professors, and advisors. Don&#8217;t forget current classmates \u2013 they&#8217;ll be a valuable network for you in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then, reach out to people you WANT to know. It\u2019s normal and acceptable to send a connection invite to OSU alumni or people with jobs you find interesting. Try to find a point of common ground, such as a shared interest or a mutual acquaintance, and personalize your request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How to connect with OSU alumni:\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Find <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/school\/oregon-state-university\/\">Oregon State on LinkedIn<\/a> and click on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/school\/oregon-state-university\/people\/\">alumni tab<\/a>. Use the search tool to find alumni from your college or major, or who are working at companies you\u2019re interested in, then send them a personalized connection request.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sample connection invitations you can modify:\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Hi Xiomara \u2013 I am currently a senior studying mechanical engineering at Oregon State and hope to enter the aerospace industry upon graduation. I noticed that you are an OSU graduate with experience in this industry. I would love to connect with you and learn more about your career path. Thanks in advance! &#8211; Phuong Quynh<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Hi Mikayla \u2013 I am currently studying graphic design at Oregon State University and hope to work for a creative agency one day. I loved your recent post about the brand redesign you did for XYZ client \u2013 it was fascinating to hear your behind-the-scenes process. I\u2019d love to connect and learn more about how you got started in this field. &#8211; Elliott Hashimoto<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>More <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themuse.com\/advice\/want-people-to-accept-your-linkedin-requests-use-these-10-templates\"><em>sample connection templates<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step three: talk to others. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019ve joined LinkedIn, you can increase your visibility by staying active. Even if you just post an update or comment on others\u2019 posts once a month or so, you\u2019re building a reputation as a positive member of an online community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Join a group. Just like other social platforms, there are subgroups on LinkedIn for all kinds of interests. Enter a keyword related to your major or potential career in the search bar at the top, then click \u201cgroups\u201d to filter your search results. Tip: Start by joining the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/groups\/4379238\/\">Beaver Careers Group<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Share personal updates. You could post about a project you just completed for class or write about a small victory: \u201c<em>Just finished my last final! This term was tough but I loved my horticulture class \u2013 I learned so much about plant identification!\u201d<\/em> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Re-post an article you liked and take advantage of LinkedIn&#8217;s &#8220;repost with your thoughts&#8221; button to add a sentence or two about why you found it interesting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Here are 10 more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pulse\/10-linkedin-post-ideas-2023-michaelaalexis\/\">LinkedIn post ideas<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step four: Advance your skills. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As an OSU student, you have access to a <a href=\"https:\/\/hr.oregonstate.edu\/training\/linkedin-learning\">free LinkedIn Learning account<\/a>. There are more than 18,000 online classes you can take to gain new skills and earn certifications you can post on your profile. Here\u2019s how to <a href=\"https:\/\/hr.oregonstate.edu\/training\/linkedin-learning\/getting-started\">log in to OSU\u2019s LinkedIn Learning<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not sure which courses to take? Do a search for jobs you might be interested in, then look at the qualifications listed. Are you missing anything? LinkedIn Learning might have a class you could take to fill in that gap. It&#8217;s a great (and free!) way to build on what you&#8217;re learning at OSU. Check out courses related to <a href=\"https:\/\/learning.linkedin.com\/content-library\/online-business-courses\">business<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/learning.linkedin.com\/content-library\/online-technical-courses\">technology,<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/learning.linkedin.com\/content-library\/online-creative-courses\">creative skills<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step five: Get job alerts. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your LinkedIn profile is also the key to an enormous job posting network. Instead of browsing through individual listings, use the platform\u2019s automated tools to get notified about jobs that would be a good fit for you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Make sure that you\u2019ve <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/help\/linkedin\/answer\/a549047#:~:text=Click%20the%20Me%20icon%20at,Add%20skills%20from%20the%20dropdown.\">added skills to your profile<\/a> (these could be personal skills like communication or teamwork, or skills specific to your field, like Python coding or market research). <strong>LinkedIn will use your listed skills to auto-suggest jobs<\/strong> for you every time you log in.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/help\/linkedin\/answer\/a1420165\">set up job alerts<\/a> based on your own preferences, click \u201cJobs\u201d from the LinkedIn top menu bar, then select \u201cpreferences\u201d and \u201cjob alerts.\u201d&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can also search for a job on LinkedIn, and then filter the results for things like job type (full-time, part-time, internship), job location, and experience level.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Want to learn more about LinkedIn? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Use these videos to make your LinkedIn presence even better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/learning-login\/share?account=78580938&amp;forceAccount=false&amp;redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Flearning%2Frock-your-linkedin-profile%3Ftrk%3Dshare_ent_url%26shareId%3Dg6JUmthVTeyRDIWGBH6pdQ%253D%253D\">Rock your LinkedIn profile<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/learning\/chatgpt-prompts-for-jobseekers\/using-ai-to-write-an-effective-linkedin-profile?resume=false&amp;u=78580938\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Using AI to help create your LinkedIn profile<\/a><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Flearning%2Fchatgpt-prompts-for-jobseekers%2Fusing-ai-to-write-an-effective-linkedin-profile%3Fresume%3Dfalse%26u%3D78580938&amp;data=05%7C02%7CJennifer.Rouse%40oregonstate.edu%7C6029ed6b989d45679f3008dbfb74f647%7Cce6d05e13c5e4d6287a84c4a2713c113%7C0%7C0%7C638380251982771838%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=4x9%2BeRG%2B%2BApIKNGwrYBFL3NOA0iYa5tO36hcYubCFbo%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\"><br><\/a><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Five ways to maximize LinkedIn Are you making the most of LinkedIn? As of 2023, it\u2019s the 16th-largest website in the world (just two spots below Tiktok!), and it\u2019s also a completely free way to build an online presence that can boost your job or internship search. Check out these five ways you can maximize [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11177,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[37,36],"tags":[21,35,38,26],"class_list":["post-210","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-job-search","category-networking","tag-job-search","tag-linkedin","tag-networking","tag-tips-and-tricks"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/horizons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/210","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/horizons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/horizons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/horizons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11177"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/horizons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=210"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/horizons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/210\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":220,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/horizons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/210\/revisions\/220"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/horizons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=210"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/horizons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=210"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/horizons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=210"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}