Building a strong professional network on LinkedIn is essential for securing internships, discovering new opportunities, advancing your career, and shaping your personal brand.
In this guide, we outline five key steps to help you craft an effective LinkedIn profile.
1. Set up and complete your LinkedIn profile
Getting started
Begin by signing up on LinkedIn. Even if you have little or no work experience, having a professional profile is crucial for students looking to establish a strong presence.
- Profile photo: Choose a professional yet natural-looking picture, such as a well-lit portrait in smart casual attire. Avoid overly informal images.
- Headline: This short description beneath your name should highlight your professional focus and interests. If you’re a student, mention your faculty, major, or field of interest. Example: “Marketing Student | Passionate About Digital Marketing & Data Analytics | Seeking an Internship in Advertising.”
- Location: Specify the city where you currently live or where you are looking for job opportunities.
Writing your “About Me” section (Summary)
The “About” section is a key part of your profile, giving others a quick insight into who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for. As a student, this is your chance to showcase your academic interests, strengths, career ambitions, and personal goals.
Tips:
- Clearly state your professional interests and what you aim to achieve (e.g., an internship, practical experience, or involvement in projects).
- Highlight any skills you already possess, such as proficiency in specific technologies, language abilities, or communication skills.
- If you have a specific career goal (e.g., securing an internship in IT or marketing), make sure to mention it.
Example summary: “I am a third-year Economics student at Comenius University with a keen interest in data analysis and digital marketing. I am currently seeking internship opportunities where I can apply my knowledge in market analysis and social media. I enjoy keeping up with the latest technologies and collaborating on engaging projects within a team environment.”
Adding your education
- Include the name of your university, your major, the year you started, and your expected graduation year.
- List relevant courses, certifications, or projects that could be valuable to future employers.
- Mention any involvement in student organizations or clubs, as this demonstrates initiative, teamwork, and a commitment to personal growth.
Example: Relevant courses: Marketing, Financial Analysis, Statistics.
Adding experience (work, internships, projects)
Your experience doesn’t have to be limited to formal employment. You can also include school projects, volunteer work, and participation in competitions.
Tips:
- Clearly describe your role and the skills you developed. Use action verbs such as organized, analyzed, created, or presented to make your experience more impactful.
- Even if you haven’t completed a formal internship, highlight relevant school projects or research from your bachelor’s or master’s thesis.
- If you’ve been involved in volunteer work, be sure to include it—it demonstrates initiative, teamwork, and social responsibility.
Example:
“Marketing Internship – 123 Company, Bratislava (July 2022 – September 2022)
- Analyzed the effectiveness of social media ads.
- Collaborated on the preparation and implementation of a marketing campaign.
- Created content for Instagram and the Facebook page.
Adding skills
The skills section is crucial on LinkedIn, as it highlights your qualifications and makes you more attractive to potential employers. It’s important to focus on skills that are in demand in your desired field.
- Hard skills: Include technical skills such as programming, proficiency with analytical tools, and knowledge of specific software (e.g., Excel, Photoshop, WordPress).
- Soft skills: Highlight interpersonal skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, and presentation abilities.
Completing recommendations and sharing successes
If you have professors, mentors, or fellow interns who can provide recommendations, ask them to write a recommendation on LinkedIn. These endorsements lend credibility to your profile. Additionally, you can regularly share relevant articles, celebrate your academic achievements (such as notable results in competitions), or post interesting news related to your field of interest.
2. Updates and regular maintenance of the profile
Remember to update your LinkedIn profile regularly. If you participate in various events, internships, or projects, be sure to add this information. The more actively you engage with your profile, the greater the chances that potential employers will discover you.
3. Requesting connections
Begin by connecting with people you know—classmates, colleagues, mentors, professors, and others. When sending a connection request, be personal and explain why you wish to stay in touch. Use the “People You May Know” feature, which LinkedIn suggests based on mutual connections or shared educational backgrounds.
4. Join groups and discussions
Join professional groups that align with your studies. Actively engage by commenting on other members’ posts. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and contribute to discussions. This involvement will help you make new contacts who share your interests and increase your visibility within your field.
4. Engage in networking activities
- Attend LinkedIn Events: LinkedIn hosts a variety of events, both online and offline. Participating in these events can help you meet new people and broaden your network.
- Reach out to people with valuable content: If you encounter someone whose work or experience resonates with you, send them a private message to invite them into the conversation. This can open up new professional opportunities.
- Follow “LinkedIn influencers“: Connect with individuals who have a substantial following and significantly influence discussions and trending topics on the platform. These may include experts, industry leaders, and founders who are actively engaged in business or career development.
- Maintain relationships with your contacts: After establishing connections, remember to follow up regularly to nurture those relationships and stay in touch. This ongoing engagement is key to building a strong professional network.
5. Be patient and consistent
Building a robust professional network is a process that requires time and dedication. Exercising patience and persistence will enable you to cultivate valuable and enduring professional relationships.
Conclusion
Establishing a quality professional network on LinkedIn is an invaluable asset for enhancing your career prospects. With a regular and focused approach, you can unlock new job opportunities, connect with mentors, engage in professional discussions, and enjoy various benefits that will support your growth and success in your chosen field.
This article was produced as part of the Pathways initiative supported by UNICEF. For more information about the project, please visit UNICEF’s digital one–stop-shop: https://akodobrezesi.sk/ua/
