Why You Need a LinkedIn Profile As a Uni Student

Regardless of whether you’re in a career, have a job or are a student. LinkedIn can be a vital resource for networking and helping you achieve your professional goals. Even if you’re unsure of what those goals are right now. Your LinkedIn profile is a place to show off all your achievements and successes. I often use it to update what work I’m doing when interning – so when recruiters look at it, they can see exactly what I’m doing.

Who are you?

LinkedIn is first and foremost, a social network. This means you can use the platform to show who you are in a professional capacity. You can post about what you’re doing in life, whether that’s a job, internship or volunteering. There’s also spaces for projects and you can add media and links. Any recruiter who looks at your profile, should be able to find out about what kind of person you are from your profile.

Network

Whenever you have a new job, new internship or go volunteering you’re going to meet new people. These people are great for you to keep into contact with, as in the future you might be able to help them, or they may be able to help you. You can also see who your connections know and ask to be introduced to others who may be able to help you in your career goals.

Visible

It’s always important to be visible online. So many people now will search you before you even get an interview. Being able to show your achievements online means that you always a presence for when you do want to start looking for a job. I’ve had some people already contact me on LinkedIn about future career possibilities so it is really useful.

Up To Date

Keeping it up to date is vital. That CV you sent out 3 months ago might already be out of date. You may have gotten an internship, a part-time job, started volunteering. Anyone who has the link to your profile will see what you’ve done since you’ve sent your CV.

Business Knowledge

There’s groups on LinkedIn and you can also follow people within the sector you want a career in. This means a lot of information can be gained directly from people or through discussions. You can also reach out to ask questions. Increasing your knowledge of the sector will ultimately help you when you graduate.

My LinkedIn

You can check out my profile here.