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0151 522 580027th November 2024
Mark Barrow
LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool for students seeking to get a headstart on their professional life after university. These LinkedIn tips for students will help you create a profile that catches employers’ attention and opens doors to exciting opportunities. It’s more than just a digital CV—it’s a strategic platform to connect with potential employers, explore career paths, and build a professional network that can support your career development. Start now, and you’ll be ahead of all the rest when graduation day (sadly but inevitably) comes around.
Your profile picture is the first thing people notice. A professional-looking photo can help recruiters take you seriously.
Your headline sits under your name and tells people what you’re about. This is one of the first things employers see, so keep it concise and impactful. Use it to grab attention.
The About section is your chance to introduce yourself. Write a short paragraph covering:
Examples:
“I’m a second-year Computer Science student skilled in Python and web development. I’m passionate about solving technical challenges and aim to start a career in software engineering after graduation in July 2026.”
“I’m a third-year Marketing student with strong skills in SEO, social media management, and campaign planning. My coursework and placement year have developed my creativity, time management, and ability to work under pressure. I’m passionate about using data-driven strategies to drive growth and engagement, and I look forward to building a career in digital marketing after my graduation in July 2025.”
Adding this personal touch helps recruiters understand what makes you unique and focused. But, remember to keep this info fresh and up-to-date!
In the Education section, include your university, course name, and expected graduation date. The month and year you graduate are critical for recruiters planning for internship or graduate role intakes.
Highlight:
This helps recruiters assess your academic achievements and readiness for roles.
List any part-time jobs, internships, placements or volunteer work. For each role:
For example:
XYZ Marketing Agency, Liverpool
July 2023 – July 2024
This format highlights achievements and skills while keeping the description concise and relevant to potential employers.
Recruiters look for transferable skills like teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. If you don’t have work experience, emphasise projects, group work, or extracurricular activities.
Connections matter on LinkedIn, they expand your visibility, build credibility with recruiters, and provide access to job opportunities and valuable industry insights. Start by connecting with:
The more meaningful connections you build, the more legitimate and active your profile looks. Start early to make this process natural and authentic.
Tip: Don’t feel obligated to connect with everyone you meet. You might regret it later when your feed is cluttered with irrelevant posts from people you barely remember meeting, especially if they are in unrelated fields or share interests that don’t align with yours.
University job fairs are excellent for meeting employers and recruiters face-to-face. Use them to:
Many universities also offer career resources, including internships or graduate schemes. Check with your university’s career services for help.
Certifications and projects show initiative and practical skills and demonstrate your capabilities beyond your degree. Include:
For example:
“Completed a market analysis project using Excel and Tableau, achieving insights that informed a simulated business strategy.”
LinkedIn works best when you stay active. Regular activity helps to build your profile, keeps you visible and helps you build relationships in your chosen field.
LinkedIn is more than a CV—it’s your personal career platform. By creating a professional profile, connecting with the right people, and staying active, you’ll build opportunities that set you apart. Setting up a LinkedIn account early helps to build connections, increase visibility to potential employers, and start showcasing your skills and experiences, all of which can lead to valuable graduate placement and job opportunities early on in your career. Start now, and you can make LinkedIn an integral part of your successful career journey. Good luck!