How to Build an Impressive LinkedIn Profile as a Student


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.

1. Professional Profile Photo: First Impressions for Student Networking

Your profile picture is the first thing people notice. A professional-looking photo can help recruiters take you seriously.

  • Use a clear, high-quality image.
  • Wear smart, workplace-appropriate clothing.
  • Choose a plain or uncluttered background.
  • Avoid selfies or casual pictures from nights out. A polished photo shows you’re serious about your professional image.

2. Crafting a Headline That Speaks to Recruiters

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.

  • Include your degree or certification, such as “Economics Student at the University of Liverpool”.
  • Highlight your career goals, like “Aspiring Financial Analyst”.
  • Mention key skills or experience if you have them, e.g., “Skilled in Data Analysis and Market Research”.

3. Craft a Strong About Section

The About section is your chance to introduce yourself. Write a short paragraph covering:

  • Who you are: mention your field and level of study
  • What you’re good at: highlight key skills or experiences.
  • Where you’re headed: share your career goals or areas of interest.

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!

4. Include Your Graduation Date and Education

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:

  • Awards or scholarships.
  • Relevant coursework.
  • Major projects, such as your dissertation.

This helps recruiters assess your academic achievements and readiness for roles.

5. Highlight Work Experience and Skills

List any part-time jobs, internships, placements or volunteer work. For each role:

  • Add a brief description of your responsibilities.
  • Focus on skills and achievements, not just duties.
  • Use bullet points to improve readability.

For example:

XYZ Marketing Agency, Liverpool
July 2023 – July 2024

  • Planned and executed social media campaigns across platforms, increasing engagement by 25% over six months.
  • Conducted market research and competitor analysis to support strategy development for client accounts.
  • Collaborated with the design team to produce promotional materials, including email newsletters and website banners.
  • Used Google Analytics to track website performance and provided monthly reports to clients, identifying opportunities for growth.
  • Assisted in organising a successful product launch event, attended by over 200 industry professionals.
  • Developed strong communication and project management skills by working on multiple campaigns simultaneously.

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.

6. Build Your Network Early

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:

  • Classmates and tutors.
  • Friends and people you meet at open days and events.
  • Industry professionals, especially those in your target field.
  • Alumni from your university – these connections can often share opportunities and advice.

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.

7. Maximising LinkedIn for Student Career Networking

University job fairs are excellent for meeting employers and recruiters face-to-face. Use them to:

  • Learn about the types of roles available in your field.
  • Start building connections on LinkedIn with recruiters you meet.
  • Ask employers about their graduate or placement programmes and follow the companies that have opportunities that interest you.

Many universities also offer career resources, including internships or graduate schemes. Check with your university’s career services for help.

8. Add Certifications and Projects

Certifications and projects show initiative and practical skills and demonstrate your capabilities beyond your degree. Include:

  • Online certifications like Google Analytics or Python.
  • Academic projects, dissertations, or group work with measurable outcomes.

For example:
“Completed a market analysis project using Excel and Tableau, achieving insights that informed a simulated business strategy.”

9. Engage Regularly

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.

  • Post updates about your academic or professional achievements.
  • Share articles or insights related to your field.
  • Comment on industry posts to engage with professionals.

 

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!