5 Ways to Improve Your Student LinkedIn Profile:
So, you followed the advice and created a LinkedIn profile – smart move! The next step is to get thinking about how to make your profile engaging, interesting, and eye-catching – all of the things potential employers and academic institutes are searching for. Not sure where to start? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are 5 ways to improve your student LinkedIn profile:
1. The photo
Let’s start with something fun. Now, you CANNOT underestimate the importance of a good LinkedIn profile pic. This is the first and most memorable thing visitors to your profile will see. In a world of snap judgments and short attention spans, you want your picture to convey the message you’d like it to emit. That means: looking professional, friendly, and ready to get the job done. If you’re searching for internships, it might be a good idea to use a picture of you wearing business attire (this means a shirt, blouse, or suit jacket). Try and include aspects of your personality too! Maybe dress in your favorite color. You can also create an interesting LinkedIn background photo – perhaps a picture of where you went to university, it’s entirely up to you!
2. The headline
Okay so a LinkedIn headline is a professional version of your Instagram bio – the bit that briefly tells your followers who you are and where you’re from. With your headline, you’re aiming to give a snapshot of where you are in your academic or professional life, as well as a mention of one or two achievements. For example, your headline might read ‘High School Student, Winner of the 2018 MyStudyLife Prize’. Alternatively, you might want to include a note on where you’re heading: for example, ‘High School Student, Aspiring Engineer’. Think: concise but informative.
When navigating the delicate balance between student life and job hunting, an app like MyStudyLife proves invaluable in effective time management. By consolidating your academic schedule and assignment deadlines in one streamlined platform, MyStudyLife empowers you to maintain a well-organized and efficient routine. This not only enhances your academic performance but also ensures you have the bandwidth to actively engage in other tasks like student job hunting without compromising your studies.
3. The ‘About’ section
The ‘About’ section is your chance to expand on your headline. You’ve got around 300 words to start to tell your story: Who are you? What are your passions? What are some of your achievements? What are your goals? This is your chance to really get creative as you think of the best way to summarize who you are and where you’re heading. And try not to be shy about it! Though I don’t like the phrase ‘sell yourself’ (you’re not the latest shampoo at Target), consider the summary your chance to show off. Be confident and bold – don’t underestimate what you’ve achieved so far and what you can do! Why not write this section to the calming sound of binaural beats? Check out My Study Zen for some relaxing tones to help you focus.
4. The ‘Experience’ section
Now it really is showtime. The experience section is your chance to introduce all the worthwhile events and programs you’ve taken part in over the years. No doubt you’ve already listed your school, work experience, and any memorable professional events. Scroll back through your MyStudyLife academic calendar to see if there’s anything you’re particularly proud of. To improve: be sure to make the most of that little paragraph you get, explaining the experience. Highlight key skills you gained from working in that charity shop or attending that high school. Note down how the experience has shaped you for the better. Did you write any articles or create any websites during the experience? Include a hyperlink to your work for viewers to further explore.
5. Update, update, update!
It’s one thing to create the perfect LinkedIn student profile. It’s entirely another to remember to keep your profile updated. Every 3 months or so, set aside 15 minutes to add any new experiences you’ve had or delete the things you no longer think are relevant (for example, there’s no need to talk about your middle school grades once you’re in college, and GCSEs are only relevant until you’ve completed A-Levels). That’s less time than it takes to watch an episode of your favorite show on Netflix. If a university recruiter or potential employer comes across your profile, you want to convey how active and productive you are – you’re always looking for ways to become the best version of yourself.
If you’re still feeling stuck, head over to MyStudyLife’s LinkedIn page and check out some of our team’s LinkedIn accounts. We’re a lovely bunch!
Stay organized, stay focused, and get better grades with MyStudyLife.
