4 Tips For Getting The Most Out Of LinkedIn

When I was a sophomore one of my professors mentioned a site called LinkedIn and explained how important it would be as we got closer to graduation.  Being a planner, I signed up for an account that night. As a sophomore in college, setting up your LinkedIn while looking at other profiles can be extremely intimidating and overwhelming. There is an endless amount of categories to show off your involvement and professional experience, but as a new college student you feel you don’t have much to show.

I remember being extremely confused and wondering if I can have this account if I don’t have adequate experience to post. Lisa Knapp from the Career Center later came in to explain LinkedIn to us more and shared that you might not have the great experiences now, but having the account will help you build on it throughout your college career and keep connections you meet now, rather then try to remember and connect 2 years later.

This gave me hope and I began to look at older students with experience and young professional’s profiles. Seeing what experience they had, what information they used in their profile, and what jobs they got  helped me see what it takes to be successful and represent myself well. Here are a few things I have learned while exploring the networking site:

1. First and foremost, please, please, please get a professional looking headshot.  Even your friend taking your picture in front of a brick wall is better than a selfie or cropped photo of you at a football game.  Seeing selfies or even better yet a collage of selfies (yes I have seen this) kills the photographer in me.

2. Be specific with your experiences.  Don’t just list your job title, share what you have done in that job and what accomplishments you had during that experience. You can turn a waitressing job into a leadership experience and show how you handle a lot of responsibilities in a hectic atmosphere.  

3. Customize your URL.  Having your URL as linkedin.com/in/emmamoulton is so much more professional than linkedin.com/daf74sdhfgo9em. It is such as easy fix but can make a big difference.

4. Don’t be afraid to connect.  While it might seem like the connection would not be helpful at this time, it doesn’t mean it won’t be helpful in the future. If you are connected with a professional they will see what new and impressive jobs you receive and what great experiences you have.  Start building your professional network as soon as you can, it can only help!

Now,  I am no LinkedIn expert; but I have seen how essential it is, how little details can make a big difference, and I know it can only help me (and you!) as we enter the professional world.

Emma Moulton, Account Executive | Emma Moulton is a senior graduating in April with a BS in Communications and Advertising, along with a business minor.  She keeps busy with a marketing and communication internship with Aramark and holds a position as Executive Vice President for Student Senate. Planning Grand Valley's annual Presidents' Ball is one of her favorite hobbies as well as photography, traveling, and watching a good rom com.