LinkedIn is a business and employment-focused online platform that offers professional networking and job opportunities to a variety of ages. With 810 million users and in more than 200 countries, it’s the world’s largest professional network. This app targets adults, but it can also help high school students.

 With LinkedIn, students experience all sorts of real-life situations, from setting up a professional profile and presence to finding small jobs and internships to enhance their knowledge and resume. LinkedIn’s vision and goal are essential to connect the professional world, enhance society’s productivity, and provide economic opportunities to all. Here’s what you need to know about LinkedIn, and how you can utilize it.

First and foremost, is knowing how to set up a LinkedIn profile. After signing in with an email, LinkedIn will ask about your work experience, school, the field of interest (specialization), and degree, which you can mark as none. After verification, you are able to customize your feed.

 The first great thing about this platform is that it provides you with many opportunities to learn and familiarize yourself with a multitude of different fields. If you are interested in medicine, there are hundreds of people who post about medical content. If you are interested in STEM, you will find hundreds of people on LinkedIn with the same interest. 

Next off, setting up a profile. Your profile will basically make or break your time on LinkedIn. It’s important to note that potential employers are looking at your profile, so make sure to brand yourself as a capable and confident candidate. Having a quality profile picture, with your full face and decent background and lighting, is the first step.

 The LinkedIn summary is another building block to an effective profile. Be short and sweet, show personality, and only mention important details. 

Now you should look for the “Add Section” button, where you can input information about yourself, education, positions, skills, etc. It’s important to emphasize your notable experiences, as these will make you stand out. From sports teams to leadership experiences to accomplishments, include whatever you can on there to give yourself a brand that is sought after. Keep in mind that as a high schooler, you may end up with an emptier profile.

But even if there are fewer opportunities for us, LinkedIn still provides many chances for us to up our careers a few levels. For example, you can find potential part-time jobs and learn what employers are looking for. One important opportunity you’ll have is internships. You may find plenty of summer or regular internships that suit your particular field of interest. Take advantage of the student profiles section and search the Students’ Job Portal. To learn more about how to find internships and jobs, Using LinkedIn to Find a Job or Internship is a great summary on how to start.

As high schoolers, I’m sure we’ve all started thinking about our futures. From experiences that’ll give us valuable skills to participation and accomplishments to stand out for college, LinkedIn is the ultimate tool to help us start our professional journey.

Photo Courtesy of PIXABAY