Laurus College Blog Post - Are You on LinkedIn?

Are you on LinkedIn?

by the Professional Business Systems Department

LinkedIn might not be as popular as Facebook or Twitter, but don’t underestimate the power it gives you as a Laurus College student. It’s a great way to get noticed and create strong connections with industry professionals who can help you get ahead in your field.

The level of LinkedIn influence depends on what you do with it. If you’re able to create a content-driven, dynamic “digital profile” then others in your field will reach out to you.

Here are some tips on what you can do to make LinkedIn work for you:

1. An endorsement is similar to a Facebook “like”; it’s a thumbs-up! However, do not use the default settings that LinkedIn provides. Instead, create your own areas to be endorsed in, starting with one or two that directly relate to your field.

For example, if you’re in the Digital Arts & Computer Animation program here at Laurus College, list “Animation” as an area you would like to be endorsed in. Those who know you or meet you (and see your work) will most likely give you an endorsement.

2. Ask for recommendations. There is no better way to promote your digital profile than with a recommendation from those in your network. Ask colleagues, instructors, managers and others to write a recommendation for you.

3. Add photos! Many of you here at Laurus College create some amazing visual assignments. Since you’re already creating presentations and other projects, why not share them on your LinkedIn profile? These visual enhancements can really help get your profile noticed.

4. The biggest thing you can do is add content to your descriptions. LinkedIn is all about content and keywords. The best way to add content is to describe your education and work experience, as well as your hobbies and volunteer activities. This can help you make more connections with others in your field.

Think about it this way: The more words, the more connections. The fewer words, the fewer connections.

5. If your mind is full of thoughts like: “I do not have much experience”, “I just got out of high school”, “I am changing jobs”, my suggestion is…think again! Here are some suggestions on how you can build more content:

a. First, build a profile. Get others to learn more about you. Are you hard working? Are you conscientious? Are you determined to achieve a career in your field? The answers to these questions can assist you with building a profile about yourself and help others to get to know you.b. Next, you’re pursuing a degree and you‘ve succeeded in classes; let others know about it! Describe the classes you’ve taken here at Laurus College. List classes and explain what you have learned in each class. This can add key words and drive further connections.

c. Think about certain hobbies and activities you have been associated with in high school or recently.

d. You may have had some other jobs prior to this year. You do not have to list the jobs, but you may have built skills related to customer services, sales, project management, technology, etc.

e. If you have specific training, apply that to your profile.

f. Connect to groups that are related to your field. There are numerous groups that can provide you with tools, resources, and lots of ideas.

g. Apply for jobs by going under the jobs tab. Once you’ve created content, potential jobs will be listed under your profile.

h. Finally, check back regularly. Connect with people, apply to jobs, connect with groups, and update your profile.

These are just a few ways you can build your digital profile. Remember that LinkedIn.com is like a resume and in order for it to be effective, you need to keep updating it.

Build a great LinkedIn profile and you’ll be well on your way to finding the job you’ve always wanted.

Steve Ryan is a Professional Business Systems Instructor at Laurus College. You can reach him through email: steve.ryan@tinab22.sg-host.com or call [phone-link location=””].

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