Let’s start off simple, what even is LinkedIn?
When we think of an online social network, LinkedIn doesn’t necessarily come to mind, but it’s definitely the most essential. This website allows you to build a professional online presence and network, while being an effective job hunting resource. Every college student needs a LinkedIn profile, and here’s why.
Many companies post job listings on LinkedIn.
With most entry level jobs, it helps if you apply with some level of experience because you are one of hundreds of applicants. This is why gaining internship and job experience is so crucial during your college career. Although the University of Washington Career Center endorses Handshake to find opportunities, you should not solely rely on it. Handshake being curated towards students is definitely a positive, but the amount of relevant job listings is slim in comparison. Companies tend to post opportunities on LinkedIn because it is the largest networking site, making it the ideal place to conduct an internship or job search.
Networking is important, no matter your major.
You can connect with industry professionals, fellow students, and UW alumni through LinkedIn. The job search can be daunting, but knowing someone at a company can give you a significant advantage. Do you have a dream job? Is your dream job at a specific company? You have better odds at landing this opportunity by strategically connecting with certain people. The earlier you create a LinkedIn profile, the larger your network will be by the time you apply for your first ‘real job.’ No matter your field of study, networking is an essential advantage you cannot afford to give up.
LinkedIn helps control your online brand.
Before making any hiring decisions, a company will likely search your name on Google. What usually appears when you search your full name? The typical results are your various social media profiles, but you will also find your name associated with media you’ve forgotten about. Since LinkedIn is a well-known website, the search engine will tend to promote it at the top of the first page of results. Therefore, your profile will be a company’s initial impression of you. Maintaining a professional online presence is an important rule of thumb, and LinkedIn is the key.
Every college student needs to create a LinkedIn profile. With it, you can build a professional network and search for a multitude of jobs. By creating a profile early on, you will have a significant advantage when entering the workforce.