It hasn’t been long since the graduating class of 2014 celebrated their accomplishments, marking a major turning point in their lives. Many are now starting their final year before stepping into the “real world.”

However, the transition from college to post-graduation life isn’t always smooth sailing. Many students have a somewhat unrealistic view of what awaits them, often due to limited work experience and a plethora of discouraging advice about the challenges of finding a job. (By the way, nexus-security is hiring.) What many students may not fully grasp is that, whether they’re still studying or have just entered the job market, networking remains a crucial skill for maximizing opportunities in life.

Why is Networking Crucial for New Grads?

Just eight months ago, as I was preparing to finish my last semester of college, I was clueless about how to navigate the choppy waters of unemployment.

Finding a marketing internship felt like an impossible task. Despite sending out numerous applications, I barely received any responses. College students today are constantly bombarded with discouraging messages about the job market, making it seem like finding a decent job is as likely as finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. The reality is that many students, including myself back then, primarily use online platforms for personal social connections. However, it’s equally important to invest time in building professional networks. When I was applying for those initial internships, I had no LinkedIn account, no professional network, and felt completely lost.

How LinkedIn is Being Utilized

LinkedIn is an incredibly valuable tool for anyone in the professional world, especially college students. Instead of tirelessly browsing job boards like Monster.com, spend that time researching careers and companies that pique your interest. Unfortunately, many recent graduates are glued to Instagram and Facebook, sharing sunsets and cheesy song lyrics, while they could be investing that energy more productively. The statistics on LinkedIn usage among students and recent grads are surprising:

• Over 300 million people use LinkedIn globally.
• Recent grads make up over 30 million of those users.
• Despite this, students and recent graduates only account for 10% of LinkedIn’s total user base.

These numbers are concerning considering that many of these individuals are either entering the job market or preparing to do so. My personal experience confirms that students and recent graduates are significantly underutilizing this platform, even though having a LinkedIn profile is practically a requirement in today’s professional world. Many lack the motivation to create a profile and may not even fully understand its purpose.

When applying for jobs, you’ll notice that many companies now use LinkedIn to screen candidates, going beyond resumes and cover letters to gain a better understanding of who you are. In fact, many companies have an “Apply with LinkedIn” button alongside the option to upload traditional application materials.

How College Grads Can Make the Most of LinkedIn for Networking

Many students and new graduates aren’t aware of LinkedIn’s potential because they simply don’t know how to use it effectively. I can certainly relate to that, as I had the same excuse during my internship hunt. Like dragging yourself to the gym or taking a cold shower, the hardest part is often just getting started. Some believe that a strong profile requires extensive experience, leaving students and recent grads feeling like they have nothing to offer or resorting to exaggerating their part-time job responsibilities. Instead of listing every minor accomplishment from your fast-food job, present yourself as a motivated student eager to learn and highlight the knowledge gained through your academic experiences. Here are some key tips for creating a strong LinkedIn profile:

Clearly Define Your Goals

Be upfront about your objectives on LinkedIn. Whether you’re aiming to land a job, expand your network, or engage with specific companies, understanding your goals will shape how you use the platform. When it comes to connecting with others, there are two main approaches: connecting only with people you know personally and connecting with anyone who aligns with your professional interests. The former helps build genuine connections with individuals who can vouch for your skills and provide recommendations. The latter helps you quickly expand your network and increase your visibility to potential employers. Additionally, make sure to add relevant skills to your profile. Reach out to professors you have a good relationship with and ask them to endorse the skills they helped you develop.

Engage in LinkedIn Groups

Join groups and follow companies that align with your interests and professional goals. Demonstrate your eagerness to learn more about specific industries. Actively participate in group discussions by responding to posts and creating your own.

Finding relevant groups is easy. Simply click on the “Find a group” button and search for topics that interest you.

Follow Companies You Admire

Identify companies that spark your interest or match your LinkedIn goals. Once you’ve found companies to follow, take the time to explore their pages and see what kind of content they share.

Establish Genuine Connections

No matter your approach to connecting on LinkedIn, connecting with various people increases your visibility. More importantly, it exposes you to their connections as well.

Think of it like expanding your social circle through mutual friends. Being connected to someone through a shared contact provides a level of social proof that might encourage others to connect with you too. LinkedIn conveniently allows you to see who has viewed your profile, so use this feature to your advantage and reach out to those who have shown interest in your professional background.

Selecting an Appropriate Profile Photo

Choose a professional and approachable photo for your LinkedIn profile:

• Dress appropriately: You don’t need a suit and tie, but choose an outfit that presents you in a professional light.
• Use a headshot: Opt for a clear headshot rather than a distant or blurry image. People want to see what you look like. Make sure the photo is of you alone; group photos are not suitable for LinkedIn.
• Smile: A genuine smile makes you appear more approachable and positive.
• Avoid unprofessional content: Steer clear of pictures that show you drinking alcohol or engaging in inappropriate activities. Keep it professional.

(Here’s a more appropriate example)

Writing a Compelling LinkedIn Summary

Craft a well-written “summary” that reflects your professional aspirations.

• This section allows for some creativity. You can make it as long or as short as you like. However, as with many things in the business world, brevity is key.
• Be transparent about your current situation and future goals. If you haven’t graduated yet, mention that, but also be clear about your career aspirations. Take a look at this example from a current college student’s profile:

Stay Active on LinkedIn

Don’t let your profile collect dust! LinkedIn is designed to keep users engaged, so make an effort to update it regularly. Here are a few tips:

• Update your experience: Add new roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments as you gain them. Treat this section like an evolving resume.

• Add new skills: As you acquire new skills, include them on your profile. LinkedIn suggests relevant skills based on the keywords you enter, making it easier to showcase your expertise.

• Get endorsed: Once you’ve connected with people, request endorsements for the skills you’ve listed. Endorsements add credibility to your profile. Make an effort to engage with your network by sharing interesting articles, commenting on posts, and participating in discussions.

When you come across articles you find insightful, leave thoughtful comments to spark further discussion.

Be Unique and Creative

Differentiate yourself by showcasing your personality. LinkedIn offers space to share additional information about yourself beyond your resume, giving others a better understanding of who you are, what you’ve accomplished, and what you hope to achieve.

Share your passions, but maintain a professional tone. (Being boring won’t get you noticed!) Approach your LinkedIn profile like you would a job application. Use professional language and present yourself in the best possible light, just as you would in a resume or cover letter.

Persistence is Key

Remember that LinkedIn is not a magic bullet for finding a job, just like Facebook doesn’t guarantee real-life friendships. Most of your meaningful connections will stem from in-person interactions once you’re actively working. The good news is that LinkedIn becomes easier to navigate as you progress in your career. If you’re struggling to connect with classmates and professors from the past four years, employers might question your ability to build relationships and fit into their company culture.

Take the First Step

These tips can help you gain a foothold in the professional world and give you a sense of accomplishment. Even if it feels like a small step, putting yourself out there is a rewarding experience. The key is that it helps YOU clarify your career goals. Many of these tips, some of which I learned recently myself, have significantly expanded my network on LinkedIn. I’m now connected with people who share my interests and career aspirations. So, the next time you’re admiring a stunning sunset, open your LinkedIn app and start connecting. In today’s world, it often comes down to who you know.