3 Things Students Should Know About LinkedIn
Lots of people have asked the question: What is the right age to hop on Linkedin? Is high school too young? Are college graduates too late?
The answer to this question truly varies from person to person. My general take is that students should start creating content on Linkedin, with the intent on building a personal brand, sooner than later. I am currently coaching one of my 16-year-old students as he builds his sphere of influence on Linkedin right now!
Whenever you start, there are a few things you should know about using Linkedin as a student.
You should be active
There is not a ton of value in creating a static profile that you update every blue moon here. You won't be able to build a personal brand or attract an employer that way. That's like standing outside of the Staples Center and hoping you get signed by the Lakers. If you are going to be on Linkedin, make sure you use the platform. Create good content, engage with your audience, ask questions, learn, write, think out loud, be present, be active.
You should know that you have something valuable to say
Linkedin has turned itself into a content creating machine. Right now, with all of the organic reach on the platform, it is possible for someone to ask one question or create one post that reaches hundreds of thousands of people. That, in the world of social media, is extremely rare.
Aside from the value of the platform, you should know that you have a ton of intelligent and valuable things to say. There are those that think that a high school or college student needs "more time" before they can clearly and accurately communicate with adults but that just isn't true. If you want to create content here but are struggling with what you can add, consider the following:
- Talk about what you are learning in school.
- Ask questions you want answers to.
- Ask for advice from professionals in a field you are interested in.
- Document your day! Talk about your struggles!
- Respectfully state your opinions.
- Respond to something in the "Today's views and news" section.
While there are a plethora of things to say, it is important that you know this: If you truly have nothing to say, don't say anything. While I do believe that young people can effectively create great content, don't force it! Be yourself and let it come from who you are and what you do!
This is the long game
Remember that, ultimately, Linkedin is most valuable when you play the long game. As a student, you are not on the platform to get a job in a week or a month or a year. You should be establishing value, brand, and social capital so that when it is time for you to grab the job of your dreams, you will be ready!
Every comment, every post, every engagement, every connection is the long game!
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Thanks for reading! I'm tailoring these things to communicate them to students in a personal branding workshop. I would love your feedback. What other things should students know about using Linkedin?
Educator| Leadership and Management | Language & Inclusive Education | Channel Manager HINDEOS
5 年I'd like to add that LinkedIn being so unlike other social media that students are more likely to use, everyone using it should try to stick to its preferred decorum. Although I can't really define the decorum, my view is that it's way more formal, intended on giving and taking something productive for the community here, leaving it as uncluttered as one found it etc. The point that unless it's very necessary I don't think students must use LinkedIn on a daily basis to post; of course there's a lot of interesting things to read out here depending on the kind of community one starts to mingle with from time to time. Happy New year wishes!
Creative Strategist for Education | Curriculum Design | Assessment Frameworks | Learning Innovation | EdTech Strategy | Humane Math Expert| Teachers' Coach
5 年A lot of students are on quora asking deep questions. I'll refer them to LinkedIn too. Thanks Mike Yates
Creative Strategist for Education | Curriculum Design | Assessment Frameworks | Learning Innovation | EdTech Strategy | Humane Math Expert| Teachers' Coach
5 年This is so full of wisdom Mike Yates Thanks. I'd just offer that: 1. They need to understand the difference between other social media and linkedin. 2. Develop thick skin when their comments or posts invite criticism. Learn to grow through them.
Storyteller of Mathematics ?? Creating a Generation of Mathematicians One Story at a Time
5 年nikki dunn
Doctoral Candidate at the University of Southern California I Educator I Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Change Agent I Curriculum Designer I Retired NYS Attorney At Law I
5 年As a HS teacher I’ve helped students develop their portfolio since 9th grade but I know of some schools that begin the concept from 6,7,8th grades. It’s really helpful for the student to see it as a journey of their development which they have control over as they add to it. I would add to your list two things. One, a section distinguishing between social media platforms. LinkedIn is not IG and Snapchat. The content of this SMP is professional and what you say or post is open to future employers. Likewise, I would also add in your section on “Having something to say,” for the student to think before they post. Many times, well intentioned comments can be perceived in unintended ways. Be mindful and always lead with “it is not my intention to insult or harm with my comments...” I wish you great luck. We need more young men of color in this profession.