How to get ahead on LinkedIn as a student

The transition from being a student to entering the "workforce" can be both exciting and overwhelming. You might wonder how to start building a career before you’ve even graduated or finished your studies.

Fortunately, LinkedIn offers students a unique advantage: a place to build their professional brand, make connections, and open doors long before the ink is dry on their diploma.

Here’s how to get the most out of LinkedIn as you start building your future:

1. Optimise your profile for professional IMPACT

Your LinkedIn profile is more than a digital CV—it’s your professional identity.

Start with a clear, welcoming profile photo and a headline that reflects your career aspirations, like “Business Student with a Passion for Financial Strategy” or “Aspiring Data Scientist Focused on Sustainable Solutions.”

Use the “About” section to showcase your goals, skills, and what makes you unique.

Mention any academic projects, internships, or volunteer work to highlight your experience and make your profile stand out.

2. Showcase your skills and certifications

List skills relevant to the role, company or industry/sector you want to get into, such as project management, research, or digital marketing.

Don’t forget to take LinkedIn Skills Assessments if you have proficiency in high-demand areas like Excel or Python.

LinkedIn Learning is another fantastic tool; by completing courses and displaying certifications, you can show potential employers you’re proactive and dedicated to your professional growth.

3. Strategically build your network

Networking isn’t about collecting names; it’s about connecting with people who inspire and support your career journey.

Start with people you know—classmates, professors, teachers, mentors—and build outward.

Connect with alumni and professionals in your desired field.

Personalise your connection requests by mentioning common ground or shared interests, and engage regularly with your network by commenting or sharing their posts. This helps keep you visible, active and engaged in your industry.

4. Engage thoughtfully with content (other posts)

LinkedIn is more than a place to post your achievements; it’s a platform for learning and sharing ideas.

Follow industry leaders, companies, and hashtags related to your interests to stay informed.

When you come across a great article or an insightful post, share it along with your thoughts.

Regularly posting or reflecting on what you’re learning can show potential employers that you’re genuinely invested in your field. Your authenticity and curiosity will go a long way in helping you stand out.

5. Leverage LinkedIn Groups and Events

Joining LinkedIn groups allows you to interact with professionals in a more informal setting, providing valuable insights and advice. Look for groups related to your field, whether it’s tech, marketing, finance, or any other sector.

Additionally, LinkedIn often hosts virtual events tailored for young professionals and students. Attending these can broaden your network and deepen your understanding of industry trends. After attending, share key takeaways on your profile to highlight your engagement with the industry.

6. Use LinkedIn’s job search features

Many companies post internships, graduate programmes, and entry-level jobs on LinkedIn.

Set job alerts to be among the first applicants for new opportunities.

When applying, tailor your CV and LinkedIn profile to match job descriptions.

Use the easy-apply feature wisely, and whenever possible, follow up with a personalised message to the recruiter. This extra touch can make a difference and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.

7. Request and give recommendations

Recommendations add a layer of credibility to your profile, and they’re not just for senior professionals!

Ask for recommendations from professors, teachers, mentors, or supervisors from internships or managers from a summer job. A well-written recommendation provides context about your skills and qualities from someone else’s perspective.

Additionally, endorsing and recommending peers or mentors is a generous gesture that can strengthen relationships and add value to your network.

8. Keep your profile updated

LinkedIn is a dynamic platform, so keep your profile current by adding new skills, certifications, and achievements. It's worth reviewing and refreshing your profile every couple of months. As a student, adjustments are likely to more frequest than a seasoned professional who's been in the same role for many years.

Showing progress and commitment to growth is attractive to employers, and regularly updating your profile lets you reflect on your latest accomplishments.

Embrace LinkedIn as part of your career journey

Your career starts long before you land your first job.

By using LinkedIn strategically, you can build a foundation that not only makes you more attractive to employers but also helps you grow, learn, and connect within your field. Don’t think of LinkedIn as just a job search platform—it’s a space to showcase your passions, demonstrate your commitment to personal growth, and establish meaningful professional relationships. The effort you put into building your presence now will pay off in the long run, helping you transition confidently from student to professional.

So, start today.

Update your profile, follow a company or thought leader, share something you learned, and connect with someone new. Each small step you take brings you closer to your goals, and with LinkedIn, you’re never alone on your journey.