Leveraging LinkedIn for Success: Connecting Beyond the Game

"Playbook for Success" is your go-to resource for navigating the unique challenges of transitioning from college athletics to the professional world. This newsletter aims to empower college student-athletes and alumni with practical insights, easy-to-follow strategies, and inspiring stories to equip you on your journey. It's time to score big in your post-college journey by building a strong foundation for professional success.

Hi student-athletes and alumni,

In the dynamic world of professional growth, LinkedIn isn’t just another social media platform; it’s your secret weapon. In this edition, we’ll talk about how you, as a student-athlete, can harness the power of LinkedIn to kickstart your career, connect with professionals, and even share your unique voice with the world.

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Why LinkedIn Matters: Your Professional Powerhouse

LinkedIn can be a key element to your digital presence in the professional arena. The platform acts as much more than an online resume. Here’s why it’s a game-changer for student-athletes:

1. Networking Goldmine: Connect with professionals, alumni, and industry leaders. It’s not just about who you know; it’s about who you can get to know. LinkedIn is your gateway to a vast network of opportunities.
2. Career Opportunities: Many recruiters actively use LinkedIn to find potential candidates. By having a strong profile, you’re making yourself visible to potential employers and increasing your chances of landing that dream job or internship.
3. Thought Leadership: Showcase your knowledge and passion. Share articles, write posts, and engage in discussions. LinkedIn allows you to showcase your interests, knowledge, and perspective on professional topics that matter most to you.

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Practical Tips for LinkedIn Success:

1. Optimize Your Profile: Craft a compelling headline, showcase your experiences, and highlight your skills. A well-optimized profile is your first step toward catching the eye of recruiters.
2. Build a Strong Network: Connect with teammates, alumni, professors, and professionals in your field. Your network is your net worth. The more diverse and robust, the better.
3. Engage with Content: Like, comment, and share posts. Engaging with content not only keeps you in the loop but also boosts your visibility. A great goal to have when first starting out is to simply be an active participant in your professional community.
4. Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t be shy about displaying your athletic and academic achievements. It’s not bragging; it’s presenting your unique value.
5. Create Your Own Content: Share your insights, experiences, and opinions. Whether it’s a post about your athletic journey or thoughts on industry trends, your voice matters.

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Take Action with LinkedIn:

As you dive into the LinkedIn game, remember that it’s not just about job hunting – it’s about crafting your professional story, connecting with like-minded individuals, and influencing conversations in your field. Here are several steps that I encourage you to take with your LinkedIn profile:

1. Update Your Photo: Your photo is your first impression. Consider updating your profile picture with a professional headshot. It adds a personal touch and enhances your overall LinkedIn presence.
2. Add 5 Skills to Your Profile: Reflect on your unique blend of skills acquired through athletics, academics, and any other experiences. Add at least five relevant skills to your profile. This not only enhances your visibility but also ensures your profile aligns with what professional recruiters are looking for when it comes to job and internship opportunities.
3. Connect with Three New People: Expand your network strategically. Connect with a peer, an alumnus, and an expert in a field that interests you. Personalize your connection request by expressing your genuine interest in connecting and learning from their experiences.
4. Set Up One Informational Interview: Reach out to a new connection and politely ask for 20 minutes of their time to learn more about their career journey. This will give you the opportunity to gain insight into an employer, a job, or industry from that person’s perspective.

Additionally, be on the lookout for professionals across LinkedIn who are thought leaders in their respective space. There are many informative individuals out there who post content about topics such as early-career knowledge, industry insights, or even internship/entry-level opportunities at top companies. Below are some examples - special shout out to:

Morgan Young - LinkedIn Top Voice 2023 and Gen Z Creator with a special focus on early career topics. Follow Morgan for tips on college & personal branding, as well as info on summer internships at top companies!

Chase Coleman - former college student-athlete and current corporate professional who has worked at multiple Fortune 500 companies. Chase creates viral content that helps young professionals progress in their career. His work has also been featured in Business Insider!

Andrew Petcash - former college student-athlete who excels at blending sports and business through content creation. Stay up to date on the latest happenings in the sports business world by following Andrew.

Parul Kholsa, MBA - a dedicated sports career coach with experience working at the NFL, NHL, and MLB, Parul has a wealth of knowledge related to landing a dream job in sports. Follow Parul for career development advice, networking strategies, personal branding guidance, and more!

Thanks for taking the time to read this article. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn if you have specific questions - always happy to help in any way that I can.

This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by the author, Evan Coleman.