On the QT Newsletter, Getting LinkedIn

 

March 16, 2010

 

 

Attachment: Getting LinkedIn

March 16, 2010

 

Did you know? LinkedIn, the online professional social media site, has more than 60 million members, and its enrollment is growing by one person every second. While your students may be well established on Facebook and enjoy spending time tweeting, LinkedIn can help them find jobs and make valuable connections as they seek to find their way in the world of work. In this tough economy, LinkedIn gives college students an opportunity to build a strong online identity, develop and grow their network, and show off their best work. Spending a few minutes of class time to review and discuss some LinkedIn options will help your students as they set out to launch their careers. In addition, it will provide you with a great tool to stay connected to students and share their career journeys. Follow the quick and easy outline below, to explore some of the LinkedIn resources for college students.

 

Try This:

Ask students how many of them belong to LinkedIn. (If you use LinkedIn, share your experience.)

How long have you been a member?
How do you use the site?
How have you benefitted from your LinkedIn membership?

Distribute the Getting LinkedIn activity, and review the assignment.
View the 5-minute video, LinkedIn Grad Guide.

 

Stop after each section of the video to discuss and respond to questions about the different sections.
Recommend organizational and/or college groups students that might join on LinkedIn.

 

Add an Experience: Completing a sharp LinkedIn profile is a big undertaking. It takes an average of 4.5 to 9.5 hours to compose a good profile. Suggest students download the LinkedIn Profile Guide to lead them through the process. Then encourage students to get together in small groups outside of class, to discuss and share their profiles. This activity will not only give them ideas to adjust and improve their profiles, but it will also help them establish quick connections with other students. LinkedIn is a great tool, but students have to work it, to make it work.

 

Quik Quote: As the largest and most vibrant professional social network, LinkedIn provides a wealth of opportunities for job seekers and ambitious young professionals. Lindsey Pollak, Getting from College to Career