LinkedIn is a social media platform designed specifically for professional networking and career development.

Creating a LinkedIn Profile can help you:

1. Build a professional online presence: LinkedIn lets you create a profile that showcases your skills, experiences, and achievements.
2. Explore career options: LinkedIn is full of information about different jobs and companies. You can follow organizations you are interested in and see what kind of roles they offer.
3. Make valuable connections: LinkedIn makes it easy to connect with people in fields you are interested in.

Information 

1. How to create a LinkedIn Account and an “about/summary section” in your profile section  Click here to access tutorial.
2. Go to LinkedIn’s website: Visit LinkedIn.com.
3. Click on ‘Join now’: You’ll find this button at the top-right corner.
4. Enter your details: Provide your email address and create a password ( Use your personal Email)
5. Click on ‘Agree & Join’: Follow the prompts to complete the sign-up process.
6. Complete steps 2 – 9 below to be approved by the career advisor. Make sure these areas are filled in.

Step 2: Basic Information

1. Enter your first and last name.
2. Add your location: Specify your country and postal code.
3. Select ‘Student’: choose the option that states you’re currently a student.
4. Verify your account: LinkedIn will send a code to your email to confirm your identity.

Step 3: Add a Profile Picture

1. Upload a professional-looking photo: While you’re a student, having a clear and friendly headshot still makes a good impression.
   • Dress in simple, clean clothes, even if you’re not in formal wear.
   • Ensure the background is simple and clutter-free.

Step 4: Write a Headline

1. Create a headline that highlights your student status and goals.
   • Example: “Freshman at XYZ University | Passionate about STEM | Exploring Opportunities in Engineering”
   • Alternatively, you can use: “Student at XYZ University | Aspiring [Your Major/Career Goal]”
2. Focus on your interests or what you are looking to achieve as a student.

Step 5: Write a Summary (About Section) –

1. Click here to access tutorial.

1. Introduce yourself: Keep it short and focused on your academic goals and what you’re interested in learning or pursuing.
   • Example: “I am a freshman at XYZ University majoring in Computer Science. I am passionate about programming and exploring opportunities to gain hands-on experience in tech. My goal is to develop skills that will help me make an impact in the technology industry.”
2. Mention any relevant work experience, interests, or skills that might be useful, such as projects, clubs, or volunteer work.

Step 6: Add Your Education

1. List your current university: Include the name of your school, major (if declared), and expected graduation date.
   • If you haven’t declared a major, you can mention that you’re “Exploring interests in [Subject]” or “Undeclared, focusing on [Field].”

Step 7: Add Volunteer Experience or Clubs

1. Include any extracurriculars: List any clubs, teams, or organizations you are part of.
   • Example: “Member of the XYZ University Coding Club.”
   • Even high school activities are relevant if you don’t have college experiences yet.
2. Leadership roles or projects you participated in.

Step 8: Add Skills – Click here to view a list of skills 

1. Select skills related to your field of interest.
   • If you are a STEM major: “Problem Solving,” “Coding,” “Critical Thinking,” or “Teamwork.”
   • If you are exploring liberal arts: “Communication,” “Research,” “Writing,” “Public Speaking.”
2. Add at least 5 skills that you would like to develop, even if you are just starting out.

Step 9: Customize Your URL

1. Edit your LinkedIn profile URL: This makes your profile easier to share.
   • Go to your profile and click on “Public profile & URL.”
   • Click the pencil or edit icon.
   • Edit your custom URL
   • Insert your name at the back of the link
   • Create a custom URL  www.linkedin.com/in/yourname.

Step 10: Connect with Peers, Professors, and Mentors

1. Start building your network by connecting with:
   • Fellow students.
   • Professors or academic advisors.
   • High school mentors or previous teachers.
2. Personalize your connection requests by adding a short message, such as, “Hi, I’m a freshman student at XYZ University and would love to connect with you!”

Step 11: Follow Companies and Groups

1. Follow organizations you are interested in, even if you are not ready to work yet. This helps you stay informed about industry trends.
2. Join LinkedIn groups for students or your field of interest. Participate in discussions or follow industry news.

Step 12: Add Courses and Projects (Optional)

1. You can list them in the “Courses” section.
2. Include any major projects you worked on.

Step 13: Engage with Content

1. Share posts or articles that reflect your academic interests.
   • Example: Share a news article about technology, medicine, or a field you are interested in.
2. Comment and like posts from others to engage with your network.

Step 14: Build A solid network – By the time you graduate

• Aim for at least 200-300 connections to enhance your visibility on the platform
• Having fewer than 75 connections puts you at a significant disadvantage in networking opportunities
• Include friends, bosses, coworkers, and recruiters to diversify your network and increase your chances of being noticed

Step 15: Keep Your Profile Updated

1. As you gain more experience in college, such as internships, part-time jobs, or new projects, make sure to keep your profile updated.
2. Add new skills, experiences, and accomplishments as you progress through your academic career.

Support/Feedback

1. 1. Contact Ms. Nandanie Appana at nandanie.appana09@mec.cuny.edu.
   2. For those in AGRO 103 course ( SEEK Career Readiness Course), you can get feedback from your Professor.
   3. Contact SEEK IT Academic Coordinator – Dorla Grant – dgrant@mec.cuny.edu
   4. MEC Career Management Center –   Career Management Contact Information                                                                                                  website: https://www.mec.cuny.edu/student-success/career-management/resources/

Career Management Services

Phone: 718-270-6058

Fax: 718-270-6189

mec-career@mec.cuny.edu

Room – S-302

References