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How to build a great LinkedIn profile: 5 tips for college students

Most students know the importance of creating a marketable resume. However, have you thought about your LinkedIn account? Here are a five tips to help you build a great LinkedIn profile as a college student, brought to you by W. P. Carey Career Services.
W. P. Carey Career Services

Most students know the importance of creating a marketable resume. However, have you thought about your LinkedIn account? Here are a five tips to help you build a great LinkedIn profile as a college student, brought to you by W. P. Carey Career Services.

1. Post your schoolwork and projects

If there is a project or presentation that you worked really hard on, show it off. According to report by Jobvite, 94 percent of job recruiters use LinkedIn to source and vet candidates — but only 36 percent of job seekers use LinkedIn. Employers like to hire recent graduates, so you do not want to miss this opportunity by not showing off the skills and knowledge you're gaining right here and right now.

2. Include a professional profile picture

People are more likely to look at your profile if you have a picture posted. Also, recruiters will connect with you more by being able to match a face to a name.

3. Expand on your extracurricular activities

Share all of the things that you are doing while in college. This showcases to the employers the skills that you are building and your professional development during your time in college.

4. Request written recommendations from professors, coworkers, and advisors

Find someone who knows you well and ask them to write about your work ethic and/or accomplishments.

5. Stay active on LinkedIn

Whether it is posting or commenting on articles related to the industry you are interested in pursuing, or asking questions on LinkedIn groups, be an active participant instead of a passive reader.


If you take the time to improve your LinkedIn profile and follow these tips, recruiters will be reaching out to you for positions without you even having to apply. One last tip ... once you are proud of your LinkedIn profile, don’t forget to include your personalized URL on your resume to make sure that employers do see it. You don’t want it to be a case of mistaken identity if you have a common name.

Discover countless more opportunities to advance yourself and your career through W. P. Carey Career Services.

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