How to Use Linkedin as a College Student

Networking was always a hot topic with my professors and fellow students when I was in college.

There were networking events with businesses trying to recruit new employees and interns. We had dinners, and social lunches where we listened to guest lecturers extol the importance of making good impressions. And on top of that, we were encouraged to practice our personal elevator pitches if we met someone who could hire us.

I’m sure you have experienced something similar, and if you haven’t, you wait. It’s coming.

I graduated over four years ago, and I have realized that professors and students largely ignored Linkedin in my business classes. This may be different at other schools, but from my conversations with friends and colleagues, the general rule of thumb is that you should have a Linkedin, but there isn’t too much direction past that.

Let’s take a deep dive into the professional social network and how to use it while you’re in school.

What is Linkedin?

Linkedin is an online social networking platform for professionals. The app and website look similar to Facebook, but it is tailored more towards business purposes.

For example, you can apply to jobs, endorse your connections’ skills, share your personal…