Alumni Advice: LinkedIn
We asked alumni on St. Thomas Connect “What advice do you have for students or fellow alumni who are hoping to optimize their LinkedIn profile and presence?” You can learn from these words of wisdom below!
Looking for more networking advice? Check out our networking resources here on Career Edge!
Tell a Compelling Story in Your Headline and About Section
Go beyond just listing your current title—use your headline and About section to reflect your career goals, strengths, and passions. This helps visitors quickly understand who you are and what you bring to the table. More on this topic: LinkedIn Headline Examples for Students
“When it comes to putting together an engaging LinkedIn profile, there are several steps I’d recommend:
- First, make sure to have an engaging heading that doesn’t just reflect your role but also says something about subject matter expertise (e.g. innovation, strategy, AI, etc.).
- Second, having a professional photo can do wonders in terms of establishing credibility.
- Third, I’ve found that a brief summary or bio can give you the ability to frame your profile in the ideal way you want based on what you’re recruiting for.
- Finally, feedback is important. Your perceptions may differ from your peers, so it’s important to check in with trusted friends to see how they view your profile and what feedback they can offer for improvement. Career services at your school can also provide support on this.”
Eshan Varma
Engage Consistently and Authentically
Share articles, comment on posts, and highlight projects or milestones. Regular engagement boosts your visibility, expands your network, and shows that you’re active and invested in your professional growth.
“Engage with your colleagues, fellow alumni, and peers! Comment on and share relevant posts from others and cheer on achievements that your connections are sharing. By engaging more with others, you will notice that your posts, updates, and requests get more attention too.?”
Beverlee Shellum
“If you are actively looking for a job, be sure you have at least two recommendations on your profile, and post or repost something with your thoughts once a week or every other week.”
Jennifer Greenquist
Be Strategic and Specific with Keywords
Use industry-specific keywords throughout your profile, especially in your headline, summary, and experience sections. This improves your visibility in recruiter searches and helps you show up in relevant opportunities.
“Use Jobscan to optimize your LinkedIn profile. Upload your profile and a few target job descriptions to get a full report. Here’s a guide on how to do it!“
Violeta Lara
