
The Power of Professional Networking
LinkedIn is a platform that can help you expand your professional network, discover opportunities, and showcase your experiences through a “digital resume”.
Students can create a profile at any point, but it becomes especially valuable when looking to:
- Build your network
- Connect with peers, professors, advisors, alumni and industry professionals
- Include a brief personalized message whenever possible
- Explore career paths and industries
- Find internships, jobs, volunteer opportunities and networking events
- Research employers before applying or interviewing
- Conduct informational interviews (See our resource on Informational Interviews)
- Showcase your skills, education, experiences, and accomplishments
Your profile photo is often the first impression employers or connections will have of you.
- Use a clear, high-quality headshot from the waist up
- Dress professionally (See our resource on Professional Attire)
- Choose a simple background, for example a plain wall, brick, or an outside area
- short idea about your current experience.
Your headline should tell viewers who you are and what you are interested in.
Consider using a career-focused headline, instead of “Student at Emmanuel College” try…
- Marketing Student Interested in Brand Strategy and Digital Campaigns
- Psychology Major Aspiring to Work in Mental Health Services
- Biology Student Interested in Healthcare and Public Health
- Finance Major Seeking Investment Banking Internship Opportunities
- Computer Science Student Focused on Software Development and UX Design
- Communications Major Interested in Media, PR, and Storytelling
Check out the profiles of mentors or recent alums for more ideas and inspiration!
This section can help connections and hiring managers get to know who you are as a professional and how to connect with you.
- Be clear and concise about your goals and qualifications
- Use short sections for easy reading
- Keep it brief and consider using bullet points
- Add contact info, professional social media handles, blogs/websites
- Look at other professionals who have a career you’re interested in for inspiration
As you build a summary consider:
- What is your dream job? Where are you headed?
- What do you want to be known for?
- What are some of your skills, strengths, and talents?
- What are some of your interests, values & personal traits?
- What makes you unique?
- What can you bring to a team that might be different from other candidates or team members?
- How would colleagues or clients describe you?
- Who is your audience/customer?
- What have you recently or are you currently working on?
- What are your next steps? What are you currently heading towards or looking for?
As a Junior Biology Major at Emmanuel College seeking a summer 2024 internship in microbiology or oncology research.
My previous experience includes being a Biology and Organic Chemistry Laboratory Assistant at Emmanuel College where I trained students to use aseptic technique and maintained the lab while monitoring lab procedures.
I have also been a food server at Yard House. Through these experiences I have developed key skills in attention to detail, organization skills, and time management.
I am dedicated to understanding and addressing the complexities of crime and justice. My academic background, combined with field experiences, has prepared me to contribute to the field of criminal justice with a strong ethical foundation and analytical skills.
During my internship at [Agency], I assisted with case research, data analysis, and community outreach programs aimed at crime prevention. I also volunteered with [Organization], where I supported rehabilitation programs for offenders, gaining insights into restorative justice practices.
I am driven by a commitment to justice and community safety. I am looking to join a criminal justice organization or law enforcement agency where I can utilize my skills to support public safety initiatives and contribute to effective justice system practices
I am passionate about crafting compelling messages and engaging with diverse audiences. My academic training, coupled with practical experience, has provided me with a strong foundation in public relations, media relations, and digital communication.
During my internship at [Company], I contributed to the development and execution of communication strategies that enhanced the company’s public image and stakeholder engagement. I also managed social media accounts, created content, and assisted in organizing events that fostered community relations.
I am eager to bring my creativity and strategic thinking to a dynamic communications team. I am particularly interested in roles that offer opportunities for storytelling, media relations, and brand communication.
I am committed to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment for students. My academic training, combined with practical teaching experience, has prepared me to inspire and support students in their educational journeys.
During my student teaching at [School], I developed and implemented lesson plans that catered to diverse learning styles and needs. I also utilized technology and innovative teaching methods to engage students and enhance their learning experience. My volunteer work with [Organization] further solidified my commitment to educational equity and community involvement.
I am passionate about creating a supportive and dynamic classroom environment where every student can thrive. I am looking to join a dedicated educational team where I can contribute to student development and continue to grow as an educator.
I am a ready to embark on a career in financial analysis and planning. My academic background, combined with my practical experience, has prepared me well for the dynamic world of finance.
My internship allowed me to apply my knowledge in a real-world setting, where I assisted in preparing financial reports, conducted market analysis, and supported the team in developing investment strategies.
I am detail-oriented, analytical, and possess strong quantitative skills. I am seeking an opportunity to join a reputable financial institution where I can contribute to financial planning and analysis efforts, while continuing to grow professionally in the field.
I am passionate about creating visually compelling designs that tell a story and engage audiences. My academic background, coupled with hands-on experience, has equipped me with a diverse skill set in graphic design, including proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, typography, and branding.
During my internship, I had the opportunity to design marketing materials, websites, and social media graphics that helped enhance the company’s visual identity. I collaborated closely with the marketing team to create cohesive and effective design solutions that increased brand visibility and user engagement.
I am eager to join a creative team where I can contribute my skills and continue to grow as a designer. I am particularly interested in roles that offer opportunities for innovative thinking and creative problem-solving.
I’m a senior Management major at Emmanuel College. I interned last summer for XYZ Company in the Human Resources department and gained both the skills and interest in pursuing HR as a career. I really enjoyed learning about employee benefits and was involved in the administrative process of helping the Company transition to a new retirement plan.
I am looking for another internship opportunity before I graduate where I can learn more about another side of Human Resources I am interested in, Talent Acquisition. I look forward to bringing the skills I learned in this past internship to another area within this department I am so passionate about.
I am passionate about leveraging data-driven strategies and creative thinking to drive brand growth and customer engagement. My academic journey equipped me with a solid foundation in digital marketing, market research, and consumer behavior, complemented by hands-on experience through internships and projects.
During my internship at [Company], I developed and executed social media campaigns that increased engagement by 30% and contributed to a 15% rise in website traffic. I also assisted in conducting market research that provided actionable insights, helping the team to fine-tune our marketing strategies.
I thrive in fast-paced environments and am always eager to learn and adapt to new challenges. My goal is to join a dynamic team where I can apply my skills, contribute to meaningful projects, and continue to grow as a marketing professional.
I am passionate about contributing to meaningful change through policy development and advocacy. I am seeking opportunities to work with organizations focused on social justice, public policy, or international relations, where I can apply my skills and knowledge.
During my time at Emmanuel College, I participated in a research project that examined the impact of electoral reforms on voter turnout, which was later published in a reputable journal.
My academic journey has prepared me to analyze and engage with complex political issues while my internship allowed me to assist in policy analysis and advocacy efforts, providing me with practical experience in the political arena where I developed a deep understanding of political systems, international relations, and public policy.
I’m a senior Psychology major at Emmanuel College. Last semester, I was selected to be a Radical Hope Group Facilitator for a program founded by the RADical Hope Foundation. I was able to support First Year students as they navigate higher education, independent living, community engagement, and more by providing them with resources, life skills, and a safe space for open discussion.
Through this experience as well as taking various courses in child development I have gained an increased interest in working with high school aged students and helping them with their transition to their future which is why I am seeking an opportunity in child care upon graduation.
I am passionate about the power of words and storytelling. I am seeking opportunities in the publishing industry or related fields where I can contribute my editorial skills and continue to support the creation and dissemination of impactful content.
As Editor for the campus literary magazine, I managed submissions, edited content, and coordinated with writers to ensure high-quality publications. My internship at [Publishing House] provided hands-on experience in the publishing industry, where I assisted in manuscript editing, proofreading, and marketing of new titles.
In this section you may include all of your job and internship experiences and then update as you gain new industry related experience.
You may copy and paste from your resume or simply add the employer badge, title and dates worked.
This section should focus on your higher education experience and involvement.
Consider including the following:
- Information about each institution you have earned a degree from
- Majors, minors, degrees, and certificates
- Graduation Year
- Clubs and organizations, leadership and campus involvement
- Relevant Coursework
- Athletic involvement
- Study abroad
- Service experiences
- GPA (3.0 or higher)
- Academic honors and awards
Creating a LinkedIn profile is a great first step, but a complete and active profile can help you stand out to recruiters, employers, and professional connections.
Here are a few more ideas for turning your profile into a powerful career development tool:
Featured: Showcase or link visual/downloadable samples of your work including: Major projects, research, presentations, designs, published works, and media (graphics, videos, photos)
Skills: Add skills that reflect your coursework, experiences, and career interests to help recruiters find your profile when searching for candidates.
Licenses & Certifications: Demonstrates initiative and continued learning, such as: LinkedIn Learning, CPR/First Aid and Industry-specific certifications
Volunteer Services: Shows leadership, commitment, and transferable skills. Include: Community service, mission or service trips, non-profit work
A LinkedIn profile is most effective when you engage regularly to keep up to date with your industry.
- Log-in often (online or using the app)
- Share professional updates
- Share, like, or comment on posts, articles or industry content
- Follow organizations and employers, and professional associations
- Join professional groups, such as Emmanuel College and the McCafferty Career Center
- Celebrate your connections’ accomplishments and milestones
- Write and publish articles
- Save or apply to jobs and internships
- Build and maintain your professional network through messages, comments, and likes
I am thrilled to announce that I have accepted an internship this [time of year] at the [Organization Name] in [Division/Department]!
I am so grateful for this opportunity and look forward to working with the rest of the team and contributing to their meaningful work!
I am grateful for the opportunity to continue growing my skills in [field], and I look forward to contributing to the impactful work that [Organization Name] does.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way—I’m excited for this next chapter!
#newopportunity #careerjourney #grateful #nextchapter
(Make sure to tag the company)
As my time at [Organization Name] comes to an end, I wanted to take the time to reflect on what an incredible experience it has been. Over the past [duration], I had the opportunity to learn [2-3 responsibilities/projects worked on].
I wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you to [mentor/supervisor] for being a fantastic mentor during my time. I also wanted to thank all of my colleagues, who took the time to share their knowledge and provide guidance along the way.
Thank you to everyone at [Organization Name] for making this such a meaningful experience. I’m excited to take what I’ve learned into the next chapter of my academic and professional journey.
#internship #grateful #professionaldevelopment #nextsteps
Recommendations provide credibility and help others understand your strengths.
- Request a recommendation from advisors, professors, supervisors, employers, and professional mentors in a polite and professional way
- Consider returning the favor!
Let employers, recruiters and your network know when you are actively searching for an opportunity.
- Click “Open to” under your profile picture to edit your preferences
- Location, industry & your level of expertise
A personalized URL looks more professional and is easier to share. Edit this on the left side of your profile page.
Example: linkedin.com/in/yourname
Add your shortened URL link to: Resumes, email signatures, LinkTree or portfolios