Professional Growth
What's the number one thing incoming first-year students can do to set themselves on a successful path towards getting a great job when they graduate?
The most effective strategy for first-year students is to create a LinkedIn profile immediately and actively post content about their industry interests twice weekly throughout their four years at university. Students should share interesting articles, insights from relevant classes, and internship experiences authentically. This consistent engagement demonstrates passion and knowledge to potential employers. By maintaining this LinkedIn presence, students build a substantial history that makes them stand out when applying for jobs after graduation. Employers will recognize them as more passionate and knowledgeable than other applicants, significantly enhancing their attractiveness as potential hires. This underutilized strategy opens up numerous professional connections and opportunities that most students miss.
Watch clip answer (02:07m)
FinalLayer
00:00 - 02:07
What are the most effective platforms for applying to tech internships and why?
The tech career coach recommends exclusively applying through company websites or specialized job forums like AngelList and LinkedIn. These platforms are superior to mainstream job sites because they provide additional tools that enable networking with people involved in the roles you're applying for. Networking is crucial in job hunting, with studies showing 70-85% of jobs are landed through networking connections. The coach emphasizes that networking simply means talking to people who can connect you to opportunities. These specialized job forums facilitate making these valuable connections, making them the coach's personal favorite way to find opportunities in the tech industry.
Watch clip answer (00:10m)
Damsel in Data
08:33 - 08:43
How can college students effectively use LinkedIn for their career development?
College students should embrace LinkedIn despite concerns about lack of experience. LinkedIn is an essential platform for building professional networks and landing jobs. Students should create an engaging profile that showcases their skills and experiences, aiming for 'All Star' status. Regular engagement is key - creating posts about achievements, learnings, or promoting others can provide value to followers. Even with a small network, posts can gain significant visibility (800+ views) and connect students with recruiters. The LinkedIn job board is superior to other platforms, making it a crucial tool for students to brand themselves and secure their first professional role.
Watch clip answer (00:13m)
Stacy Jene
00:00 - 00:14
How can I optimize my LinkedIn profile's work experience and skills sections?
For the work experience section, use dynamic action verbs like 'collaborated,' 'narrowed,' and 'reduced' at the beginning of each sentence. Quantify your achievements with measurable metrics to illustrate your value. Include 2-3 sentences that provide an overview of what each job entailed, and list outcomes using hyphens to show impact and purpose in your roles. You can also upload supporting documents like presentations or PDFs to validate your claims. For the skills section, strategically add relevant keywords related to positions you're targeting (up to 50 skills). Members with five or more skills listed are 33 times more likely to be contacted by recruiters and receive 70 times more profile views.
Watch clip answer (01:42m)
René Delescen
09:35 - 11:17
Why is posting updates on LinkedIn important for your professional presence?
While your LinkedIn profile creates first impressions, posting updates is crucial for maintaining top-of-mind awareness with your network and demonstrating engagement in your industry. Regular posts increase your visibility, allowing more people to see your name and current projects. This consistent presence can lead to valuable new connections, professional opportunities, and potential business development. Posts can feature completed projects, customer wins, insights you've learned, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of your work—all serving to strengthen your professional network and showcase your ongoing industry involvement.
Watch clip answer (00:21m)
Kevin Stratvert
15:06 - 15:27
Why is regular posting on LinkedIn important for professional growth?
Regular posting on LinkedIn is crucial because it keeps you top of mind within your network and demonstrates your active engagement in your industry. While your profile creates first impressions, consistent updates ensure ongoing visibility, allowing more people to see both your name and current work. Each post increases your exposure, which can lead to valuable new connections, professional opportunities, and potential business prospects. Whether you share recent projects, customer wins, professional insights, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of your work, these posts create meaningful touchpoints that maintain your presence and showcase your expertise to your growing professional network.
Watch clip answer (00:21m)
Kevin Stratvert
15:06 - 15:27