LinkedIn and Networking: How Students Can Use Them to Build Stronger Careers
By Anne Stamer, Senior Career Coach, College Flight Path
Professional networking plays a growing role in hiring decisions. Students who develop a credible digital presence and expand their networks early increase their chances of securing internships, research roles, and first jobs. This guide combines everything you need to know about LinkedIn and networking, and how both tools can support long-term career growth.
Why LinkedIn and Networking Matter
LinkedIn is more than a profile. It's a professional tool used by both job seekers and recruiters. Data shows:
75% of recruiters review LinkedIn profiles when evaluating candidates.
73.3% of recruiters “always” or “often” consider LinkedIn profiles a key part of the application.
67.27% of hiring teams have increased reliance on LinkedIn for sourcing and screening.
Recruiters look for more than resumes. They check your activity, skills, mutual connections, and how you present your goals and work. A strong LinkedIn profile improves visibility and credibility.
Networking works alongside LinkedIn. It helps surface roles that are never advertised. Students who connect consistently with alumni, professionals, and peers gain access to hidden opportunities and valuable advice.
Understanding LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a professional network. It allows users to:
Build an online resume
Connect with industry professionals
Research roles and career paths
Apply for jobs and internships
Earn skill-based certifications via LinkedIn Learning
It’s a tool for visibility and a way to build credibility. Starting early helps students stand out long before graduation.
The Benefits of LinkedIn for Students
1. Build a Professional Identity: A LinkedIn profile serves as your online CV. It shows your education, interests, and skills. Highlight campus leadership, research, and volunteer roles to add weight, even without full-time experience.
2. Create a Clear Personal Brand: Profiles should reflect who you are and where you're headed. Share updates about your learning, projects, and future goals to show initiative and focus. Consistency and relevance attract attention from recruiters.
3. Expand Your Network: LinkedIn helps you connect with alumni, professors, and professionals in your field. These ties often lead to referrals, introductions, or guidance that you won’t find through job boards.
4. Learn from Others’ Paths: Review profiles of people in your desired roles. Understand how they got there. Follow companies and join field-specific groups to stay updated on trends and open roles.
5. Find Internships and Job Listings: Many job openings appear only on LinkedIn. A complete, active profile increases your chances of being found or referred.
6. Learn New Skills: Use LinkedIn Learning to complete short, relevant courses. Add certifications to your profile. This shows you’re growing your skills and staying current.
How to Use LinkedIn Effectively
Profile Checklist
Photo & Banner: Use a clear headshot. Add a field-relevant background (e.g., lab, code editor, studio).
Custom URL: Change to linkedin.com/in/first-last.
Headline: Include target role, field, and relevant skills.
Example: “Marketing Student | Google Ads, SEO, Analytics | Digital Intern Candidate”
About Section: 3–5 short paragraphs with key achievements, interests, and next goals. Add a call to action.
Experience: List internships, jobs, volunteer work, and class projects. Use clear action verbs. Include measurable outcomes.
Example: “Created 10 digital ads with 25% click-through rate using Meta Ads Manager.”
Projects & Coursework: Feature school projects, labs, hackathons. Link to portfolios or external work.
Skills: Add 15–25 relevant technical and soft skills.
Licences & Certifications: Include LinkedIn Learning, safety certifications, or software credentials.
Featured Section: Pin a portfolio, report, or demo that shows your skills.
Visibility and Engagement
Turn on “Open to Work” with accurate job titles and locations.
Allow recruiters to see your profile and activity.
Post short updates monthly: project summaries, learnings, or professional events.
Comment on field-related posts weekly.
Use LinkedIn’s Alumni Tool to connect with people from your school in your target roles.
Networking: What It Is and Why It Works
What Networking Means
Networking is about building real relationships, ones that provide advice, insight, and access to opportunities. It’s mutual. It’s ongoing. And it's essential.
It’s not limited to events or professional settings. It includes every conversation with peers, professors, mentors, and even guest speakers.
How Networking Helps
85% of jobs are filled through personal connections.
70% of roles are never posted online, they’re filled through referrals.
50% of job seekers learn about opportunities only through networking.
30% improvement in hiring outcomes is seen when people attend networking events.
Networking supports awareness, credibility, and action.
Why Networking Matters Especially in April 2025
Graduation season: Whether entering the workforce or continuing studies, students need strong support systems and letters of recommendation.
Internship openings: Spring is peak season for hiring summer interns and research assistants. Many offers come through informal conversations.
College and scholarship prep: Personal recommendations from trusted adults carry weight, especially when the relationships are built over time.
Changing job landscape: AI and remote roles are shifting hiring. Networking keeps students informed and adaptable.
Small world effect: Every connection could lead to another opportunity. Someone you know might know someone who opens a door.
How to Network Smartly
Start with those you already know, classmates, teachers, coaches, and previous employers. Then branch out. Follow up, stay consistent, and offer value (even if it’s just a helpful article or event invite).
Key Networking Locations
Campus: Professors, career centres, research labs, student orgs.
Online: LinkedIn, alumni directories, professional associations.
Events: Job fairs, workshops, speaker sessions, conferences.
Community: Volunteer orgs, meetups, pitch nights, and nonprofit work.
Informational Interviews
These are short, focused conversations to learn about someone’s role or field. Ask for 15–20 minutes. Prepare 5–7 questions. Follow up within 24 hours. Stay in touch.
Action Templates
LinkedIn Connection Message (Alumni/Shared Interest):
Hi [Name], I’m a [year/major] interested in [field]. I enjoyed your post on [topic] and saw your career path from [X to Y]. May I connect and ask a few questions about [role/company]?
Informational Interview Request:
Hi [Name], I’m exploring [field/role] and noticed your experience at [Company]. Would you be open to a brief 15-minute conversation this week to share any advice?
Thank-You Note:
Thank you for your time and insights on [topics]. I’ll look into [resource] and appreciate your referral to [name]. I’ll share my progress soon.
30–60–90 Day LinkedIn and Networking Plan
First 30 Days
Complete profile and update custom URL.
Identify 15–25 roles and 20–30 companies.
Add 30+ connections from your current network.
Conduct 3 informational interviews. Attend 1 field event.
Days 31–60
Publish one post highlighting a project or learning.
Complete 1–2 LinkedIn Learning courses.
Add 10 new connections each week. Request one recommendation.
Conduct 3–4 more interviews.
Days 61–90
Apply to 5–10 jobs or internships with targeted materials.
Join 2 LinkedIn groups and comment weekly.
Follow up with earlier contacts. Share brief updates.
How a Career Coach Can Help
A coach supports students by:
Clarifying career direction and aligning goals with experiences
Improving LinkedIn profiles (headlines, summaries, keywords)
Editing resumes and cover letters for system compatibility
Building structured networking strategies
Preparing for interviews and offer negotiations
Career coaching improves outcomes:
70% of students feel clearer about their goals
60% feel more confident in their choices
54% feel more prepared for the workforce
College Flight Path: Career Coaching Services
We offer support to help students build confidence, sharpen their job search tools, and grow professional networks. Our services include:
LinkedIn profile review and customisation
Resume and cover letter editing (ATS-ready)
Strategic networking and outreach guidance
Career goal planning
Interview prep and salary discussion
Strong Interest Inventory and personalised feedback
Presentation coaching
Ready to get started? Fill out our contact form to schedule a free 15-minute discovery call.
