Hint: It’s not only about the connections.
No matter what stage of your career journey, LinkedIn offers an array of resources and information that can help you along the way. Here are tips for students who are exploring potential majors, interested in building new skills, preparing for interviews, and yes…identifying new professional contacts. Use the following as a guide to maximizing your LinkedIn experience.
1. Use the searchable database on the ALUMNI TAB on the Bucknell LinkedIn University page to answer the following questions.
Curious about what careers alumni are pursuing with particular majors?
“I enjoyed my geology class and wondering what career opportunities there are for geology majors.”
- Filter by MAJOR, which is on the 2nd page of the database (click the NEXT button)
Interested in learning some new skills this summer through LinkedIn Learning but not sure which will be most relevant in your career pursuits?
“I want to work in Public Relations, but not sure which skills I should focus on at this time.”
- Filter by SKILL, which is on the 3rd page of the database (click the NEXT button 2x to find “What they are skilled at”)
2. Preparing for an interview?
“I’m interviewing for a position at Wayfair and their website is focused on the consumer, where can I find more details about the business and culture?”
- Most companies have a presence on LinkedIn. Search for the company in the main search box at the top of your screen. Company LinkedIN pages usually include sections like About, Life/Culture, Jobs, and People.
- Take time to explore the People tab as it is similar to the University/Alumni database.
- Bonus: Check to see if there are any alumni at the Company. If so, consider introducing yourself and request an informational interview. (Sample scripts can be found in the Guidance/CCA Handouts & Guides section of the Bridge, keyword: scripts.)
3. How can I find potential contacts in a particular industry?
“I want to connect with more professionals in the aerospace industry.”
- Search for an industry or keyword, and LinkedIn’s search filters can aid in finding People, Jobs, Companies, Schools, and Groups
- Search any topic and filter to Content to see relevant posts. Then you can Like, Comment or Share the post, or Connect, Follow or Message the author.
- Groups: forums of LinkedIn users focused on a particular topic or industry. Some groups require authorization by the group administrator while other Groups are open to join.
- Bonus: Join the Bucknell Alumni Group (yes, students can join)
Thanks to our career counselor/coach Emily Dietrich for these tips and suggestions. All recommendations can be found through the basic, free LinkedIn account. If you’d like to make an appointment to discuss more LinkedIn strategies or to have your LinkedIn profile reviewed, you can visit this page (myBucknell login required).