With over 600 million users across the globe, LinkedIn is the go-to resource for professional networking. Use LinkedIn to:
- See where others with your major are now working, explore their career paths, and find and connect with alumni using the UC Berkeley alumni pages
- Find job leads using LinkedIn’s jobs and jobs for recent grads
- Research companies and connect with their employees using the company directory
- Participate in career-specific groups with others sharing your interests
- Explore and develop new work skills via LinkedIn’s learning module.
The First Step: A LinkedIn Profile
You’ll need your own LinkedIn profile to build your personal LinkedIn network and gain visibility with employers and professionals. Create your profile using the LinkedIn Profile Checklist (pdf).
Further Important Steps
- First impressions count! Be sure your photo looks professional…no sunglasses or party photos.
- To help your profile stand out, create a headline that highlights a unique personal strength or skill.
- Include recommendations from your supervisors, instructors, and colleagues in your profile. This will impress potential employers.
- Use professional courtesy when messaging new contacts. Use a concise 5-point message for connecting and requesting interviews.
- Include a few people with large LinkedIn networks among your connections – you’ll have access to a larger pool of people for networking.
- Create status updates to share personal career news and items of career interest.
- Join groups in your career field and contribute to discussions that interest you to build rapport with other professionals.