If you have been looking for a social media platform dedicated to professional development, LinkedIn may be your next app download. From professional interactions to engaging content, LinkedIn provides several career resources that you can begin exploring as a student.

The ability to network with numerous professionals across the globe is certainly a key feature of the app. Connect with students, colleagues, and other professionals in your career or field of interest! This is how many users get connected to job opportunities and events, and build their professional network.

Similar to several social media platforms, your feed will provide you with posts sharing professional inspiration and articles of various topics. Check out job openings posted by your connections and important company announcements. Content shared by your network may also serve as a tool for career exploration, as users may share the latest in their field.

Remember, you can share your thoughts with the LinkedIn community, too! Create a post to share your professional ideas or projects you are working on. Add a photo or video to enhance your content. You can also get the conversation started by writing an article or promoting an event using the post feature!

Creating a LinkedIn profile is an opportunity to create your professional brand. Build an extensive profile that highlights your experience, education, skills, and endorsements. Develop your profile further by incorporating publications, honors and accomplishments, and organizations and projects you are involved in. In the “About” section of your profile, craft a unique summary that assimilates your professional experiences while sharing your passions and aspirations with the LinkedIn community!

After creating your profile, select “Interests” including companies, organizations, groups, and professionals within your field of interest. This is how you can stay updated and inspired by content most relevant to you.

Join groups on LinkedIn related to your interests to check out new job openings and interact with other professionals. There is a plethora to choose from! They can be located using key words in the main search bar.

Whether searching for in-person or remote work, the LinkedIn job search engine allows for a broad search. Filter your job feed based on role, field, and location. On your profile page, you can select job roles you are searching for and receive consistent job alerts. If chosen in your “Preferences” settings, recruiters who find your profile can see if you are currently open to job opportunities!

Need help preparing for the job search? LinkedIn can support you before you start applying for jobs, too! The “Interview Prep” feature found under the “Jobs” tab gives users tips on crafting thoughtful responses to interview questions. LinkedIn also gives you sample questions to practice with– just write a response or record a video and you will receive feedback!

The “Resume Builder” feature is where you can create your resume with the help of LinkedIn. Upload your resume right to the app or create one from your profile.

Aside from checking your feed, expand your career development through LinkedIn news. The editors at LinkedIn News discuss timely professional topics and pick content from professionals in various fields that speak to the given topic. These are called “Editor’s Picks”.

While these features can serve as a starting point, remember to explore the vast amount of resources available on the app. Make LinkedIn a part of your professional growth this semester!