3 Things Students Should Know about Using Linkedin

Lots of people have asked the question: What is the right age to hop on Linkedin? Is high school too young? Are college graduates too late?

The answer to this question truly varies from person to person. My general take is that students should start creating content on Linkedin, with the intent on building a personal brand, sooner than later. I am currently coaching one of my 16-year-old students as he builds his sphere of influence on Linkedin right now!

Whenever you start, there are a few things you should know about using Linkedin as a student.

You should be active

There is not a ton of value in creating a static profile that you update every blue moon here. You won’t be able to build a personal brand or attract an employer that way. That’s like standing outside of the Staples Center and hoping you get signed by the Lakers. If you are going to be on Linkedin, make sure you use the platform. Create good content, engage with your audience, ask questions, learn, write, think out loud, be present, be active.

You should know that you have something valuable to say

Linkedin has turned itself into a content creating machine. Right now, with all of the organic reach on the platform, it is possible for someone to ask one question or create one post that reaches hundreds of thousands of people. That, in the world of social media, is extremely rare.

Aside from the value of the platform, you should know that you have a ton of intelligent and valuable things to say. There are those that think that a high school or college student needs “more time” before they can clearly and accurately communicate with adults but that just isn’t true. If you want to create content here but are struggling with what you can add, consider the following:

• Talk about what you are learning in school.
• Ask questions you want answers to.
• Ask for advice from professionals in a field you are interested in.
• Document your day! Talk about your struggles!
• Respectfully state your opinions.
• Respond to something in the “Today’s views and news” section.

While there are a plethora of things to say, it is important that you know this: If you truly have nothing to say, don’t say anything. While I do believe that young people can effectively create great content, don’t force it! Be yourself and let it come from who you are and what you do!

This is the long game

Remember that, ultimately, Linkedin is most valuable when you play the long game. As a student, you are not on the platform to get a job in a week or a month or a year. You should be establishing value, brand, and social capital so that when it is time for you to grab the job of your dreams, you will be ready!

Every comment, every post, every engagement, every connection is the long game!