Knowing how to create a LinkedIn profile as a student is the first step toward furthering your career. Having a presence on LinkedIn will not only allow you to network with the right people but it will also allow you to connect with recruiters so that you can find a job.
Maybe you’re not sure where to start when the time comes for you to actually create your LinkedIn profile. It’s a big decision and one that can have lasting effects on future opportunities in the job market!
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with these 5 steps to creating a LinkedIn profile as a student.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Create a LinkedIn Account
The first step to creating a LinkedIn profile is to open up an account on the social networking platform—if you don’t already have one. To create a LinkedIn account, you will need to have an email address, which you will use to log in.
Ensure that the email address you use is one that you check quite regularly, as this is how Linkedin will notify you of any career opportunities or updates about the people in your network.
You can create a free email address on the following websites:
Make sure that your email address for your LinkedIn account is professional, and that you’ll remember it, as this will likely be the email address you’ll want to use to connect with recruiters.
We recommend using your first name and surname to create your email address, provided it’s not already taken. If it is, add your date of birth or a number combination you’ll remember to go with your email address.
For example, name_surname2004@gmail.com.
Once you’ve got your email address, it’s time to create your LinkedIn account:
- Go to LinkedIn’s sign-up page
- Enter your name, surname and email address
- Choose a password you will remember
- Click ‘Join now’
- Follow the prompts
After you have created a LinkedIn account, you’ll need to set up your profile. A great place to start is by selecting and uploading a professional LinkedIn Profile picture.
Step 2: Upload a LinkedIn Profile Picture
Your LinkedIn profile picture is the first image people will see when they come across your profile. Ideally, it needs to be a professional image of you, and there are a few things you need to consider before uploading a LinkedIn profile picture.
To start with, you need to make sure that your LinkedIn profile picture shows a clear view of your face, and that you have a suitable background that’s appropriate for your future employers to see.
Do not upload a photo of yourself on Linkedin of you at a social event with your friends, as this may give off the wrong impression of you and could diminish your chances of connecting with a recruiter.
Ideally, you’ll want to upload a LinkedIn profile picture that shows you from the shoulders up with a non-descript or professional background.
Avoid using a selfie as your LinkedIn profile picture as many employers believe they are unprofessional and may not take you seriously. Rather set a timer on your phone with a stand to take your photo, or ask a friend or family member to take one for you.
LinkedIn profile pictures you may consider using are:
- A graduation picture
- A photo of you outdoors with a scenic background
- A blank or clear background
- A blurred background with you as the focus of the picture
Now that you know what type of profile picture to upload to your LinkedIn profile, the next visual you’ll have on your Linkedin profile is what’s known as a LinkedIn banner.
Step 3: Design a LinkedIn Banner
LinkedIn has made a point of allowing users to upload their own LinkedIn banners. A LinkedIn banner is the background photo that sits behind your LinkedIn profile picture on your LinkedIn page.
With a LinkedIn banner, you’re allowed a bit more creative freedom as this is where you will showcase your personality to recruiters.
With that said, your LinkedIn banner should still be “work-friendly” and appropriate, so be wary of being too creative with your banner.
If you’re worried about selecting the wrong LinkedIn banner, there are plenty of tools, like Canva, where you can choose a free template to copy.
Once you’re done selecting an appropriate banner for your LinkedIn profile, you can upload it by following these easy steps:
- Tap on your profile picture
- Select ‘View Profile’
- Tap on the camera icon at the top right corner of your LinkedIn profile
- Choose ‘Upload photo’ and then select your banner
- Tap ‘Open’ and then ‘Apply’
Once you are done uploading your LinkedIn banner, it’s time to move on to the textual elements of your LinkedIn profile, such as your LinkedIn headline.
Step 4: Insert Your LinkedIn Headline
A LinkedIn headline is a short introduction below your profile picture that tells other users on the social networking platform a bit about yourself. A Linkedin headline is one of the first things people will see on your profile, so you’ll want to make sure that it’s written to the best of your ability.
A good LinkedIn headline will include your job title, keywords to describe what you do and even a small introduction about yourself.
Your LinkedIn headline is essentially where you’ll be able to highlight who you are; the degree, certificate or diploma you’re qualified for; and the career path you want to go into after you graduate.
If you’re a student who is, for example, studying performing arts, your LinkedIn headline may include the following information:
Drama Student with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Drama and Theatre Studies from Stellenbosch University.
The LinkedIn headline example above tells prospective employers exactly what you studied, where you received your qualification and what your current status is—whether you’re a student, a fresh graduate or a job seeker who is busy pursuing a new career.
You’ll then be able to expand on your LinkedIn headline once you write your LinkedIn summary.
Step 5: Write a Compelling LinkedIn Summary
A LinkedIn summary is the “about” section of your profile, where you will give a description of roughly 3 to 5 paragraphs about your experience.
Your LinkedIn summary is really your chance to sell yourself and tell people what it is that makes you so great at what you do! This is where you can talk about your work experience, skills and your career goals. Be sure to make your summary interesting and engaging so that people will want to read it.
As a student, you may be concerned about your lack of prior work experience—don’t be. You can list your skillset instead of your work experience if you do not have any.
In fact, a LinkedIn summary can be a great way to show off the skills or experiences you’ve gathered at college or university.
For example, if you are looking to enter a career in education, you may discuss the experiences you had during your practical assessments.
If you’re not sure how to phrase your skills and experiences in a LinkedIn summary, start by writing down a list of all your strengths and skills to help you out.
Using the example above, a student studying towards a teaching degree may list the following strengths:
- Patience
- Communication
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Time management
Using the listed skills and traits above, you would then write the following summary as a student pursuing a career in education:
Hi, my name is XXX and I am in the process of completing my Bachelor of Education Degree in the Foundation Phase at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. After completing my degree, I am hoping to teach Grades 1 to 3 at a primary school in South Africa.
I am incredibly patient, and during my teaching practice, I was also complimented on my outstanding leadership and time management skills. I did everything in my power to help my mentor teacher, who taught me that communication is of the utmost importance when teaching young children.
I hope to bring my new set of skills to an amazing school that strives to make a difference in learners’ lives, as this is something I am truly passionate about.
This is only one of many templates available out there that will show you how to write your LinkedIn summary as a student.
Once you’re done with your summary, your LinkedIn profile should be ready to go! Remember, creating a LinkedIn profile as a student is the first step toward furthering your career.
By following these 5 steps, you’ll be able to create an awesome Linkedin profile that will help you stand out to recruiters and help you achieve your career goals.
Get Work Ready with FundiConnect
At FundiConnect, we strive to provide students with quality career guidance that will help them choose the right career path.
Be sure to check out our career quiz, online career guidance assessments and career articles to help you become work ready before entering your first job.
You can also follow us on LinkedIn for more career tips, tricks and advice on how to achieve your goals!
