Firstly, burst the bubble that LinkedIn is just a platform for job and internship opportunities. Of course, it caters to that, but that’s just a cherry on the cake. LinkedIn offers college students a chance to showcase their virtual resumes even before they enter the corporate world. A solid LinkedIn profile helps students establish their skillset and credibility.

As the famous quote goes- the world offers the ocean to you, it’s about how you use the water. LinkedIn opens up a pool of endless networking opportunities, it's up to the consistency that’ll bring glorious results to you.

Be it a side hustle or a kickstart for an internship program, Linkedin will be your wingman. College students have the broader prospect and chance to explore in their academic years. Grab the chance, discover yourself and your interests.

Network with like-minded individuals, grasp the informative content, connect with professionals, find mentors, the benefits of LinkedIn for a college student is beyond imagination.

How to leverage Linkedin as a college student?

1. Be yourself

Authenticity runs the world. Everyone has something to offer to the table. Find out what it is, turn it into a beautiful content piece, and post it on LinkedIn. The platform is filled with copied posts, originality will push you towards standing out.

2. Find your tribe

Like-minded people are everywhere, you just need to find them. Whether it’s technical, writing, marketing, or even memes, the platform will help you find your community. Once you do, stay loyal to them. After all, no one likes being ghosted.

3. Don’t just send connections, make them one

Meeting new people is always exciting, be it virtually as well. Sending connections and growing on the platform is important. However, making genuine connections still tops the game. Talk to them, have conversations. You never know, you might find your co-founder or next project here.

4. Flexing certificates is cool, helping other individuals is cooler

You deserve to flex about your hard-earned certificates. However, don’t just boast about your certificates. Genuinely help other individuals. Share their posts, engage with their content, guide them towards learning a new skill, it can be anything. The intention and effort to help is what matters.

5. Your favourite companies and mentors are just a connection away

Cold messages hold the power to turn the tables completely. They are game-changers. Build up a spectacular portfolio, connect with your favourite company’s CEO or HR department and pat yourself on the back. You just landed your dream job/opportunity.

As college students, following the rules and guidelines is something we are very well thorough with. Nailing LinkedIn has its guidelines too. While the list is endless, and the platform keeps on adding amazing features after few intervals, here are few things you should take notes for (from one college student to another- don’t lose these notes).

• Your selfies are amazing, but LinkedIn captures the professional element. Hence, a headshot profile image would put you up in the line
• Complete your profile, add all the details accurately
• Join groups that align with your passion and career choices
• Endorsements and recommendations are your indirect shoutouts. Collect as much as you can

Pro tip - Linkedin posses a feature through which the user can view their profile visitors. Beware before you stalk your exes and companies!