How did Linkedin benefit me in High School?

You have probably heard how important networking is to obtain chances and workplace experience. Given that LinkedIn is the most well-known professional networking site with over 750 million users, there is a good chance you have probably heard of it. Creating a LinkedIn profile in high school is a wonderful way to meet people in your intended field of study or employment. 

Since LinkedIn's minimum age limit is 14, almost any high school kid may use it. But a significant barrier that many students face is a lack of job experience. You could have had a few summer jobs, or you can be completely inexperienced. 

I did not allow the state of my employment history to prevent me from creating a LinkedIn account and making the most of it! Using it, I realized employers are likelier to be interested in the practical skills I have gained than in a long history of work experience in the field. However, I had been working for a Youth organization and freelance ghostwriting. 

Adya Mehrotra, who molded her identity after she started using LinkedIn, remarked, “Honestly, Linkedin significantly widened my horizon. I realized that a 16y/o could lead missions & found organizations. You can build a unique profile not just to get into your dream university but also to kick start your journey in the professional world.”

Well, personally, Linkedin has benefited me in several ways. For example, instead of sending a revised resume for each new internship/ volunteer program, I built a LinkedIn profile and possibly submitted it in its place. 

Let us see how further LinkedIn benefited me.

1. To convey the seriousness

The majority of prospective employers will Google your name. A LinkedIn profile demonstrates to a forthcoming employer that you are focused on developing your profession rather than using the internet for casual networking. 

A LinkedIn profile for high school students, according to Maria Stein, Director of Career Services at Northeastern University in Boston, "shows they're forward-thinking and that they recognize their talents are transferrable." A high school kid with a LinkedIn page is well ahead of their peers.

2. To forge enduring connections 

Someone you know once worked in publishing at The Times India, where you want to intern. Or perhaps the camp director where you interned last summer has a close buddy who works at the City Hospital. You are looking for a part-time research position. 

I secured my first legitimate internship as a social media strategist through networking. My new role will be as a project manager, a crucial team member.

These networking relationships have proved to be very helpful to me. Contact as many adults aware of you and your work as possible. Peer connections are also very important. Your buddies' friends could land jobs where you desire to work. 

3. To strengthen college application

I offer this advice with a disclaimer since I have heard anecdotally that the admissions office frequently Googles college candidates and carefully examines Facebook sites. 

Jess Lord, the dean of admissions at Haverford, acknowledges that a LinkedIn profile and a Facebook page are "quite distinct" from one another. Given that Haverford is interested in a student's employment history and that LinkedIn is aimed at networking and professional successes, Lord says his team could check into LinkedIn if a student refers the admissions office to it.

4. To receive endorsements and recommendations 

Get your manager to give you a fantastic reference for your voluntary internship at a bike store that highlights particular things you performed well, such as managing customers, consistently showing up early, and remaining late. 

A student could mention their particular abilities from the extensive options LinkedIn provides, such as Childcare, Illustration, and Social Games. They will have the support of adults they have interacted with while volunteering. As endorsements build up over time, it is wise to start early.

5. To showcase honors

Employers are interested to know whether you participate in a competitive academic organization like the debate team and win honors or have a winning article in a national writing contest. Make sure to update the Honors & Awards portion of your profile. 

On Linkedin, I recall interacting with a senior from my desired college, who informed me of further career prospects or tips for my admission after noticing my interest in basketball.

6. Join groups on LinkedIn

Groups are an excellent method to network with professionals in your sector as well as other recent grads and others with similar career interests. You may participate in conversations in groups. 

This is an excellent method to demonstrate your expertise on issues relevant to your sector, pose inquiries, and strike up dialogues with important figures in important organizations.

Also read: How Do I Invest In Myself As a Teenager?

7. To search for connections to the college I wanted

This is one of LinkedIn’s great strengths: If you know what field or university you want to study in, you can instantly search your connections for a link to a specific university, association, or field. 

It was likely a challenge for me to develop more than a dozen connections. But the beauty of LinkedIn is that you can keep building as you grow. 

Radhika, who secured a position in all her desired colleges, expressed, “Having a LinkedIn profile helped me list all my achievements, keep track of them, and my progress in one place. It made it easier. I found internships through LinkedIn. 

It also gives you a glimpse into what people around you are doing, what your seniors or people in your dream colleges have done, so that you can orient your profile or application in that way, by doing similar things.”

8. To obtain a unique LinkedIn URL

Google name searches for you will prioritize your LinkedIn profile. It would be best if you acquired this shortly. The first page of Google search results for your name will show your profile.

Because your CV is no longer sufficient when you seek employment nowadays, you must have an online presence. The days when recruiters simply considered how outstanding your academics were are long gone. 

Nowadays, employers are concerned with your personality, communication abilities, and other capabilities. LinkedIn URL may put you at the top of the list.