In today’s job market, online presence is crucial. Will you be left behind, remaining uneducated and inactive in the world’s largest professional network?

More than 259 million people have LinkedIn accounts, and at least two new members join every second. Young talent serves as the network’s fastest-growing demographic—more than 30 million college students and recent graduates are members.

Elizabethtown College students have the opportunity to expand their LinkedIn knowledge through informational and interactive sessions, including the upcoming “Lead Through LinkedIn,” scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 4 p.m. in Hoover 108.

“How are you going to set yourself apart from your peers? What’s your unique image to other people?” asks Stacey Zimmerman, assistant director of Called to Lead.

linked in logo over suitOne way to promote a personal brand is through a detailed LinkedIn profile. Tina MacKenzie, assistant director of internships and employer engagement in the Office of Career Services, said all students should create a LinkedIn profile when they enter college. As they gain more experience, they can build upon it, as well as edit and change information as needed. Zimmerman and MacKenzie, who both previously worked in human resources, agree that if an individual does not have a LinkedIn, recruiters wonder ‘Why not?’

“The Internet provides this gigantic catalog of who you are,” Zimmerman said. “Recruiters can find anything you put online, nothing is truly private; you have to be cognizant of that.”

The Internet provides this gigantic catalog of who you are…”

“Lead Through LinkedIn,” co-sponsored by Called to Lead and Career Services, is located in a computer lab to encourage students to immediately create a profile. “It doesn’t take long to build a profile,” MacKenzie said. “If you build on your resume, you could create a basic profile in five minute.”

Career Services and Called to Lead assists students in variety of ways, from writing the content to ensuring they have a professional photograph for their profile. MacKenzie said sometimes students struggle with listing their skills and expertise. Often students are modest and humble, not wanting to self-promote their talents and abilities.

“Truly sell yourself, recognize yourself and not feel like you’re bragging,” Zimmerman said. “Celebrate yourself, portray yourself.”

MacKenzie encourages students to research and see what words professionals in their field are using under skills and expertise. This showcases the desired qualities of the industry, as well as what words recruiters will use to search on LinkedIn. Zimmerman elaborated on the importance of this section, as it enables you to gain endorsements and interact with your connections.

Both MacKenzie and Zimmerman view college as an ideal time to expand your profile, by asking professors to connect with you on LinkedIn and endorse your skills. “Students feel more confident in asking for endorsement while on campus, where they feel comfortable,” Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman reminds students that they live in the ‘E-Town Bubble,’ occasionally forgetting not everyone is familiar with club names or campus activities. She said students need to learn how to market their involvement in a condensed, concise manner. MacKenzie encourages students to pursue more information about their participation.

“Student Managers in dining services should ask for the number of students served in the Marketplace each day,” MacKenzie said. She also mentioned examples on how students should gain statistics on how many individuals were reached through the community services activities.

Through the informational session, MacKenzie and Zimmerman will share how LinkedIn is a crucial tool for promoting personal brands and connecting with professionals, as well as conducting research about the recruitment process.

“LinkedIn facilitates networking and conversations easily,” Zimmerman said, adding that students have the opportunity to gain an inside look into an industry by reviewing VPs and high-profile employees’ resumes. After reviewing their career paths, she said you can ask yourself ‘Is this what I want to do?’ ‘Or do I want to take a different path?’

An additional afternoon LinkedIn event will be held Thursday, March 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Hoover Business Center, room 110.

Image courtesy of LinkedIn.