Many students and alumni have found LinkedIn to be an effective tool in their careers. In fact, nearly 120,000 users from Illinois State University are on LinkedIn today. The online network allows users to expand not only their professional connections with other Redbirds, but also share industry news and trends, showcase their professional experiences, and identify open positions for employment.
The Career Center is hosting LinkedIn workshops to help students and alumni make the most of using LinkedIn and how to build professional contacts and career connections. Redbirds can attend one or all of the sessions. Workshops held at the Career Center at 110P Student Services Building are as follows:
- February 5, 3–4 p.m., LinkedIn Workshop: Basic Level
- February 11, 3-4 p.m. LinkedIn Workshop: Basic Level
- February 25, 4-5 p.m. LinkedIn Workshop: Advanced Level
“LinkedIn is the leader in online professional networking,” said Susan Whitsitt, Career Center assistant director for marketing and communication. “Students know how to effectively utilize Instagram and other platforms from a social perspective. However, tools like LinkedIn are utilized by employers and other professionals to identify potential candidates and build connections. These sessions help them make the most of this valuable tool to build professional contacts and career connections.”
Basic level workshops identify how to create a profile for the first time and provide an overview of how to use LinkedIn. The advanced level identifies how to maximize one’s professional networking potential and job search using the latest LinkedIn tools and functions.
“Employers are constantly utilizing LinkedIn. So no matter where one is at in their academic or professional career, it’s never too soon to begin establishing a professional brand and making contacts,” Whitsitt said. “We are here to guide Redbirds on how to use LinkedIn effectively so they can build a digital profile to bridge them from their student life to their professional career.”
