From the Classroom to a Career: How LinkedIn Can Help You Build a Digital Future That Works for You
Understanding LinkedIn: More Than Just a Website
LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional networking platform, but it’s also one of the most overlooked tools by young people preparing for college or launching a career. Think of LinkedIn as a powerful mix of a résumé, a digital portfolio, and a professional social network all in one place. It gives you the ability to present your academic work, skills, and aspirations while helping you connect with people who can open doors to colleges, internships, scholarships, apprenticeships, and job opportunities.
Most people use LinkedIn to showcase who they are professionally, track their career growth, and stay informed about their industries. But for high school and college students, it can be even more powerful. It provides a space where you are in control of your narrative and can start building a digital identity that reflects your values, passions, and future goals. This is especially important in a world where employers and college admissions officers often look you up before ever meeting you in person.
How Students and Young Adults Are Using LinkedIn Today
Whether you plan to attend college, enter the workforce, join a technical training program, or start your own business, LinkedIn gives you a platform to start professional conversations and build your reputation. Students across the country are using LinkedIn to:
Highlight academic achievements and extracurricular activities.
Share class projects, art portfolios, research, and volunteer work.
Network with college admissions officers, alumni, scholarship sponsors, and mentors.
Find and apply for internships, summer jobs, and leadership programs.
Learn from professionals who share advice, stories, and opportunities.
Receive recommendations and endorsements from teachers, coaches, and mentors.
In fact, a growing number of college recruiters use LinkedIn to get a better sense of an applicant’s interests and initiative. Your profile becomes an extension of your application—one that allows for more personality, depth, and visibility.
Why You Should Create an Account Now
Many young adults wait until junior or senior year of college to create a LinkedIn account, but starting earlier gives you a major advantage. Here’s why it matters:
Your profile grows with you. You can start with a few classes, interests, or activities and build on it each semester.
Opportunities come early. Internships, mentorships, and job shadowing programs often seek motivated high school and college students. LinkedIn is where they post first.
Your digital presence matters. Whether you’re applying to scholarships or joining a coding competition, your online identity plays a role in how people see your potential.
It builds confidence. Creating a profile that reflects your hard work and goals can help you see your own progress and take pride in your journey.
Creating a LinkedIn account is also a great way to start practicing how to talk about your strengths in a professional setting. When you write about yourself for college essays or job interviews later, your LinkedIn profile will already have the foundation you need.
Getting Started: Step-by-Step Instructions
Go to LinkedIn.com or download the LinkedIn app from the App Store or Google Play.
Sign up using your email address (preferably a professional one using your name) and create a strong password.
Enter your full name. Use the name you plan to use on college or job applications.
Add your location. You can use your city or school’s location to help LinkedIn suggest local events and connections.
Choose “Student” as your role if you are still in school. This helps people understand where you are in your journey.
Start filling in your profile. You can always update it later, so don’t worry about being perfect on day one.
Once your account is set up, explore the homepage, search for people or organizations you know, and begin building your profile using the tips below.
Building a Profile That Tells Your Story
Your LinkedIn profile is your introduction to the professional world. It should be honest, well-organized, and a reflection of your strengths and interests. A strong profile includes the following:
Use a Professional Photo
Your profile picture does not need to be taken by a professional photographer, but it should be clear, well-lit, and appropriate. Wear what you would wear to a school presentation or job interview. A smile goes a long way. LinkedIn says that profiles with photos receive up to 21 times more views.
Write a Strong Headline
Your headline sits right under your name and should quickly describe what you are passionate about or working toward. It could be as simple as “Aspiring Software Developer and High School Senior Exploring Tech Careers” or “Tulsa Student Focused on Game Design and Digital Storytelling.”
Craft a Personal “About” Section
This short paragraph gives you space to introduce yourself in your own words. Share what excites you about your interests, what kind of problems you want to solve, and what you’re looking forward to next. Avoid generic phrases and aim for authenticity. Think of it as your elevator pitch.
List Your Education and Projects
Include your school, graduation year, and any relevant coursework or certifications. Add personal or group projects, especially if they relate to coding, art, writing, leadership, or service. If you’ve participated in programs like Urban Coders Guild, describe what you learned and built.
Add Experience, Even If It’s Informal
Volunteer work, family responsibilities, summer jobs, and internships all count. Use bullet points to explain your responsibilities and what you gained from each experience. Focus on your growth, teamwork, problem-solving, or leadership skills.
Highlight Skills
Add five to 10 skills that represent what you know and what you are learning. These might include Python, teamwork, public speaking, video editing, or customer service. Your teachers or mentors can endorse you for these skills over time.
Request Recommendations
Ask a trusted teacher, supervisor, coach, or mentor to write a short recommendation about your work ethic or character. These messages appear on your profile and help others see your strengths through someone else’s eyes.
Customize Your Profile Link
LinkedIn gives you a default URL with random numbers. Edit it to include your name so it looks more professional. For example: linkedin.com/in/jordan-washington.
Proofread and Ask for Feedback
Check your spelling, grammar, and formatting. Ask a teacher, parent, or trusted adult to review your profile. Clear writing shows you care about your presentation and attention to detail.
Growing a Network That Works for You
Building a professional network is not about collecting as many connections as possible—it is about building real relationships that support your growth. Here’s how to do that thoughtfully:
Start with People You Know
Connect with classmates, instructors, coaches, tutors, and community leaders. Add a short note to each request, like “It was great working with you on the robotics team. I’d love to stay connected here.”
Follow Colleges, Companies, and Organizations
Search for schools, businesses, nonprofits, and local employers that align with your goals. This helps you stay informed about events, news, and opportunities.
Join Groups and Participate
LinkedIn offers groups related to student interests, careers in tech, entrepreneurship, and college readiness. These groups offer discussions, advice, and shared resources. Engage respectfully and learn from others.
Be Active and Positive
Share milestones like completing a coding project or receiving a certification. Celebrate others' achievements with a “congrats” or a supportive comment. Positivity builds trust.
Stay in Touch
Check in with your network every few months. Share updates, offer help when you can, and say thank you when someone supports you. Networking is about mutual growth and respect.
Final Thoughts: Your Future Begins Now
Creating a LinkedIn profile is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to begin shaping your future. It allows you to tell your story on your terms and opens the door to new opportunities. Whether you are pursuing college, entering a technical training program, applying for a scholarship, or exploring your first job, your LinkedIn profile helps others see your potential and passion.
Urban Coders Guild encourages every student over the age of 16 to begin building a strong, professional presence online. Your voice matters, your journey is unique, and your future deserves to be seen. We are here to support you every step of the way.
