LinkedIn: Make Your Profile Work for You

If you think LinkedIn is just an online resume, think again. LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for building professional connections, exploring career opportunities, learning about industries, and getting your name in front of potential employers. Whether you’re actively job searching or simply building your career, a strong LinkedIn presence can work for you long before you submit an application.

Here are some simple ways to make the most of your LinkedIn profile.

Start With the Basics

Your LinkedIn profile is often one of the first places someone can learn more about you professionally. Make sure the basics are complete and up to date.

Check these areas first:

• Profile photo: Use a clear, professional-looking photo where your face is easy to see.

• Headline: Don’t just list your current job or say “Student.” Use your headline to highlight what you do, what you’re interested in, or where you’re headed.

• About section: Give people a quick introduction to who you are, your experience, your interests, and your career goals.

• Experience: Include jobs, internships, volunteer experiences, leadership roles, and other relevant experiences.

• Education: List your degrees, schools, programs, and relevant activities.

• Skills: Add skills that reflect your experience and the types of positions you’re interested in.

You don't have to have years of experience to create a strong profile. Your education, TRIO or GEAR UP experience, internships, campus involvement, volunteer work, and part-time jobs all tell part of your story.

Think Beyond Your Resume

One of the biggest advantages of LinkedIn is that it gives you more space to show who you are than a traditional resume. Consider adding:

• Projects you've completed

• Certifications

• Awards and accomplishments

• Volunteer experiences

• Organizations you're involved with

• Presentations or publications

• Relevant coursework

• Professional interests

For example, instead of simply listing “TRIO student” as an experience, you might describe leadership roles, workshops you participated in, academic accomplishments, internships, or other experiences that demonstrate your skills.

Tip: Focus on what you did and what you learned, not just the name of the activity.

Build Your Network

Networking on LinkedIn doesn't mean sending connection requests to hundreds of strangers. Start with people you already know. Connect with:

• Classmates and former classmates

• Professors and faculty

• Current and former coworkers

• Internship supervisors

• TRIO and GEAR UP staff

• Other TRIO and GEAR UP alumni

• Professionals you meet at conferences or events

• People working in careers or industries that interest you

When possible, personalize your connection request. A quick message explaining how you know someone or why you'd like to connect can make the interaction more meaningful.

And remember: Networking isn't about asking everyone for a job. It's about building relationships.

Follow Organizations and Join the Conversation

LinkedIn can also help you learn about careers and industries.

Follow organizations, professional associations, colleges, companies, and people whose work interests you. Pay attention to what they're sharing. You might discover a career path, professional development opportunity, event, or job you didn't know existed. You can also participate by:

• Commenting on posts

• Sharing helpful resources

• Celebrating professional accomplishments

• Posting about projects or milestones

• Sharing articles related to your field

• Congratulating people on new jobs or accomplishments

You don't have to become a LinkedIn influencer. Being active and genuine is more important than posting constantly.

Use LinkedIn During Your Job Search

LinkedIn can be especially helpful when you're looking for your next opportunity. Use the job search feature to explore positions based on keywords, location, industry, and other criteria. When you find a position that interests you, research the organization and look at the profiles of people who currently work there.

You may also discover that someone in your network works at the organization. That's where the networking you've been building can become especially valuable. Before applying, take another look at your profile. Make sure your headline, About section, skills, and experience reflect the types of positions you're pursuing.

Turn Your Profile Into Your Professional Story

Your LinkedIn profile doesn't have to be perfect. It just needs to accurately represent where you've been, what you can do, and where you're going. As your career develops, keep updating it. Add new experiences, skills, accomplishments, certifications, and projects. And don't wait until you're looking for a job to start building your LinkedIn presence.

Start now. Build connections. Share your accomplishments. Learn from others. Keep your profile updated. Your next opportunity might come from a connection you haven't made yet.

Quick LinkedIn Checklist

Before you call your profile finished, ask yourself:

- Do I have a clear, professional photo?
- Does my headline say more than just my job title?
- Does my About section tell my professional story?
- Is my experience section up to date?
- Have I listed relevant skills?
- Have I connected with people I know professionally?
- Am I following organizations and people in my field?
- Does my profile reflect the type of opportunities I'm looking for?

Your LinkedIn profile is more than an online resume. It's a place to build your professional presence, connect with others, and open the door to future opportunities.

Resume & Cover Letter Refresh: Make Your Application Stand Out

 

Whether you're applying for your first job, looking for a new opportunity, or making a career change, your resume and cover letter are often your first chance to make an impression. The good news? You don't need to start from scratch every time you apply.

A few strategic updates can make your application more relevant, polished, and focused on what an employer is actually looking for.

Start With Your Resume

Your resume should tell the story of what you can do and the value you can bring to an organization. Before submitting an application, take a few minutes to make sure your resume is current.

1. Update the basics

Check that your resume includes your most recent:

• Job or internship experience

• Education and certifications

• Skills

• Volunteer or leadership experience

• Awards or accomplishments

• Contact information

• Relevant projects or professional experiences

You don't necessarily need to include everything you've ever done. Focus on experiences that are relevant to the type of position you're seeking.

2. Look at the job description

This is one of the most important steps. Read the job posting carefully and look for skills, qualifications, responsibilities, and keywords that the employer emphasizes.

For example, if a job description says the employer is looking for someone with "project management," "customer service," and "team leadership" experience, look for opportunities to demonstrate those skills on your resume. If you've done those things, use similar language when describing your experience.

3. Focus on accomplishments—not just responsibilities

Instead of simply listing what you were responsible for, show what you accomplished.

Instead of:

Responsible for social media posts.

Try:

Created and scheduled social media content to increase engagement and promote upcoming events.

Think about:

• What did you accomplish?

• What did you improve?

• Who did you help?

• What problem did you solve?

• Can you include a number or measurable result?

Even small accomplishments can make a difference.

4. Keep it easy to read

Your resume should be easy for a busy employer to scan quickly.

Use:

• Clear headings

• Consistent formatting

• Bullet points

• Short, specific descriptions

• Professional fonts

• Plenty of white space

For most early-career professionals, one page is often enough, but don't force your experience onto one page if doing so makes it difficult to read.

Now Refresh Your Cover Letter

Your cover letter shouldn't simply repeat your resume. Instead, use it to connect your experience to the specific position you're applying for.

1. Tailor it to the position

Avoid sending the exact same cover letter to every employer.

Start by identifying:

What does the employer need?

Then explain:

How can my experience help meet that need?

For example, if you're applying for a position that involves working with students, you might highlight your experience tutoring, mentoring, volunteering, leading student organizations, or working in customer service.

2. Show, don't just tell

Instead of saying:

I am a strong leader and excellent communicator.

Give an example that demonstrates those qualities. For example:

As president of my student organization, I coordinated a team of 12 members, organized monthly meetings, and helped plan three campus events.

The example gives the employer evidence of your skills rather than simply listing them.

3. Explain why you're interested

Your cover letter is a great place to show that you have done your homework. Mention something specific about:

• The organization

• The position

• Its mission

• The work it does

• Why the opportunity interests you

Employers want to know that you're interested in this position, not just looking for any job.

4. Keep it focused

A cover letter doesn't need to be a full essay about your life. Aim for three to four short paragraphs:

• Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself and the position you're applying for.

• Paragraph 2: Highlight one or two experiences or skills that connect to the position.

• Paragraph 3: Explain why you're interested in the organization or opportunity.

• Paragraph 4: Thank the employer and express interest in discussing the position further.

Before You Hit "Submit"

Take one last look at your application. Ask yourself:

• Is my contact information correct?

• Does my resume include my most recent experience?

• Did I remove outdated or irrelevant information?

• Did I use keywords from the job description where appropriate?

• Did I highlight accomplishments instead of only responsibilities?

• Did I tailor my cover letter to this specific position?

• Did I address the correct organization and position?

• Did I check for spelling and grammar mistakes?

• Does everything look professional and easy to read?

One More Tip: Get a Second Set of Eyes

Even after you've read your resume and cover letter several times, it's easy to miss mistakes. Ask a professor, career advisor, mentor, colleague, friend, or fellow alum to review your application. They may notice something you've overlooked or have suggestions for highlighting your experience. And remember: your resume and cover letter don't have to be perfect—they need to clearly communicate what you bring to the table.

Take a little time to customize your application for each opportunity, and you'll be better prepared to show employers why you're a great match for the position.

Ready for Your Next Application?

Don't wait until you're applying for a job to update your resume. Set a reminder to review it every few months and add new experiences, skills, accomplishments, and certifications as you gain them. That way, when the right opportunity comes along, you'll be ready to apply.

Networking 101: It’s More Than Knowing People

 When you hear the word networking, what comes to mind?

Maybe it’s a crowded career fair, handing out business cards, connecting with people on LinkedIn, or trying to make small talk with someone you’ve never met. But professional networking is about much more than knowing a lot of people. At its heart, networking is about building genuine relationships with people who can share knowledge, offer support, open doors, and grow alongside you throughout your career.

And the good news? You don’t have to be an extrovert or attend a room full of strangers to start networking.

What Is Professional Networking?

Professional networking is the process of developing and maintaining relationships with people who share your professional interests, career field, educational background, or goals.

Your network might include:

• Former classmates and TRIO or GEAR UP peers

• Professors, advisors, and program staff

• Current and former coworkers

• Supervisors and mentors

• Professionals in your field

• Alumni from your college or TRIO/GEAR UP program

• People you meet at conferences, workshops, or community events

• Friends and family who may know people in your field

Your network doesn't have to be huge. A small group of meaningful professional relationships can be more valuable than hundreds of connections you never interact with.

Networking Isn't Just About What You Can Get

One of the biggest misconceptions about networking is that it's about finding someone who can help you get a job. While your network can certainly help you discover career opportunities, networking should be a two-way relationship.

Instead of thinking:

"What can this person do for me?"

Try thinking:

"What can we learn from each other?"

Maybe you can share an article, introduce someone to a helpful contact, congratulate them on a promotion, offer your perspective on a project, or simply check in and see how they're doing.

The strongest professional relationships develop over time—not from one conversation.

5 Ways to Start Building Your Network

1. Start With People You Already Know

You probably have a larger network than you realize. Think about people you've met through school, TRIO or GEAR UP, work, internships, volunteer activities, student organizations, conferences, or community involvement.

Reach out to someone you haven't talked to in a while. A simple message like, "It's been a while! How have you been?" can be the beginning of reconnecting.

2. Use LinkedIn Intentionally

LinkedIn can be more than an online résumé. Connect with people whose careers interest you. Follow organizations in your field. Comment on posts when you have something meaningful to contribute. Congratulate connections on new jobs, promotions, or accomplishments.

And don't be afraid to send a personalized connection request. Instead of simply clicking "Connect," try mentioning how you know the person or why you'd like to connect.

3. Ask for Conversations—Not Favors

If you're interested in someone's career, don't immediately ask them for a job. Instead, ask if they'd be willing to spend 15–20 minutes talking about their experience.

You could ask:

• How did you get started in this field?

• What do you enjoy most about your work?

• What skills are most important in your role?

• What advice would you give someone just entering the field?

• What do you wish you had known when you were starting out?

People are often willing to share their experiences, and these conversations can help you learn about careers you may not have considered.

4. Show Up and Get Involved

Networking happens everywhere. Attend professional conferences, alumni events, workshops, career fairs, volunteer activities, or community events. If you're a student, take advantage of opportunities offered through your TRIO or GEAR UP program. You don't have to walk into an event and meet 20 people.

Set a small goal. Introduce yourself to one person. Ask one question. Have one meaningful conversation. That's networking.

5. Follow Up and Stay Connected

Meeting someone once isn't really networking. Following up is where the relationship begins. After meeting someone, send a quick message thanking them for the conversation. If they recommended a resource, let them know you checked it out. If you see an article or opportunity that relates to something you discussed, share it. And don't only reach out when you need something. Celebrate their accomplishments. Check in occasionally. Share useful information. Stay connected.

Your Network Can Grow With You

Your professional network doesn't have to be something you "finish building." As your career changes, your network will change too. You may meet new coworkers, switch industries, go back to school, move to a new community, or discover an entirely new career interest. The people you meet along the way can become colleagues, collaborators, mentors, friends, or simply someone who helps you see an opportunity from a different perspective.

And remember: You don't have to wait until you need a job to start networking.

Start now. Start small. Be genuine. Stay connected. Your next opportunity may come from someone you already know—or someone you haven't met yet.

💬 Networking Challenge

Ready to put networking into practice?

This week, reach out to one person you haven't talked to in a while. Send a message, congratulate them on an accomplishment, ask about their career, or simply reconnect. One conversation could lead to another—and you never know where that connection might take you.

MKN alumni: Keep building your network, supporting one another, and staying connected!

MKN Alumni Spotlight - Benjamin Hager, TRIO SSS

 

MKN Alumni Spotlight

Meet one of our amazing TRIO SSS alumni – Benjamin Hager!

Today, we’re highlighting an alum who is continuing to make a difference by helping create a more accepting and inclusive environment for students.

What are you doing now?

I am an elementary (K–5) Special Education Paraprofessional. I get to help make sure that school is an accepting and inclusive place for all students and staff.

How did TRIO impact your high school and college experience?

I loved being part of the TRIO program! Being a peer mentor was my first job, and it gave me valuable experience working with a diverse group of people while helping me develop important skills that I now use in the classroom.

TRIO helped me graduate on track, build lasting professional and personal relationships, and gain the confidence to be myself.

What is something you’re proud of accomplishing?

Being my true self in both my professional and personal life.

What advice would you give current TRIO and GEAR UP students?

“Trust that you can do hard things because you have had to persevere your entire life and you’ve made it this far. You are stronger and more capable than you think.”

Why are TRIO and GEAR UP programs important?

They help you graduate, but they also help you form lasting connections and develop skills that you can use throughout your entire life.

Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us of the lasting impact TRIO can have!

Want to be the next alumni spotlight? Complete the online Alumni Spotlight form!