There is SO much thought and preparation that goes into graduate school applications. I completely understand (I’m a recent MIT Grad School graduate myself!)… As your favorite online career coach, I’m here to say there is one more thing you NEED to do to bolster your grad school applications: optimize your Linkedin profile.
Linkedin is a helpful networking tool that you should use throughout your career, but it really makes a difference when you’re trying to get accepted to competitive grad school programs. Why? Because admissions counselors can look you up on Linkedin and gain additional insight into your experience and skills. And we want to give them as many reasons as possible to accept your application, right? Keep reading for more info on how Linkedin can help you in your grad school search. Plus, get my top tips for updating your profile!
For an in-depth guide to optimizing every part of your Linkedin profile, take my Level Up Your Linkedin Course! It’s a self-guided, online course that you can do on your own time. I created it because my Linkedin presence introduced me to interview offers at Amazon, Home Depot, and more! So while I used to be stressed at the mention of Linkedin, now I’m in the top 1% of Linkedin creators in my industry. Now, I’m here to help you do the same!
Why Linkedin Matters For Your Grad School Search
Linkedin matters for your grad school search because admissions counselors may use it to learn more about you. If they are interested in your application and want additional details on your background, it’s likely they’ll look at your Linkedin profile. That’s why it’s very important to make sure your profile accurately (and clearly!) reflects your experience.
Not only does Linkedin act as a supplement to your application in these cases, but it’s a powerful social networking tool! Use it to connect with students enrolled in your dream programs to learn about their experiences. Connect with grads from those programs to learn about their career paths following graduation. Having a complete profile when you reach out will only help you build more meaningful connections!
Elements Of A Good Linkedin Profile
Not all Linkedin profiles are created equal. It’s important to ensure each part of your profile is fully optimized. If you’re new to Linkedin, here are the profile page sections you need:
- A clear headline: Your Linkedin headline is often the first impression anyone receives from your profile, as it’s the first thing they’ll read other than your name. Most professionals use this area to list their current job title, but you can use it to state that you are a graduate school candidate. This will let others know that you are in the process of applying for grad school when you send connection requests.
- A compelling “about” section: Use the “about” section (also called the summary section) to include a concise summary of your experience. Think of it as your elevator pitch (or a mini cover letter). In short: why should your dream graduate school accept you?
- Results-based experience: Use the “experience” section of your profile like your resume. It should list your work and/or research experience and the results you achieved in each role.
- Education: Ensure the “education” section is complete and lists any previous programs or degrees you have completed (or are currently enrolled in).
- Skills and recommendations: These two sections are at the bottom of your profile, but shouldn’t be ignored. Add any of your relevant skills and ask mentors/managers/colleagues to write you brief recommendations.
- Profile picture: Use a high-quality profile photo or headshot. P.S. Your photo doesn’t have to be taken by a professional! You just want a photo that presents your best, professional self.
4 Tips For Updating Your Linkedin For Grad School
- Make your goals clear. Include your intentions to go to grad school in your headline and bio so that your professional network is aware. This will help you easily connect with others and convey your intentions.
- Ensure relevant info is available and easy to find. Make sure your profile stays up to date and clearly states your relevant education and work experience. You want admissions counselors to easily spot the experience and education that they’re looking for.
- List skills that supplement your application. Use Linkedin’s skills section to list your skill set (including soft skills) that you may not have been able to explicitly state in your application. This is also a great place to add certifications or programs/technologies you have experience with.
- Request endorsements and recommendations. Ask previous employers, professors, and mentors to endorse your skills or write recommendations for you. Linkedin recommendations are much shorter than reference letters, but they go a long way to show your character and work ethic to recruiters and admissions counselors.
Optimize Every Aspect Of Your Linkedin Profile For Grad School
In my new Level Up Your Linkedin online course, I’ll teach you all of my Linkedin tips and tricks that helped me get into MIT and score interviews at Amazon, Home Depot, and more! Also, learn what NOT to do on Linkedin. We’ll additionally cover how to use your Linkedin to job search for internships and post-grad roles while you’re at school.
