I have a confession to make: up until a few weeks ago, I didn’t have a Linkedin account. To some that may sound insane, to others completely normal. I’d been receiving the occasional Linkedin email from friends syncing their contacts for years. I think some part of me wanted to resist the urge to join just to spite them. Show them that annoyance wasn’t going to wear me down. Then, I start applying for corporate internships. I saw friends accepting offers after talking to recruiters on Linkedin. I caved. I made an account and was immediately able to find friends who’d interned at the place I wanted to intern, reach out to them, and talk about their experiences. I will admit, Linkedin is incredibly useful. Even if they need to tone it down on their email campaigns. So whether you’re just joining or want to revamp your profile, here's a quick and easy guide to setting up and making the most out of your Linkedin account.

The Basics:

• Make your account using a professional email you check regularly. Notification emails can be annoying, but they let you know when important things are happening.

• Upload a professional profile picture. Get a friend to take one with your phone camera if you have to, although the Career Center often has Linkedin head shot stations at our Career Fairs.

• Write a brief but keyword-filled description of your career goals.

• Keep your list of positions and companies up to date.

• Fill out your skills and projects section with some examples of your work and skills you feel confident in showcasing.

Going Farther:

• Begin making connections. Maybe you’re a member of a professional organization or club on campus. Add the members to your network. Make friends in classes and add them. On the job, add your coworkers and supervisor (if appropriate).

• Endorse other people's skills (to get endorsements yourself). Much like the age-old follow-for-follow Instagram profiles, to get endorsements, you must give endorsements.

• Join groups that are relevant to you. My first suggestion: the UMBC student-alumni group!

• Check out the Linkedin student job portal. Not only can you filter jobs by qualifications, fields, and locations, but they also have handbooks in the form of free downloadable PDFs to walk you through the job search and interview process.

• Want to go further? Look at Linkedin’s guide for students and check out our Career Guide (page 50) for more LinkedIn information.

According to career specialists, 70-80 percent of jobs are never posted online. This means most jobs are filled through word of mouth or other private communication, otherwise known as a professional network. I don’t know about you, but whenever I’m faced with someone 10-15 years older than me wearing a power suit, I freeze. Everything interesting I’ve ever said or thought flies out of my head. It isn’t optimal. I’ve had to find resources to teach and prepare me for those awkward handshakes and first meetings. It is important to develop your own professional network while you’re in school so that you have contacts to reach out to when you begin looking for an internship and full-time job.

When to Network:

“Networking” sometimes sounds like a special skill that everyone seems to know except you. Actually, networking is pretty basic. It can happen with friends, family, or strangers,  at a career event, in the classroom, on the job, or anywhere you run into someone with an interesting career path, similar career interests, or skills you find interesting. Just be approachable, open, and willing to talk about your education, background, and career goals, and you’ll be networking in no time!

How to Network:

Again, networking isn’t a special skill you unlock after you obtain a secret adult card. It's just talking and connecting to people in your field. That being said, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the dreaded question: “So what do you want to do?” First, create a 30-second commercial. We have a guide here on on website. Next, remember that networking is a conversation. Have a few interesting questions to ask the other person about their work or career path. Finally, be yourself. People want to work with people who are friendly and competent at what they do. Show that you know what you’re talking about and how to work in a team, and you’ll be good to go!

Where to Network: