Have you ever heard that it’s not what you know, it’s who you know? You probably have, and for good reason. Your knowledge and experiences are certainly keys to success, but it’s in meeting new people and growing your network that pours gasoline onto the flame of opportunity. As Leonard Andrew Consulting works with more and more high school students and their families, we frequently discuss the importance of young people beginning to focus more seriously on their network, specifically their professional social network on LinkedIn.
Its an uncomfortable realization that, even if you meet all the qualifications for a certain job, and have the GPA, diploma, and experiences to back your reputation, you still very likely need connections to get good job out of college and get your start on the path of success. LinkedIn is a great place to connect and meet people when it comes to growing your network and increasing your chances at employment (both in college, and well into the future). Some may wonder if high school students - especially junior and seniors - are 'too young' to be active on a LinkedIn account. The answer: definitely not. Like Facebook, LinkedIn is an extension of your social media footprint and online resume, albeit a professional one. And yes, this makes it even more important for younger users to think through each of their posts, likes, and interactions.
When creating a LinkedIn account in high school, you are of a small (but growing) percentage of kids joining the network. Of course, you will be a younger user, but that will, make you stand out and it will also help you get a head start on your peers. And, in joining, you show a level of self-awareness.
LinkedIn, like TikTok, Snapchat, or Instagram, which are currently used by many high schoolers, is a place where you create a reputation for yourself. However, LinkedIn is not for nonsense, silly entertainment, or grammatically lackadaisical posts. On LinkedIn, you develop and connect the dots to a future career.
High school students and social media platforms are often seen in tandem, and may not be considered a great mix by some employers. Establishing a presence on LinkedIn shows professionals that as a younger person, you harness a level of maturity and preparedness others your age may not have. You show that you are serious about your future – future education, future jobs, future entrepreneurial endeavors, etc. To that end, LinkedIn is a place where you can show your work experience and accomplishments, and can connect with future goals and aspirations in mind.
LinkedIn may also be a great resource for high school students to learn about their future line of work, or to explore their interests. Many juniors or seniors are not sure what they would like to major in, or truly what their passions are, and most have little idea what they would like to do after college. With LinkedIn, students can learn about various lines of work and different opportunities that may interest them. When you are on LinkedIn, you are engaging in learning about what it takes to achieve your goals, get a career you want, follow your passions, learn a skill, and understand what networking is all about.
Being on LinkedIn as a high school students will do what it already does for many - help you make numerous valuable connections in growing your network. It likely goes without saying, but going into college with a multitude of connections is great. And, with that, thae old adage of 'who you know' may become truth for you.
Its an uncomfortable realization that, even if you meet all the qualifications for a certain job, and have the GPA, diploma, and experiences to back your reputation, you still very likely need connections to get good job out of college and get your start on the path of success. LinkedIn is a great place to connect and meet people when it comes to growing your network and increasing your chances at employment (both in college, and well into the future). Some may wonder if high school students - especially junior and seniors - are 'too young' to be active on a LinkedIn account. The answer: definitely not. Like Facebook, LinkedIn is an extension of your social media footprint and online resume, albeit a professional one. And yes, this makes it even more important for younger users to think through each of their posts, likes, and interactions.
When creating a LinkedIn account in high school, you are of a small (but growing) percentage of kids joining the network. Of course, you will be a younger user, but that will, make you stand out and it will also help you get a head start on your peers. And, in joining, you show a level of self-awareness.
LinkedIn, like TikTok, Snapchat, or Instagram, which are currently used by many high schoolers, is a place where you create a reputation for yourself. However, LinkedIn is not for nonsense, silly entertainment, or grammatically lackadaisical posts. On LinkedIn, you develop and connect the dots to a future career.
High school students and social media platforms are often seen in tandem, and may not be considered a great mix by some employers. Establishing a presence on LinkedIn shows professionals that as a younger person, you harness a level of maturity and preparedness others your age may not have. You show that you are serious about your future – future education, future jobs, future entrepreneurial endeavors, etc. To that end, LinkedIn is a place where you can show your work experience and accomplishments, and can connect with future goals and aspirations in mind.
LinkedIn may also be a great resource for high school students to learn about their future line of work, or to explore their interests. Many juniors or seniors are not sure what they would like to major in, or truly what their passions are, and most have little idea what they would like to do after college. With LinkedIn, students can learn about various lines of work and different opportunities that may interest them. When you are on LinkedIn, you are engaging in learning about what it takes to achieve your goals, get a career you want, follow your passions, learn a skill, and understand what networking is all about.
Being on LinkedIn as a high school students will do what it already does for many - help you make numerous valuable connections in growing your network. It likely goes without saying, but going into college with a multitude of connections is great. And, with that, thae old adage of 'who you know' may become truth for you.
RSS Feed