Like many people, you may only see LinkedIn as a social network for simply looking for a job. And if it was used for something else? In the 1980s, when I was young, there were some ads for a car where young people were called JASPs. Acronym for Young Although Excessively Prepared. Generation after generation, exactly the same thing continues to happen: young people come out better prepared than the previous generation. And it will go on forever.
Now, once you’re better prepared than any previous generation, you have two options to choose from:
- be a cocoon
- be a butterfly
Being a cocoon is that person who is very prepared. Only she and her closest environment (the physical one), know it. And he believes that they deserve the best, simply because of their preparation. Without putting anything else on her part.
Being a butterfly is being a well-prepared person. In addition, they make themselves known as they are, not only in your closest world but also in the digital world. They are aware that it is not only worth the degree and experience, but that others know about it. Nobody gives away anything.
Being a butterfly, without even looking for a job, allows you to be visible to other professionals. You will be able to participate in forums, meetings, events, programs, projects or groups that you would not be able to access without being visible.
Comic vignette in which an oriental master tells his two apprentices the story of the cocoon and the butterfly.I leave you here what Borja Jimena, the first ambassador of LinkedIn, who discovered this social network during his first years at university, says: “LinkedIn has changed my life. What at first seemed like a job portal has become a true community that is allowing me to discover and build my own personal brand, get jobs and projects, and meet incredible people who contribute to personal and professional growth. The curriculum vitae that counts today is our ability to offer talent”. These words are included in the foreword to my book Personal Branding for Students on LinkedIn.
It is not true that only the “plugged in” have more opportunities. They are people who are butterflies. They are in the right place at the right time. And you can be too. And now in a more democratic way than ever: using LinkedIn.
If you really like what you are studying or you are focused on looking for a job that makes you happy, why wait to go out into the job market? You can get it earlier. Go creating your circle of trust so that everything happens naturally. All you need is your mobile.
Do I really have something to contribute to this social network if I’m just a student?
There is a unique opportunity right now to be on LinkedIn. Because there are very few young people in this social network. Out of laziness, ignorance or fear. The reality is that there are few young people.
Stop to think. Do you know how difficult it is for companies to access young people? Have you ever stopped to think how much money influencers from TikTok, Twitch, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook or whatever social network comes out?
They pay for it because as a young person, you are a group that is difficult to access. And as companies, we want to be in contact with you.
Be aware that LinkedIn is not as saturated as other social networks. Accessing an influencer from another social network is complicated. But accessing professional references on LinkedIn is much more affordable.
Group of young people sitting on a station bench using their mobile phones.In addition, we are more willing to listen to you. Because it is difficult for us to access your world. And we love the fresh ideas that you bring and contribute.
All of us have something to contribute. There is nothing better or worse. What is better for a job? A person who: gets good grades? Do the teachers recommend it? Do other professionals who know it from other forums recommend it? the one who has studied abroad? The one who has studied and worked? The one that has led youth groups? The one who organizes events in her spare time? the one that makes interesting videos? The one who has been in teams for a long time? The one that has done cultural activities?
It all adds up. You too can value yourself.
With your mobile, you can be on LinkedIn and be a butterfly. I recommend that you take care of these aspects:
- Start by putting yourself in value through your LinkedIn profile. I leave you this video with examples so that you can value your non-professional experience.
- Be active in your job or internship search. Here you can see how to access the jobs that are published and have a better chance of accessing the three out of four positions that are not published.
- Create your circle of trust with professionals with whom you would like to connect. I leave you in this video ideas to reach more people.
- Publish content, simply share your day to day and safely.
LinkedIn as a student
Very few young people are on LinkedIn (as of the date of this article). And the few who are doing things right are having career opportunities without having to look for them.
You can focus LinkedIn as the social network of employment and enter when you need it (perhaps it is already late).
You can use LinkedIn to create your professional community and grow personally and professionally. Not only that, but without looking for it, you will have a better chance of accessing those three out of four jobs that are not published.
I wish you, above all, that you be happy in what you choose, work. Much success with all my heart.