How to Build Your LinkedIn Profile

Last updated January 8, 2026

In this article

• How to build your LinkedIn profile
• How to build your network on LinkedIn

When looking for jobs and internships, using a platform like LinkedIn is one of the most effective ways to search. Because LinkedIn is the world’s leading job and networking site, it’s important to build a profile that stands out and connects you to the right opportunities and people. In this article, we’ll share tips on building a strong LinkedIn profile!

How to build your LinkedIn profile

To get your profile set up, you’ll want to enter the following info:

• Professional email. Use a reliable email address that you can easily access when creating your account. It’s not recommended to use an email associated with your school, since you may lose access to it in the future. It’s also important that the email you use is simple, professional, and contains your full name.
• Headshot photo. Profiles with photos are more likely to be clicked on! You don’t need to have a professional headshot taken, but try to select a photo with a plain background. Ideally, you’ll want to wear professional or business casual attire in the photo—similar to what you’d be wearing in a job or internship interview. Avoid selfies and photos where someone or something is obviously cropped out. 
• Headline. Your LinkedIn headline is automatically generated as your current job title or as “student at college/university.” We highly recommend customizing your headline to summarize your academic and professional experience and goals in the allotted characters. Use industry-specific keywords that will make it easier for recruiters to find you.
  • Examples:
    • Aspiring Java Software Developer | Seeking Entry-Level Programming Position | Experience with JavaScript and Python
    • Dedicated Youth Advocate and Educator | Native Spanish Speaker | Seeking Entry-Level Social Impact Roles
    • Marketing Major | Social Media Coordinator | Forbes Under 30 Scholar

• Summary. The summary section of your profile functions like an elevator pitch. The purpose of a summary is to explain who you are, your skills, and the opportunities you’re seeking in 100 words or less. Be sure to highlight the skills, traits, and experiences that will help you reach your goals. If your resume has a professional summary section, feel free to use that language! 

• Education and experience. Including your education, any professional training, and previous work experience shows future employers how you can contribute to their company. You can use bullet points from your own resume in this section! Be sure to describe notable accomplishments using the following format: action verb + quantity/context + result/outcome! Be sure to update your LinkedIn profile whenever you make changes to your resume. 

  • Example of action verb + quantity/context + result/outcome format: Managed a $10K annual club budget supporting student programming, advocacy initiatives, special projects, and community engagement.

• Extracurricular activities. List all clubs, organizations, and community service you’ve participated in to give potential employers a glimpse into your interests outside of school and work. Be sure to also include any leadership roles you’ve held to demonstrate that you are responsible, organized, and take initiative.

• Skills. List your professional skills to show potential employers that you have the credentials to get a job done. Look at profiles of people in the industry you are hoping to enter to see what skills they list for inspiration. Professional skills like customer service are transferable to any job, so be sure to add them. It’s also important to include any technical skills on your LinkedIn, like proficiency in Microsoft Excel or the ability to speak a second language. All of these skills will go a long way in setting you apart from other candidates!

How to build your network on LinkedIn

Once you’ve set up your profile, begin connecting with people you know that are already in your network, like coworkers, managers, advisors, and even classmates. 

Once you connect with people you know, we recommend connecting with people you want to be professionally associated with. You can reach out to people you’ve met once before in a professional capacity, or you can reach out to someone who has a job or career that interests you–even if you don’t know them personally! While this sounds intimidating, you may be surprised at how many people will be willing to connect and chat about their professional experiences! Read some examples of how to reach out to people over LinkedIn: 

If you’ve met 

Hello Mr. Lopez,

I had the pleasure of meeting you briefly last week at Seattle University’s Spring Career Fair. I noticed that we have several mutual connections, and I would love to connect to talk more about the summer internship opportunities we discussed briefly. May I add you to my network?

If you haven’t met

Hello Dr. Muñoz,

I attended your guest lecture last week on Seatle University’s campus about the importance of media literacy during elections. I was inspired by your message on how to civically engage more young people in the electoral process. I’m an aspiring journalist myself with hopes of writing for a daily newspaper once I graduate. May I add you to my network and potentially set up a call with you to learn more about your career path?

Building a strong LinkedIn profile takes time! Being intentional about the information you share can open doors to professional connections and job opportunities! Ensuring your profile is complete increases your visibility to employers and helps expand your network. 

Need some help setting up your LinkedIn profile or looking for a job? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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