Linked In has become the primary platform for all professionals looking to establish a strong connection with peers, networking, and as a source of knowledge.

Currently, Linked in has over 700 million users, being recognized as the most trusted social network in the U.S.

Thus, connecting millions of professionals worldwide, it’s a kind of social network that unquestionably every professional should pay attention to.

But how about International Students? LinkedIn can offer the same level of value? The answer is yes.

Here are the 10 reasons to invest your efforts on LinkedIn as an International Student:

1. Networking
2. Job search
3. Portfolio showcase
4. Personal branding
5. Learning
6. The impact of Keywords on my field
7. Share your voice
8. Collaboration
9. Volunteer
10. Self-analysis

Let’s take a look at each one in detail:

1) Networking:

LinkedIn can help not only professionals but International Students and newcomers as well. While you are studying, it is critical to practice networking, expanding your network of contacts in your desired industry. It’s a long run journey to do it properly. It’s all about the trust you need to develop within your network to make it stronger and, eventually, to get your dream job.

2) Job search:

Especially post-pandemic, LinkedIn provides you with the channel to connect with peers and people who can definitely help you get the job you want. Bear in mind that you can get a job by applying for one job post or be recommended for someone. Either way, it is crucial to be active on LinkedIn to be seen and remembered.

3) Portfolio showcase:

Did you ever heard the quote “A picture is worth a thousand words”? Well, in LinkedIn, it’s the same. It’s the perfect place to showcase your portfolio, whether as a visual portfolio or a portfolio of achievements. Yes, you can definitely build a portfolio illustrating all your achievements from a quantitative perspective, representing what you have generated with charts and simple illustrations. With that, you can leverage your authority in your industry.

4) Personal branding:

How about your positioning as a professional? Take your journey to the next level shaping your personal brand on LinkedIn. Approach this opportunity as a chance to treat your name as a brand. Your goal is to build credibility and authority around your name. If you are really good at something, why not be recognized for it?

5) Learning:

LinkedIn has a learning section with over 16,000 expert-led courses available covering many industries. The Linkedin Learning. It is a great place to grow your skills and keep you up-to-date, especially as an international student. When you complete a course, you earn a certificate to add to your portfolio, sweet no? To make it even better, you can view the courses anytime on the way on your phone or your computer.

6) The impact of Keywords on my field:

This is another strong reason to invest your efforts on LinkedIn as an International Student. The Skills section is available to compose a board where you can list up to 50 skills you have related to your industry or job position. It is a great tool either for self-analysis, identifying potential gaps to work on, or recognizing the top 3 skills you are proficient in.

7) Share your voice:

Don’t be shy! The world wants to hear from you. And LinkedIn will recognize you. The more often you post on LinkedIn, the more on top of the page you will be positioned in potential job search bringing only benefits. Share your opinion around a specific topic, write an article about your industry. Did you read a book and have some insight relevant to share? Go ahead and be active in sharing your thoughts.

8) Collaboration:

With the power of connecting millions of people, LinkedIn can be used as a resource to help you out with tasks related to your studies. Some of your activities may require the opinion or collaboration of others, and you can definitely get what you will need on LinkedIn.

9) Volunteer:

Like job search, there are many volunteer opportunities available on LinkedIn. Struggling to get your first job as an international student? Try volunteering first to shape your skills and creating your networking foundation. Look for some kind of activity with some level of challenge to put yourself out of your comfort zone. You won’t regret it.

10) Self-analysis:

Last but not least, self-analysis is critical to success. The best practice is to review your profile periodically. Set goals and review them based on realistic expectations in terms of number of contacts, number of interviews, etc. Not only a better LinkedIn profile you can build but especially a better sense of direction you can get as an International student to achieve your goals.

Final thoughts

There are several reasons why you should invest your efforts on LinkedIn as an International Student. However, these are the top 10 I would suggest as a starting point for you. Make a plan, enjoy the journey, and be the best version of yourself every day. Take a look at another post What you should know about the importance of taking action on Linkedin