When I first heard about LinkedIn, I didn’t think it was for people like me.
I assumed it was a platform for experts, professionals in suits, and people with a long list of career achievements. I thought, “What am I going to do there as a student?” I had no job title, no ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ gig to flaunt, and certainly no success story to share.
But here’s what I eventually discovered: LinkedIn isn’t just for the gurus. It’s for students too.
And if you’re a student who’s been doubting whether you belong on LinkedIn, I wrote this for you.
The Truth About Linkedin is that many of us shy away from LinkedIn because of the illusion that it’s only for those who have it all figured out. But the truth is, LinkedIn is a space where you grow, not a place you show up only when you’re “ready.”
Whether you’re in 100 level or 400 level, studying Engineering or Theatre Arts, have a niche or not, you deserve a seat at the table.
Here are five reasons you should open a LinkedIn account as a student;
1. It Opens Doors To Job And Internship Opportunities.
Let’s be honest, in Nigeria (and many parts of the world), job hunting as a fresh graduate can be brutal. Companies want you to have 2–3 years of experience, but how are you supposed to get that if no one will give you a chance?
LinkedIn can be that chance.
Your About section is where you sell yourself. Even if you haven’t had a job before, you can say:
For instance ; I’m a 200-level student of Mass Communication at Obafemi Awolowo University. I’m passionate about writing and effective brand communication. I’m currently honing my skills through projects and volunteering, and I’m seeking internship opportunities to gain real-world experience.
Use your school projects, volunteer work, and leadership roles as part of your experience. You’ll be surprised how many hiring managers are looking for someone exactly like you, they just need to see you.
2. It Helps You Build A Personal Brand
Gone are the days when personal branding was only for celebrities. In today’s world, everyone has a personal brand, whether intentionally or not.
LinkedIn allows you to tell your story, share your thoughts, document your growth, and position yourself as someone worth watching. From building authority to attracting freelance gigs or remote jobs, your personal brand is your online currency, and LinkedIn is the perfect place to grow it.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start.
3. You Get To Engage With Professionals In Your Field
Imagine having direct access to people who have already walked the path you’re trying to follow. That’s LinkedIn.
You can connect with professionals, thought leaders, alumni from your department, or even CEOs. By engaging genuinely with their content and asking thoughtful questions, you can gain insights that no textbook will ever give you.
Some of them might even mentor you, formally or informally. But the first step is showing up and connecting
4. You Can Document And Showcase Your Growth
Think of LinkedIn as your digital portfolio. It’s a place where you can record your growth, your small wins, the things you’re learning, the experiences that are shaping you.
Here are things you can post about;
- A recent school project you worked on
- Skills you’re learning (like Canva, Excel, coding, or public speaking)
- Events or webinars you attended
- Books you’re reading or reflections from your course
This doesn’t just help others see your journey, it helps you track how far you’ve come
5. You Become Visible To Opportunities Early
If you wait until you graduate to start using LinkedIn, you’ve already missed out on years of potential connections and opportunities.
By starting now, you’re planting seeds. You might not see the results immediately, but with time, your profile, your posts, and your network will start to open doors, faster than you expect.
You could land an internship. A writing gig. A scholarship. A remote role. It starts with putting yourself out there.
In Conclusion, you don’t need a polished CV. You don’t need a fancy title. You don’t even need to know exactly what you want to do yet.
What you need is to take the first step.
LinkedIn isn’t just a platform. It’s a launchpad, and as a student, this is the perfect time to start building.
So, if you’ve been waiting for a sign to create or optimize your LinkedIn account, this is it.
