In this episode, Pierre Michiels shares how to build a strategic LinkedIn profile that supports your career goals. Topics include updating your industry and location, using the Open to Work feature, adding projects and experiences, and optimizing your skills section. But first, Rebecca Harrington introduces LinkedIn Learning and explains how students can use it to build in-demand skills. After listening, we hope you have a better understanding of how to make LinkedIn work for your career.
Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.
0:00-5:45 | Exploring LinkedIn Learning
Rebecca introduces LinkedIn Learning, an online platform offering thousands of professional development courses on topics ranging from technical skills to interview preparation. She discusses how many colleges, including College of DuPage, provide free access, the value of learning from vetted industry experts, earning certifications, and how LinkedIn's AI-powered recommendations can help students create personalized learning plans.
5:45-10:29 | Building a Strategic LinkedIn Foundation
Pierre explains the difference between a completed LinkedIn profile and a strategic one. He emphasizes aligning your profile with future career goals by updating industry and location settings to reflect where you want to work rather than where you have been. The discussion highlights how these settings influence recruiter searches, networking suggestions, and job recommendations.
10:29-14:25 | Using Open to Work and Maintaining Your Profile
The conversation focuses on LinkedIn's Open to Work feature and how students can improve visibility by selecting specific job titles, employment types, and preferred locations. Rebecca Harrington adds practical advice on revisiting and updating LinkedIn after significant milestones such as internships, major projects, leadership experiences, or career changes to keep the profile current and relevant.
14:25-19:38 | Leveraging LinkedIn Sections to Showcase Experience
Pierre reviews LinkedIn's Add Section feature, including core, recommended, and additional profile categories. Particular attention is given to the Projects section, which allows students and professionals to highlight coursework, internships, research, and other accomplishments that may not fit naturally into a resume. The hosts discuss using LinkedIn to tell a more complete professional story.
19:38-23:36 | Optimizing Skills and Creating a Career Narrative
The episode concludes with strategies for maximizing LinkedIn's Skills section. Pierre explains how carefully selected and prioritized skills improve discoverability by recruiters and align a profile with future career goals. The hosts encourage listeners to view LinkedIn as an evolving career management tool that communicates not only past experiences but also future aspirations and professional growth.
Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers.
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