By Akshita Kannan
Although social media has increased in popularity among teenagers, LinkedIn, a professional networking site, is comparatively less commonly used by the youth. Many teenagers assume that LinkedIn is mostly for adults who use it to connect with colleagues and mentors to further their careers, but Linkedin is actually beneficial for teenagers too. Linkedin even decreased its age limit from 18 to 14 years old to encourage teenagers to develop networking skills and improve professional interactions. Alan Katzman, the chief executive of Social Assurity, explains in The New York Times that “No one has quantified the power of [having LinkedIn as a high school student]. But I maintain that it is very powerful.”
According to Pew Research, colleges value and encourage LinkedIn profiles in teens because only 9% of high school students use Linkedin. Those with an account have a greater chance of setting themselves apart from their peers. Most colleges and potential employers have commented that having a LinkedIn account shows that you are serious about your career and is a worthwhile aspect to check during the application process.
LinkedIn also provides numerous opportunities for internships and part-time jobs with specificities regarding companies, fields of interest, and skills. You can build your resume and start networking early on. LinkedIn allows you to control your online narrative; you can post about your skills, interests, awards, and accomplishments that you may want colleges and future employers to see.
Most importantly, having a LinkedIn account in high school helps you grow your connections and pursue your interests earlier in your career. LinkedIn allows you to connect with alumni from your dream school, someone working your dream job, or someone in a profession that intrigues you. You can maintain your lasting connections with teachers from high school or any other important adults or peers in your life that may provide professional help in the future. By using Linkedin and connecting with numerous people, you may get valuable recommendations and endorsements to highlight your skills and impress potential schools and employers in the future.
Overall, having a LinkedIn account, even if it only holds the bare information, sets you ahead of millions of high school students who are applying to colleges. Research the best way to showcase yourself through your Linkedin profile, and create your profile as soon as possible!
References:
https://www.teenvogue.com/story/high-school-students-college-applications-linkedin-profile
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/linkedin-tips-high-school-students-judy-schramm/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2013/05/14/eight-reasons-high-school-students-should-be-on-linkedin/?sh=54f47359bde1