Keen to boost your presence on LinkedIn? In this post I’ll share how to craft a LinkedIn profile that will showcase your skills and assist you with networking or job-hunting as a student.
I’ve previously discussed how to use master LinkedIn as a student, briefly touching on the importance of building your profile. In this post I’ll be delving into the details of how to craft your Linkedin profile. From securing a custom URL to making your profile both word and picture perfect!
It’s never too early to start building your presence on LinkedIn, so read on to learn what will help you stand out from the crowd.
You can also download a copy of my LinkedIn Top Tips from the free resource library.
Five Steps to Crafting Your LinkedIn Student Profile
1. Add a Formal Profile Photo
A picture is worth a thousand words, and your photo will be one of the first things people notice on your profile. While it’s perfectly fine to express your personality, remember that LinkedIn is a professional network. Use a high-quality, clear, and formal headshot.
Dress professionally, smile, and maintain good eye contact with the camera. This helps to build trust and credibility.
Keep an eye out for whether your university is offering any opportunities to have headshots taken – that’s how I got some in the past! Otherwise, if you know someone who’s into photography, see if you can buy them a drink in exchange for taking your picture.
2. Add a Background Photo
Your profile’s background photo provides another opportunity to make a visual impact.
This is a great place to display a relevant image of yourself, your research or your field of interest. Don’t have one available? No problem!
You can find free stock images on platforms like Pixabay and Unsplash. For example, here is what I get when I search for “bacteria” on Pixabay:
Here are a few ideas for background pictures you could use:
Personalised Images
- Photo of you giving a presentation, winning an award or doing research
- Photo from your research – for example I know people who’ve used cool microscopy images
Generic Images
- Image which relates to your field of interest, such as computer code for those working in computing. Put some search terms for your research field into the free stock image platforms and take your pick.
Writing this post has made me realise that my own background photo is outdated, and was never really the best photo. Therefore, if I stick to my own advice hopefully you won’t see it on my profile for much longer!
3. Get a Custom URL
Customising your LinkedIn URL only takes a few seconds and it not only looks more professional but it’s also easier to remember and share.
My URL is https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffnc/ which is clearly a lot more slick than the default of something like https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-clark-28421803418.
To secure your own custom URL go to the “Edit public profile & URL” section on your profile, then create a URL that includes your name or a variation of it.
4. Fill Out Your Profile
This is the biggie, but even as a student it’s important to take the time to fully build up your LinkedIn profile. Your profile works like a digital CV, so you want to make sure it accurately represents you. Be sure to include both your experience to date and a flavour of where you want to be heading with your career.
Rather than spending ages trying to get everything perfect on the first go, I’d encourage you to just get a first draft down now and then iterate and enhance it over time. That’s the beauty of starting to craft your profile well in advance of planning to apply for any jobs!
As time goes on you’ll have more to add and may pick up some ideas for how to structure your headline and ‘About’ section based on other LinkedIn profiles from students you’ve seen.
You might find it helpful to bookmark this page and come back to it later. Eventually you’ll want to have filled out all of the following sections in your profile:
Headline:
Your headline is one of the most important parts of your LinkedIn profile as it appears right below your name and in search results. You have 220 characters, including spaces, to make a strong impression.
Create a headline that highlights your academic focus, skills, or career aspirations. Be sure to include keywords relevant to your field to increase visibility.
As far as I see it, there are two ways to go about writing your headline:
- Experience-based. To simply state your current role/work: “PhD Candidate in Artificial Intelligence, Specialising in Natural Language Processing”
- Vision-based. A more broad description of your experience and perhaps what you want to do in the future. For example mine is currently: “Applying technology for people & planet”
You can of course include both, for example:
- “Final Year Computer Science Student at Imperial College London | Aspiring Software Developer”
You can write the headline however you want, but I find it cringey when I see people trying to cram in all of their experience, or namedrop well known places they’ve worked or studied “…. Stanford PhD” or “ex-Amazon, ex-Goldman Sachs, ex-LSE”. Personally I’d keep it quite short and then let the rest of your profile tell your story.
Click here to skip to more examples of LinkedIn headlines for students near the end of this post.
Contact Info:
Make sure that your contact information is up to date. This can include your professional email address, and if applicable, your academic website, personal blog, or portfolio.
For example on mine I have:
Adding these links makes it simple for recruiters or collaborators to learn more about your work.
You can also include links to social media profiles relevant to your field, such as GitHub. Personally I wouldn’t worry too much about having an email address available, people can message you directly on LinkedIn at first.
About:
The ‘About’ section is your opportunity to introduce yourself and provide a summary of your academic background, research interests, skills, and career aspirations. Write in a concise but engaging manner, and use keywords relevant to your field to increase your profile’s visibility in searches.
If you’re a PhD student, be sure to highlight your research focus and any significant findings or contributions.
Undergraduate student? Showcase relevant coursework, internships, or volunteer work. Remember to express your professional goals and above all your enthusiasm!
Suggested Structure:
- Start with a brief introduction: e.g. who you are and what you’re studying.
- Highlight your key skills, research, or relevant experience.
- Conclude with your career goals or what you’re seeking (e.g. internships, research opportunities).
Click here to jump to some examples of ‘About’ summaries for students near the end of this post.
Experience:
In the ‘Experience’ section, list any relevant work experience you have. This could include internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or research positions.
Even if your experience isn’t directly related to your field of study, focus on transferable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, or communication.
For each role, include a brief description of your responsibilities and any achievements. Try to quantify your impact where possible, and highlight skills that align with your career goals.
Here are some ideas for how you could quantify your impact:
- Improved Metrics: Highlight increases in performance (e.g., boosted [some metric, e.g. accuracy] by 20%), or decreases in things such as errors, time or cost (reduced [errors/processing time/cost] by 15%).
- Team Leadership: Mention leading or collaborating with teams and measurable results (e.g. led a team of 5 to complete a project ahead of schedule).
- Development in Techniques or Skills: Include if you learned something interesting. For example, processing of biological cells, imaging, computing techniques.
Example:
Machine Learning Intern, Company X
June 2024 – August 2024
“Developed a computer vision model to classify road signs. Achieved a 30% decrease in computational cost and 20% reduction in error compared to the company’s existing method. Wrote reports and presented work to the wider technical team.”
Featured:
The ‘Featured’ section is a great place to showcase your academic work, including publications, presentations, and significant projects. You can also include links to articles, videos, or websites related to your research.
This section is particularly valuable for PhD students, as it allows you to provide easy access to your work and demonstrate your expertise.
Examples:
- Published Article: “Exploring the Effects of Renewable Energy on Urban Development” (Link to journal article)
- Conference Presentation: “The Future of AI in Healthcare” (Link to video recording)
Education:
In the ‘Education’ section, list your degrees, institutions, and expected or completed grade/honours. I would suggest also including particularly relevant modules/units, projects, and research work including thesis titles.
For PhD students, be sure to mention your research area in this section. If you’ve received any scholarships, awards, or notable recognitions during your studies, include them here.
Example:
BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science, University of Exeter
September 2021 – June 2024
First Class Honours
Relevant modules: Climate Change Science (76%), Conservation Biology (68%), Environmental Policy (83%).
Projects:
You can use the ‘Projects’ section to highlight significant academic or extracurricular projects. Describe your role, the skills you used, and the outcomes.
Include links, visuals, or descriptions that provide more context.
Example:
Sustainable Urban Planning
“Created a financial model for sustainable urban development in collaboration with a local council. The project was praised for its innovative approach to green infrastructure.”
Skills:
List the key skills that are most relevant to your field and career goals. You can include both technical skills, such as programming languages or lab techniques, and soft skills, such as communication or leadership.
Order your skills based on their relevance to your aspirations. Encourage peers, professors, or colleagues to endorse your skills, as this adds credibility.
Examples:
- Technical: Python, MATLAB, Data Analysis, SPSS, CAD
- Soft: Public Speaking, Team Collaboration, Project Management
Publications:
If you’ve published papers, articles, or reports, list them in the ‘Publications’ section. Include details like the title, where it was published, and a brief description or abstract. You can also add links to the publication or DOI numbers for easy access.
This section is particularly important for PhD students and those in research-intensive fields. Personally these days I don’t add every single paper I publish, but as a researcher I think it is good to have at least a few examples of your research listed.
Example:
Title: “Innovations in Renewable Energy: A Case Study on Solar Power”
Journal: Renewable Energy Review, June 2023
Summary: “This paper explores the latest advancements in solar energy technology and its implications for urban development.”
Honors & Awards:
In this section, list any academic or professional awards, scholarships, or recognitions you’ve received. This can include research grants, competition wins, or industry awards.
Provide a brief description of each award, including the criteria for selection if relevant.
Example:
Award: Dean’s List, University of St Andrews
Date: June 2023
Description: “Recognised for achieving a top 5% grade in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.”
Interests:
The ‘Interests’ section is where you can follow industry leaders, companies, or organisations that align with your career goals. This not only keeps you informed but also signals to potential connections or employers that you’re engaged with your field.
Choose interests that reflect your professional aspirations and personal passions.
Example:
- Interests: Artificial Intelligence, Sustainable Development, Public Health, Data Science, Renewable Energy
5. Ask Colleagues/ Supervisors to Write Recommendations
Recommendations on LinkedIn are essentially online references. Reach out to colleagues, supervisors, or university professors who know your work well and ask them to write a recommendation for you.
These endorsements add credibility to your profile and can be particularly useful when someone is considering connecting or collaborating with you. They can also be a positive sign to any future recruiters.
LinkedIn Profile Headline Examples for Students
To help you come up with your own LinkedIn headline for your profile, below are a few examples of different ways you could choose to structure it as a student.
Play around with each of the areas of focus below and find a combination that works for you.
Focus on your field of study
- Psychology Student, Exploring Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Mental Health
- Biomedical Engineering Student | Innovating at the Intersection of Medicine and Technology
- Law Student at King’s College London. Passionate about Human Rights and International Law
- Environmental Science Undergraduate | Interested in Sustainable Development and Conservation
- PhD Candidate in Artificial Intelligence at University of Cambridge | Specialising in NLP
Highlight your work experience
- Final Year Economics Student at UCL, Data Analytics Intern at Deloitte
- Marketing Intern | Sociology Student at University of Birmingham | Social Media Enthusiast
- Mechanical Engineering Student at Newcastle University. Recently interned at Rolls-Royce
Make it aspirational or industry-oriented
- Future Software Developer | Computer Science Student at University of Bristol
- Aspiring Marketing Professional | Business Management Student at University of Manchester
- PhD Candidate in Biotechnology at University of Glasgow. Translating Research into Impact
- PhD Researcher in Renewable Energy at Imperial College London | Expert in Solar Solutions
Concentrate on extracurricular activities or leadership skills
- Environmental Activist | Geography Student at University of Exeter | President of Green Society
- STEM Advocate, Physics Student at University of Warwick, STEM Outreach Volunteer
- Entrepreneurial Business Student at University of Bath | Co-Founder of “EcoSolutions”
Linkedin Profile ‘About’ Summary Examples for Students
The ‘About’ section of your profile can seem intimidating when you’re starting from scratch, so to help you out, here are a few example LinkedIn summary sections for students.
Example 1. Undergraduate Student – Business and Marketing
“As a final-year Business Management student at the University of Manchester, I’m passionate about marketing, consumer behaviour, and digital strategy. Throughout my degree, I’ve honed my skills in market research, data analysis, and brand management, and I’m eager to apply these in a professional setting.
My experience as a marketing intern at Kiwi has given me hands-on experience in campaign management and social media strategy. I’m excited about opportunities in digital marketing where I can contribute to innovative projects and continue learning from industry leaders.”
Example 2. PhD Student – Artificial Intelligence
“I am a PhD candidate in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Auckland, specialising in Natural Language Processing (NLP). My research focuses on improving machine learning models to better understand and generate human-like text, with applications in conversational AI and information retrieval.
With a background in computer science and a deep interest in language, I am driven by the potential of AI to transform industries and solve real-world problems. Beyond research, I’m passionate about bridging the gap between academia and industry, aiming to collaborate on projects that bring AI innovations into practical use.”
Example 3. Undergraduate Student – Environmental Science
“I am deeply committed to understanding and addressing the environmental challenges our planet faces. My studies in environmental science at the University of Chicago have given me a solid foundation in ecology, climate science, and sustainable development. I’ve applied this knowledge through fieldwork and internships focused on conservation and environmental policy.
My goal is to work in environmental consultancy or policy-making, where I can contribute to creating sustainable solutions and promoting environmental stewardship.”
Example 4. Undergraduate Student – Computer Science
“As a final-year Computer Science student at Imperial College London, I am fascinated by the intersection of technology and innovation. My coursework and projects have centred around software development, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, where I’ve developed strong programming and problem-solving skills. I have experience working as a software engineering intern, where I collaborated on developing scalable solutions for real-world problems.
My ambition is to pursue a career in software development, with a focus on creating impactful and efficient technology solutions. I’m particularly interested in opportunities that challenge me to learn and grow as a developer.”
Example 5. PhD Student – Biomedical Engineering
“I am a PhD candidate in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Warwick, focusing on the development of innovative medical devices for improving patient outcomes. My research combines principles of engineering and biology to create next-generation solutions for healthcare challenges, specifically in the areas of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. With a background in both mechanical engineering and life sciences, I am passionate about translating scientific discoveries into practical medical applications.
In addition to my research, I have experience in academic teaching and collaboration with industry partners. My career goal is to advance in the biomedical field, contributing to cutting-edge research and the development of life-saving technologies.”
My own LinkedIn Summary
I have ten years of experience applying technology to improve healthcare. Proven success developing innovative medical devices for a variety of markets and applications, backed up by research published in leading journals. Multiple award winning presenter, comfortable presenting to a wide range of audiences including academics, clinicians, non-profit organisations and the general public. Currently focussing on exploiting recent advances in AI and applying them for societal good.
Summary section of my LinkedIn profile
Summary: How to Build a LinkedIn Student Profile
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! There’s a lot of detail when building up a LinkedIn profile, but doing a quick draft and enhancing bits step by step is a great way to take off the pressure.
As a refresher, when building up your LinkedIn profile as a student it’s important to:
- Make your profile visually appealing with professional profile and background images
- Secure a personalised custom URL
- Take the time to flesh out your profile, sharing both your experience to date and ambitions for the future
- Seek recommendations from colleagues or supervisors
- Create a catchy headline
Once you’re happy with your LinkedIn student profile, it’s also a good idea to get into a regular habit of reviewing and updating it every few months (along with your academic CV). That way you’ll be able to add details of any new projects/ awards etc while they’re still fresh in your mind.
For a quick reminder of all of the key points in this post, along with some insights into networking and job-hunting on LinkedIn, be sure to download my free LinkedIn Top Tips guide from the resource library.
I’d also recommend checking out my related posts:
- How to Master LinkedIn for Academics & PhD Students
- Academic Networking 101: How to Build Your Research Community
If you want to connect with me via LinkedIn, feel free to do so. Here is my profile. As highlighted in my how to master LinkedIn post: I suggest including a short message.
Do you have any other tips for building a great LinkedIn profile as a student?
Share them in the comments!
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