7 Advantages of LinkedIn for STEM Students
7 Advantages of LinkedIn for STEM Students
Focusing on technical classes at a STEM university, such as science and engineering, can greatly enhance your technical skills and knowledge needed for your future career — now it’s time to highlight your skills and abilities to future employers. Reading, writing, communicating and forming connections are crucial parts of a career path. Using LinkedIn allows you to showcase your experience, hone in on networking skills, and increase your chances of getting noticed by companies. Regardless of what your major is, LinkedIn can help you.
7 Advantages of LinkedIn for STEM students
LinkedIn is a great way of getting your name out there. Not only will you learn the basics of networking as you go, but you can also reap the benefits of showcasing your qualities to other students and potential employers. More than 75% of companies' recruiters use LinkedIn, so if you’re wondering if the platform is for you, the answer is yes.
Around 46 million students and recent graduates use LinkedIn. No matter the career choice, the platform is effective in helping students get comfortable while assisting graduates to find the right position for them. There are more benefits for STEM than one would think, and just by creating a profile, you can take additional steps in boosting your career. Here are the advantages of STEM students being on LinkedIn.
1. Develop writing skills
One of the greatest advantages of regularly publishing content on LinkedIn is the speed at which you can witness improvement in your skills. By committing to a consistent and intentional approach towards enhancing your writing abilities, you can make substantial progress. Recruiters will be better able to assess the certain skills that may give you an edge on other graduates and potential candidates.
When you engage in frequent publishing on LinkedIn, you embark on a journey of personal and professional development. Each time you share your thoughts, opinions and expertise, you challenge yourself to articulate your ideas effectively and engage with a diverse audience. The process of formulating your ideas into posts compels you to think critically, organize and present them in a concise manner.
2. Build Confidence
While the notion of sharing your thoughts and achievements on a platform such as LinkedIn, which is primarily focused on career development services, may initially seem daunting, it can actually be a significant confidence booster. As you consistently share your ideas, experiences and accomplishments with your professional network, you will begin to witness the positive impact your content can have on others.
When you share your insights and expertise, you are contributing to valuable discussions and providing value to your connections. By showcasing your knowledge and perspectives, you not only establish yourself as a credible voice, but also position yourself as an authority in your field. As others engage with your content, appreciate your ideas and even reach out to you for further discussion, it serves as an affirmation of your expertise and contribution.
3. Acquire and deliver understanding
While you may be familiar with most of the concepts of the STEM world, that doesn’t mean your viewers and connections will be. It’s important for you to obtain skills that can help explain technical wording and complex methods to those not familiar with the content. The best way to do it? More content publishing.
Publishing articles on LinkedIn is a fantastic way to enhance your ability to choose the right words and construct sentences that ensure both you and your readers can easily grasp and interpret your ideas. Not only will this help practice effective self-editing, it can also help develop valuable skills that contribute to effective communication to clients during your career. This includes feedback from friends, family and any other connections interested in the subject and wording of your posts.
4. Exchange critical thinking
In STEM fields, people dedicate a significant amount of time to solving challenging problems. It's often the case that when brilliant minds work together, they can find the best solutions. A simple chat forum can be a great tool to communicate and discover with others. When you share what you know, you can learn from peers, build on existing knowledge and make even greater advancements. Collaboration and communication go hand in hand in STEM, as they allow you to balance collective intellect and can lead to exciting breakthroughs and solutions. Don't hesitate to collaborate, discuss your ideas, and accomplish groundbreaking innovations.
5. Create your own identity
Building a strong personal brand as a STEM student enables you to actively shape your professional identity and gain recognition for your accomplishments. With its user base of 930 million active users, LinkedIn offers a network of professionals and recruiters eager to discover and engage with talent. By actively sharing your achievements, insights and expertise through articles or posts, you can effectively showcase your skills to an audience of potential employers and industry leaders.
What better way to inform recruiters what the future of STEM holds? Consider writing and sharing ideas not just for the purpose of connecting with peers, but to elaborate on your findings in your STEM courses, projects and the industries it pertains to. Posting on LinkedIn will express you are an active member of the sector trying to build your professional path.
6. Establish new connections
LinkedIn offers valuable connections and networking opportunities for STEM students, serving as an outlet to establish and expand their professional network within their fields. The platform provides direct access to industry professionals, experts and leaders in various fields. Connecting with professionals who share similar interests or work in your desired industry can offer insights, mentorship opportunities and potential collaborations.
Join alumni groups or networks, which allow you to connect with successful alumni who can provide guidance, job/internship opportunities and industry-specific advice. Engaging with fellow STEM students and classmates fosters a supportive network for collaboration, resource sharing and discussions of academic and professional interests. Following and connecting with organizations related to STEM disciplines provides access to industry events, webinars, conferences and networking opportunities specific to your field.
7. Easy and free for STEM students
LinkedIn offers an easy and free platform for STEM students to connect, network and establish their professional presence. The process of creating a LinkedIn account is straightforward and user-friendly, requiring basic information such as education, work experience and skills. The platform provides a simple interface that allows you to easily navigate and customize your profile to highlight your academic achievements, projects and professional goals. You can also access industry-specific news, articles, and insights shared by professionals and thought leaders.
LinkedIn's job search functionality is another valuable resource for STEM students. The platform enables you to explore internships, entry-level positions, and industry-specific job opportunities without cost. This feature gives you the opportunity to directly apply for positions on the company site or right within LinkedIn, and even receive job recommendations based on your profile and interests. With effective usage, you can connect with industry professionals and lay the foundation for your future success all without any financial barriers.
Harness LinkedIn's Potential to Unlock New Opportunities
Are you ready to enhance your skills and bolster your online personal brand by becoming a LinkedIn member? The process can be simple, enjoyable and the impact on your confidence can be beneficial to your professional development. Embrace the opportunity to showcase your unique perspectives and watch your career path soar as you receive positive feedback and engage in meaningful conversations with professionals in your industry. Make the commitment today and join the 930 million users shaping their careers on LinkedIn.