In this activity, students will learn about the social media and networking platform, LinkedIn: why it’s important (even when you’re a student just starting to think about your career) and how best to use it.
They'll also begin to build their own LinkedIn profiles—or audit their profiles if they already have one!
Summarize what LinkedIn is and how it’s valuable even for young people just beginning their career journey. You may use this resource as a guide: 8 Things Teenagers (and Their Parents) Need to Know about LinkedIn
Framing tip:
Explain to students that LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network on the internet. They can use LinkedIn to find the right job or internship, connect and strengthen professional relationships, and learn the skills you need to succeed in your career. All they need is an internet-connected device.
A complete LinkedIn profile can help them connect with opportunities by showcasing their unique professional story through experience, skills, and education.
You can also explain to students that building a great reputation, maintaining a portfolio, and participating in a community of professionals are important habits for future career success. Whether you’re documenting volunteer service or tracking awards and club activities at school, LinkedIn helps you develop a “showcase” mindset. Once you have that mindset, you’re able to have a complete repository of all your accomplishments.
Review LinkedIn’s privacy settings for teens.
Highlight some key tips for building an effective LinkedIn profile, like:
You can show students this quick supporting video (1:21): LinkedIn for Students: Top Five Profile To-Do’s
Invite students to start building their own LinkedIn profile independently. If students already have a LinkedIn, you can frame this activity as a profile audit to make sure it’s set up in the most effective way possible.
Additional resources for students:
As students work, check in with individuals to answer questions, provide clarification, or offer suggestions.
Optional: Have students share their profiles with a partner to gather inspiration and ideas for improvement.
Encourage students to seek out feedback on their LinkedIn profile from other trusted adults in their lives and remind them that their profile should evolve as they gain more experience.
Self-assessment: Give students the opportunity to reflect on this activity and set goals.
If you want to dig deeper into teaching interviewing skills and give your students more practice, check out
Open P-TECH’s self-paced student courses.
*Note: You'll need to register for Open P-TECH to access this content.
