Networking can feel daunting, but reaching out through LinkedIn is a skill everyone can develop. Whether connecting with an alum, a former colleague, or a recruiter, it’s essential to approach the conversation with curiosity and respect for their time. A well-crafted message that includes a specific reason for reaching out—such as insights about the individual’s company or role—can open doors to informational interviews and ongoing mentorship. LinkedIn can serve as a bridge between your current situation and your desired career path.
- Network with Industry Professionals and Alumni
When reaching out, make your message personal and specific—mention mutual connections, shared experiences, or the alumni’s insights from a recent post they shared. You typically only have a few characters for your introductory message so you want to find a way to be concise while also making it valuable for a both people.
Here’s a sample message that I sent to an alum:
Hi [Name], I found your profile while looking into internships at [Company]. I recently submitted my application, and if you have time over the next few weeks, I would love to connect to hear more about your journey from SOM to [Company] and learn how SOM prepared you for your roles in tech.
- Research Target Companies and Prepare for Interviews
Use LinkedIn to dive deep into the companies and industries you’re targeting. Following company pages and connecting with employees will help you stay updated on their latest projects, goals, and team structures. This preparation will enhance your interview skills and allow you to align your application materials with what matters to the Company. Additionally, reviewing employees’ career trajectories offers insight into potential growth paths and helps you identify skills to develop further.
- Stay Updated on Job Opportunities and Market Trends
LinkedIn’s job search feature provides students with real-time job postings from around the globe. This allows you to tailor searches to specific roles, industries, and locations. Following companies of interest and engaging with their content can increase your visibility to recruiters, giving you a competitive edge when securing interviews.
- Showcase Your Skills and Career Aspirations
LinkedIn is an excellent platform to go beyond your resume by sharing your expertise and interests. You can share articles, reflect on lessons from your MBA coursework, or highlight personal projects to build a personal brand that attracts connections and potential recruiters.
- Set time aside every week to check LinkedIn
LinkedIn is only as valuable as the information you access, so keeping your profile up to date is important. I recommend setting aside a consistent time each week to look for new internships in your desired industry (tip: you can even save a search on LinkedIn!), find new connections, and update your page with any new accomplishments or notable moments from your MBA journey. Some internships are only open for a short time, so dedicating regular time to this increases your chances of not missing valuable opportunities.
