LinkedIn Tips for Graduate Students: Growing Your Career in Memphis and Beyond

Your LinkedIn account is not like your other social media accounts. This is not Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, and your profile often serves as your first introduction to potential employers, collaborators, mentors, and industry leaders.

When used intentionally, LinkedIn can open doors to internships, research opportunities, informational interviews, and full-time roles. Treat your profile as a living, evolving professional brand—not just an online résumé—and you’ll see far more value from the platform.

Below are key strategies to help graduate students use LinkedIn effectively.

Professional Profile

Your profile photo matters more than you might think. Choose a professional headshot or polished photo where you are clearly visible, dressed appropriately for your field, and in a neutral or simple background. This does not require a studio photo—many strong headshots are taken outdoors or against a plain wall. What to avoid: car selfies, group photos, vacation pictures, or anything overly casual.

Beyond your photo, aim to complete every section of your profile. Unlike a résumé, LinkedIn does not limit you by space, so take advantage of it.

• Headline: Go beyond just your degree. For example:
  MBA Student at the University of Memphis | Supply Chain & Logistics | Memphis-Based Professional
• About section: Share your story. Include what you’re studying at UofM, the skills you’re developing, and how your work connects to your career goals—whether you plan to stay in Memphis or take your experience elsewhere.
• Experience: Include assistantships, internships, research projects, practicum experiences, and relevant part-time roles. Describe what you did and the skills you gained.
• Skills & Recommendations: List relevant skills and ask faculty mentors, supervisors, or community partners to write recommendations that speak to your contributions and professionalism.
• Education & Interests: Highlight student organizations, campus leadership, service-learning, or causes that matter to you. These often spark meaningful conversations with alumni and employers.

One important note: your LinkedIn profile should not be an exact copy of your résumé. A résumé is concise and tailored; LinkedIn provides a fuller picture of who you are, what you value, and where you’re headed.

Activity

A strong profile is important—but activity is what brings your profile to life.

Posting on LinkedIn allows you to develop a professional voice and show engagement with your field. You don’t need to post daily; consistency matters more than frequency.

Examples of appropriate and effective posts include:

• A research project, thesis milestone, or capstone completed at UofM
• Announcing a new assistantship, internship, or job
• Reflecting on a conference, webinar, community event, or professional development event
• Highlighting skills gained through coursework, labs, or fieldwork
• Sharing an article related to your field with a brief takeaway
• Reflections on how your studies connect to issues impacting Memphis or your field

Engagement goes beyond posting. Comment thoughtfully on others’ posts, congratulate peers on accomplishments, and contribute to discussions when you have insight to offer. Even asking a thoughtful question can help build visibility.

The golden rule: keep it professional. If you’re unsure whether something belongs on LinkedIn, it probably doesn’t.

Connections

One of the most common questions graduate students ask is, “Who should I connect with on LinkedIn?”

The answer lies in understanding the purpose of networking. LinkedIn is a tool to help you build relationships with people and organizations doing the work you want to do—or the work that leads there.

Start by connecting with:

• UofM faculty, staff, and advisors
• Fellow graduate peers and alumni
• Internship, research roles, and assistantship supervisors
• Professionals, labs, organizations aligned with your desired industry

Quality matters more than quantity. You are not building connections just to grow numbers—you are building a network you can collaborate, engage with for advice, insight, referrals, and opportunities. Ideally, these are people you would feel comfortable reaching out to with a question or request for guidance.

When sending connection requests, consider adding a short note explaining who you are and why you’d like to connect. This small step can make a big difference.

Final Thoughts

LinkedIn is most effective when it reflects who you are, what you’re learning, and where you’re going. Start with a strong profile, stay active in ways that feel authentic, and build a network with intention.

With consistent effort, your LinkedIn presence can become a powerful tool that supports your graduate journey—and your career long after graduation.