Utilizing LinkedIn in High School
Think LinkedIn is only for professionals with years of work experience? Think again!
More and more high school students are using LinkedIn to build their personal brand, explore career interests, connect with mentors, and even find internships and volunteer opportunities. Creating a LinkedIn profile now can help you stand out when applying to colleges, scholarships, and future jobs.
Here are some simple ways to make the most of LinkedIn during your high school years:
Build a Strong Profile
Your LinkedIn profile is like an online resume. Even if you haven’t had a full-time job yet, you already have experiences worth sharing.
Create a Compelling Headline
Instead of simply writing “Student”, make your headline more descriptive. Highlight your interests and goals, such as:
- Aspiring Computer Science Major | High School Junior | App Developer
- Future Nurse | Student Leader | Community Volunteer
- STEM Enthusiast | Lifelong Learner | Member of The Society of Torch & Laurel
Write an “About” Section
Introduce yourself in a few short paragraphs. Share:
- Your academic interests
- Activities or subject you’re passionate about
- Career goals or college aspirations
- Skills you’re currently developing
Think of it as your personal introduction to colleges, mentors, and future employers.
Showcase Your Best Work
Use LinkedIn’s Featured section to highlight projects and accomplishments, such as:
- Science fair projects
- Research papers
- Art of design portfolios
- Coding projects
- Volunteer initiatives
- Awards and certifications
Showing what you’ve created helps others see your skills beyond your grades.
Turn Extracurricular Activities into Experience
You may not have years of work experience, but your activities still demonstrate valuable skills.
Include experiences such as:
- Student organization and organizational involvement, like Torch and Laurel
- Student government
- Varsity or club sports
- Volunteer work
- Part-Time jobs
- Leadership roles
Instead simply listing your involvement, describe what you accomplished. For example:
- Organized a school fundraiser that raised $500 for a local animal shelter
- Led bi-weekly meetings for 25+ Student Council members, facilitating discussions and overseeing progress on council priorities.
Using numbers whenever possible makes your achievements even more impactful.
Connect with Mentors and Alumni
Networking may sound intimidating, but it’s simply about building meaningful relationships.
Start by connecting with people you already know:
- Co-members of Torch and Laurel
- Teachers
- Counselors
- Family Members
- Older students and alumni
As your network grows, look for alumni from your high school who attend colleges you’re interested in or work in careers you’d like to explore.
Whenever you send a connection request, include a short, friendly message explaining why you’d like to connect. A thoughtful introduction leaves a great first impression.
Share and Engage
You don’t need to be an expert to contribute on LinkedIn.
Consider sharing:
- Being a member of The Society of Torch and Laurel
- A project you’re proud of
- Lessons from a summer camp or internship
- Volunteer experiences
- Academic achievements
- Career exploration activities
- College visits or campus events
You can also engage by liking, commenting on, and sharing posts related to your interests. Staying active shows curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn qualities that colleges and employers appreciate.
Start Building Your Future Today
The earlier you begin building your professional presence, the more opportunities you’ll discover along the way. LinkedIn isn’t about having an impressive resume from day one. It’s about documenting your journey, celebrating your growth, and connecting with people who can help you achieve your goals.
Whether you’re exploring career options, preparing for college, or simply sharing what you’re passionate about, LinkedIn is a powerful tool that can help you take the next step with confidence.
Want to Add To Your Profile?
Consider joining The Society of Torch & Laurel! High school students can join for free at the Complimentary membership level. All members get access to our LinkedIn 101 course, which walks you through creating your LinkedIn profile step-by-step, from what to include to how to start building your professional presence.