10 tips to level up your LinkedIn

If you already have LinkedIn, that's a great start. But simply having an account is not the same as having a profile that supports your career goals. Aurora University's Career Services office encourages students and alumni to think of LinkedIn as more than just an online resume. It's a powerful platform for building professional connections, exploring career and internship opportunities, and sharing your story with alumni and potential employers.

Here are 10 tips from the Career Services team on how to take your LinkedIn profile to the next level.

1. Upgrade your headline

   Your headline is one of the first things people see, so do more than just list your school or major.

   Instead of:
   Student at Aurora University

   Try something like:
   Marketing Student | Interested in Brand Strategy and Social Media
   Psychology Graduate | Passionate About Student Support and Mental Health
   Aspiring Data Analyst | Excel, SQL, and Business Insights

   A good headline helps people quickly understand your interests and direction.

2. Make your "About" section sound like you

   Your "About" section should not read like a stiff summary or a copy-and-paste from your resume. Use it to tell a short professional story that is clear, confident, and conversational. This is your chance to connect the dots for someone viewing your profile.

   Include:

   • What you are studying or recently completed
   • What interests you professionally
   • What strengths, skills, or experiences you have
   • What kinds of opportunities you are exploring
     
     
3. Strengthen your experience section

   Don't just list job duties. Show what you accomplished and the skills you used. Even part-time jobs, campus roles, and volunteer work can demonstrate valuable skills like communication, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and organization.

   Instead of:
   Worked at front desk and helped customers.

   Try:
   Provided front-desk support, assisted visitors, answered questions, and helped maintain a positive customer experience in a fast-paced office.

4. Add more than just your degree

   Your education section can do more work for you, especially if you are early in your career. These details help show momentum and direction.

   Consider adding:

   • Relevant coursework
   • Academic projects
   • Honors and awards
   • Student organizations
   • Certifications
   • Study abroad, research, or leadership experiences
     
     
5. Build your skills section intentionally

   Make sure your skills reflect the kinds of roles you want.

   For example, if you are interested in marketing, your profile might include skills like: content creation, social media, branding, Canva, communication, and campaign strategy.

   If you are interested in business or analytics, you might include: Excel, data analysis, teamwork, research, presentation skills, and project coordination.

   Choose skills that match your experience and your goals.

6. Clean up the visuals

   A few small updates can make your profile look much more polished and shape a stronger first impression.

   Be sure to check these basics:

   • Use a clear, professional photo.
   • Add a banner image if you have one.
   • Customize your LinkedIn URL.
   • Make sure dates, titles, and descriptions are accurate.
   • Fix any grammar, spelling, or formatting issues.
     
     
7. Show evidence of your work

   LinkedIn gets stronger when it shows what you can do, not just what you say you can do. This is especially helpful if you are still building experience.

   Consider adding:

   • Projects
   • Presentations
   • Writing samples
   • Portfolios
   • Certifications
   • Media from class, internships, or campus involvement
     
     
8. Start being active, not just present

   A strong profile helps, but LinkedIn works best when you actually use it. You do not need to become a content creator. You just need to show that you are paying attention and participating professionally.

   A few easy ways to be more active:

   • Connect with classmates, professors, supervisors, and alumni.
   • Follow companies and organizations that interest you.
   • Share updates about projects, internships, or achievements.
   • Engage with content a few times each week by commenting thoughtfully, reacting to posts, or sharing insights related to your field.
     
     
9. Use LinkedIn for networking

   Do not wait until you need a job to start building your network. Proactively reach out to:

   • Alumni in careers that interest you.
   • Internship supervisors and past employers.
   • Professionals you meet at events.
   • Classmates and faculty members.
     
     

   When sending a connection request, add a short note. A little personalization goes a long way.

   Example:
   Hi Maya, I'm a student interested in public relations and enjoyed seeing your career path as an AU alum. I'd love to connect and learn from your work.

10. Use AI to improve your profile thoughtfully

    AI can be a helpful tool for brainstorming stronger headlines, polishing your "About" section, improving bullet points, or turning everyday experiences into professional language.

    It works best when you give it real details about your background, interests, and goals. Then revise the output, so it still sounds like you.

    Use AI to help you get started, not to replace your voice.

    A simple way to begin

    Remember, LinkedIn is not just an online resume. It's a tool for telling your story, building relationships, and creating opportunities. If you already have a profile, you are not starting from scratch. Now it's about making that profile more intentional, more polished, and more useful. That is how you level it up.

    You do not need to redo your whole profile in one sitting. Start small -minor improvements add up quickly.

    Today, choose one step:

    • Rewrite your headline.
    • Improve your "About" section.
    • Add a stronger description to one experience.
    • Upload a project or certification.
    • Send one connection request.
    • Follow five organizations in your field.

If you're a student and alum who would like help strengthening your LinkedIn profile or planning your next career step, the AU Career Services team is here to help. Schedule an appointment through Handshake or email [email protected] to connect with a member of the Career Services team.