Creating a LinkedIn Profile

A LinkedIn profile plays an important role in creating a personal brand. LinkedIn enables students to have a positive and professional online social media presence. Your LinkedIn profile can serve as an electronic resume where you can highlight your skills, experiences and also upload projects and documents. Further, LinkedIn allows you to network with employers and alumni and the tool can be utilized in the job and internship search. 

The Purpose of LinkedIn & How it is Helpful for You

Getting Started with Creating Your LinkedIn Profile

Source: Create a great profile Links to an external site. from Learning LinkedIn Links to an external site. by Garrick Chow Links to an external site.

For this assignment, you will create a robust LinkedIn profile. 

After creating or enhancing your LinkedIn profile, submit a copy of your profile as a PDF in this assignment.  Here is how you submit as a PDF:

1. In LinkedIn, go to your Profile
2. For PCs, hold down Ctrl + P for "print".  For Macs, hold down Command+ P for "print." When your printing options appear, select "Save as PDF".  This is the PDF that you will submit for this assignment.  Be sure the PDF saved properly and we will be able to view the aspects in your profile that are outlined in the rubric.
3. If you are unable to save as a PDF through the printing feature, please take screenshots of your profile and paste the images into one Word document to submit for this assignment.  Be sure that all aspects of your profile that are highlighted in the rubric are visible in these screenshots.
4. Along with the PDF of your profile, please also submit your LinkedIn profile URL in the "comments" for this assignment.

Evaluation

Your LinkedIn profile will be graded based on the rubric provided.  

In order to receive full points for this assignment, you must have: 

• A professional photo
• A completed "About section" - include information about your top skills, experiences, and career interests
• At least 2 two experiences (can be paid work, internships, etc.) with written descriptions using action verbs
• 3 or more academic courses
• Your education section and graduation date
• Two additional sections which can include: Languages, Volunteer Experience, Honors & Awards, Projects, Organizations, etc. 
• Connect with at least 5 people
• Join at least one group (hint: search "University of Maryland" or an industry/skill of interest and sort your results by Groups)

For more information and additional resources, visit: careers.umd.edu