The Benefits of using Linkedin as a High Schooler
- On the Money Magazine
- Jul 28
- 2 min read
Declan Parker, Walter Payton College Prep, Junior, Fall 2024
Should teenagers be on Linkedin? Linkedin is a professional social networking platform used by millions to find jobs, internships, and build connections. With its sixty seven million company profiles and one hundred thirty six thousand school listings, an incredibly diverse user base is found (Social Shepard, 2024). Among other things, the platform allows users to showcase their profiles/resumes, apply for jobs, and connect in specific networking groups tailored towards their own personal professional goals. In addition, Linkedin can serve as a resource for career advice because of its collection of published articles from fellow users and industry professionals alike. Considering its various valuable use cases, how should high schoolers best utilize Linkedin?
Diego Del Castillo, a junior at Walter Payton College Prep and an avid Linkedin user, explains that the platform has allowed him to present his various extracurricular activities, clubs, sports, and interests while building meaningful connections as he prepares to enter college. He says that, “I just feel like it’s so convenient for whatever it may be that you’re interested in, whether it be jobs, internships, or just simply expanding your network. Everyone can already see my strengths and experiences, and I can already see theirs.” Considering that Linkedin has over one-billion users across the world, including sixty-five million business decision makers and ten million C-level executives, the possibilities for networking are endless (Socialpilot, 2024).
To add on to that, an average of 8 people are hired on linkedin every minute (Socialpilot, 2024). Human resources manager and recruiter Donna Parker indicates that Linkedin has allowed her to find talent that she otherwise may not have via more traditional ads. She says that the platform allows her and other recruiters to find the best talent largely due to its advanced search features which allow her to find potential candidates based on experience and skills. This clearly shows that having a linkedin profile, even at a young age, can open doors to new opportunities, specifically, employment opportunities.
Taking all of this into account, it is clear that Linkedin can offer great benefits and opportunities to current highschools as they approach college, and eventually, the workforce.
Interviewees: Diego Del Castillo, Donna Parker
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