LinkedIn is one of the leading professional networking services online. LinkedIn can help you transition to the professional world. But, how can you use LinkedIn effectively?
Networking
Network with people you know
These are the people that are most likely to engage with your content as they know you personally. It's useful to network with these people as they will see the things you post online and know you in person which will help you when you need recommendations or help with getting a job. Linkedin is a powerful tool but it only shows half of you, the online version of you.
Network with psychology students and with people in your future career
This one is kind of a given but you need to be connecting with psychology students to nurture your peer network and with people who are in your future job i.e. if you want to be a clinical psychologist, you need to connect with clinical psychologists and those in the mental health industry.
Network with people outside of psychology
Psychology can be defined as "the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behaviour in a given context". This means that wherever there are human beings, there is psychology. Networking outside of psychology into areas such as business and law is going to be great for your network because:
it opens up your network
it gives you a chance to apply your psychological knowledge
it gives you variety in the content you see
it gives you other career paths and job opportunities
Posting on LinkedIn
You should not be posting LinkedIn for the sake of it, post with a purpose. Some of the things you can post about include:
Something you've learnt
Your notes from an event
An achievement
Resources for others
Don't be afraid to look at other people's posts and use them as a template! I do this regularly when I get stuck on how to format my posts.
Using LinkedIn as a resource
Look at the courses similar students are taking
Educational courses give you a chance to expand your knowledge.
Zero Suicide Alliance
Futurelearn
Centre of Excellence
Companies you should follow
There are hundreds and thousands of useful companies you can follow but here are a few I've come across:
Teenage Helpline - they have a ton of volunteer positions going now which look amazing on any CV
Bright Network - CV advice, opportunities, application advice are just a few of the many areas Bright Network cover which is vital to anyone
The Psychology Nerd (of course)
British Psychological Association - they are the governing body for all accredited psychology courses
Pretty Little Marketer - struggling for ideas to post? Pretty Little Marketer has you back and the founder is an inspiration!
The Opportunity Directory - advertise lots of amazing opportunities
Opportunity Cell - advertise lots of amazing opportunities
Let me know if I should include any more in this list!
Final top tips
Engage with other people
Don't be afraid to connect with people
Don't be afraid to say no to people
Take the content with a pinch of salt - many people are posting about their successes rather than their failures
Thanks for reading!
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