How to Set Up a LinkedIn Account and Profile

Visit www.linkedin.com or download the LinkedIn app from the App Store or Google Play.

• Click “Join now” on the homepage.
• Enter your email (use your UC email, e.g., firstname.lastname@ucmail.uc.edu, for a professional touch) and create a strong password.
• Alternatively, sign up using your Google or Apple account for convenience.

• Check the email account you signed up with for a verification link from LinkedIn and click it to confirm your account.

• Add your first and last name (use your full legal name, not a nickname).
• Choose a professional headline (e.g., “Marketing Major at University of Cincinnati | Aspiring Brand Manager”).
• Select “Student” as your current role when prompted.

Why it matters: Profiles with photos get up to 21x more views.

How to do it:

• Upload a high-quality, professional headshot (smiling, clear background, business casual attire).
• Avoid selfies, group photos, or casual pics (e.g., no Bearcat game tailgate shots).
• Use UC’s Professional Photo Booth inside the Bearcat Promise Career Studio (TUC 310) for free professional headshots during walk-in hours (add link).
• The recommended size for a LinkedIn headshot is 400 x 400 pixels. This ensures your photo displays clearly and professionally across different devices. While larger sizes are acceptable (up to 2048 x 2048 pixels), avoid small, low-resolution images that may appear blurry.

• Your headline appears under your name and is a quick pitch about who you are.
• Example: “Finance Student at University of Cincinnati | Lindner College of Business | Seeking Summer 2026 Internship”
• Tips:
  • Include your major, UC affiliation, and career interests.
  • Add keywords related to your field (e.g., “Data Analytics,” “Engineering,” “Nursing”).

What to include:

• A brief intro about yourself (e.g., “I’m a junior at the University of Cincinnati studying Environmental Science with a passion for sustainability”).
• Highlight UC-specific experiences (e.g., co-op programs, research with faculty, or student organizations like UC’s Marketing Club).
• Mention your career goals and skills.
• End with a call to action (e.g., “Connect with me to discuss opportunities in healthcare innovation.”).
• Length: Aim for 3–5 short paragraphs (200–300 words).
• Tone: Be professional but approachable. Write in the first person (“I” statements).
• Example: As a sophomore at the University of Cincinnati’s Lindner College of Business, I’m passionate about leveraging data analytics to drive business decisions. Through my coursework and involvement in UC’s Data Science Club, I’ve developed skills in Python, Tableau, and market research. My recent co-op at Procter & Gamble gave me hands-on experience in analyzing consumer trends. I’m eager to connect with professionals in analytics and explore internship opportunities for summer 2026. Go Bearcats!

• List “University of Cincinnati” as your school.
• Include your major, minor (if applicable), and expected graduation year (e.g., “Bachelor of Science in Biology, Expected May 2027”).
• Mention relevant coursework, honors (e.g., Dean’s List), or UC-specific programs like the Honors Program or co-op.
• Add UC’s logo by selecting the school from LinkedIn’s dropdown menu.

Experience:

• Add co-ops, internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer roles (e.g., UC’s Volunteer Fair projects or leadership in UC’s Student Government).
• Use bullet points to describe responsibilities and achievements (e.g., “Developed a social media campaign for UC’s Sustainability Office, increased engagement by 20%”).
• Include non-traditional roles, like tutoring at UC’s Learning Commons or managing a club’s budget.

Skills:

• Add at least 5–10 skills relevant to your field (e.g., “Public Speaking,” “Project Management,” “CAD Design”).
• Ask classmates, professors, or co-op supervisors to endorse your skills to boost credibility.

• Use the “Projects” section to showcase UC-related work, such as:
  • Capstone projects, research with UC faculty, or co-op deliverables.
  • Example: “Designed a water filtration system prototype for UC’s Engineering Senior Design Project.”
• Add certifications, like LinkedIn Learning courses (free for UC students via UC’s LinkedIn Learning portal) or industry-specific certifications (e.g., CFA Level I, CompTIA).

• Create a clean, professional LinkedIn URL (e.g., linkedin.com/in/FirstNameLastName).
• Go to “Edit public profile & URL” in your profile settings and customize it.
• Add this URL to your resume, email signature, and UC portfolio (if applicable)..

• Connect with the University of Cincinnati’s LinkedIn page and your college.

• Start with classmates, professors, and UC advisors.
• Search for UC alumni in your field (use LinkedIn’s “Alumni” tool under UC’s page).
• Personalize connection requests (e.g., “Hi [Name], I’m a UC student studying Computer Science and admire  your work at Kroger Technology.