LinkedIn to Get In: embedding learning activities to support student career development through online professional networking

The extent to which individuals interact online has expanded in recent years, with online networking playing a major aspect of most people’s lives. With employers relying on online searches when evaluating job candidates, development of a positive professional online presence has become an important aspect in most sectors and potentially a challenge for students preparing to enter the workplace. LinkedIn is a globally recognised networking site, enabling individuals to interact within a professional environment. However, it remains uncertain whether students are aware of its benefits and are confident in using it. The University of Glasgow initiated closed LinkedIn groups within the Microbiology and Immunology programmes, which were limited to staff and current or former students of the relevant degree. The aim of these groups was to promote career diversity and enable students to network in their chosen field, as levels of student engagement with this platform and how it can be utilised by students for professional networking remained unclear. As part of ‘Linked to Get In’ workshop, students conducted an interview with an alumnus of their degree, allowing exploration of career prospects before presenting their findings to their peers. Confidence in using LinkedIn for networking increased following this session, with all students agreeing the inclusion of such a workshop in the curriculum is useful for exploring employability options. Our findings show that LinkedIn has the potential for being an effective platform for undergraduate students in acquiring employability related skills.