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

The extent of online interactions has expanded in recent years, with online networking playing a major aspect of most lives. With employers relying on online searches when evaluating job candidates, development of a professional online presence has become more important yet potentially a challenge for students preparing to enter the workplace. LinkedIn, a globally recognised networking site, enables individuals to interact within a professional environment. However, it remains uncertain whether students are aware of its benefits and are confident using it. The University of Glasgow initiated closed LinkedIn groups within the Microbiology/Immunology programmes, limited to students and alumni of these degrees. The aim of these groups was to promote student awareness of career diversity post-university and enable students to network in their chosen field, as levels of engagement with this platform and how it can be utilised by students for networking remained unclear. The ‘LinkedIn to Get In’ workshop allowed students to connect and conduct an interview with alumni, allowing the development of networking skills with professionals in their field and enable exploration of careers, before presenting findings to peers. Confidence in networking via LinkedIn increased, with all students agreeing this workshop is useful for exploring employability options. Students had increased awareness of the wider benefits the platform offered, beyond job searching. Our findings show LinkedIn has the potential for being an effective platform to enable students to engage with professionals, with the closed format providing a trusted space to enhance networking and communication skills, whilst exploring career diversity.