How to Use LinkedIn
Develop a brand to influence your future success.
LinkedIn is the world's largest professional social networking site, connecting millions of professionals across every industry. It is one of the most efficient places to build your professional network and shape how employers and alumni come to know you.
We encourage all Notre Dame students to maintain an active presence on LinkedIn because:
- Building a network is one of the most important skills you will need to advance your career.
- Creating a profile is a simple way to establish a professional online presence.
- Employers use LinkedIn to learn about students beyond their resume.
- LinkedIn makes it easier to explore employers, industries, and career paths.
- Recruiters actively use LinkedIn to identify and reach out to students.
- After graduation, career fairs and on-campus interviews largely disappear, making your network even more important.
- Starting now helps networking feel more natural and less intimidating later.
Tips to get started
Not sure where to begin? These tips can help you get started with confidence:
- Use your personal email address (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.). After graduation, you will lose access to your NetID@nd.edu account, and you do not want to risk losing access to LinkedIn.
- LinkedIn reflects your professional reputation. Be intentional about what you post, comment on, or share.
- Spend time exploring how alumni, employers, and professionals present themselves on LinkedIn.
- Send personalized connection requests to alumni, recruiters, or professionals whose work interests you.
Personalize your URL
Did you know you can remove the random numbers and letters from your LinkedIn profile URL? A customized URL looks more professional and is easier to include on your resume.
- Click on your "Me" icon in the navigation bar and select View My Profile.
- On the right side of the page, click the pencil icon next to Public profile and URL.
- Edit your URL to a simple format, such as firstname-lastname.
View the instructions with screenshots
Background Photo
Your background photo is one of the first visual elements people notice on your profile. Choose an image that:
- Builds a connection. A Notre Dame-themed image can create an instant connection with alumni.
- Draws attention. Select an image that encourages viewers to learn more about you.
- Enhances professionalism. A well-chosen background photo adds polish and visual interest.
- Showcases your skills. If you have creative or design skills, this is a great place to highlight them.
Access ND-themed background images
Profile Photo
Your profile photo plays a critical role in first impressions. Profiles with photos are 21 times more likely to be viewed, and users with headshots receive 36% more connection requests.
We want to make sure you have a strong, professional headshot. Stop by the 5th floor of Duncan Student Center to use our free digital photo booth.
Learn more about free headshots
Headline
Your LinkedIn headline appears directly under your name and is one of the first things people notice. Avoid the default "Student at University of Notre Dame." Instead, use your headline to communicate who you are and what interests you.
Your headline can include keywords related to:
- What you are studying
- Career paths or roles you are exploring
- Skills, experiences, or accomplishments
The goal is to stand out and spark curiosity. Be creative and update your headline as your interests and experiences evolve. Here are a few examples for inspiration:
- Business Analytics major | Philosophy minor | Committed to eliminating poverty | LEO intern
- Exploring ways to be a force for good in the world | Interested in cancer research opportunities | ND '28
- Storyteller | SEO expert | Notre Dame sophomore marketing major seeking 2025 summer internship
- Notre Dame '26 | Walsh Hall President | Boxing Champion | Fighting to end homelessness
- Creative Problem Solver | Aspiring Software Engineer | Passionate About AI and Machine Learning | ND '27
- ND '28 | Data Analytics Enthusiast | Exploring careers in finance and investment strategies
- Future Entrepreneur | Economics and Data Science major | Fighting food insecurity | ND '26
- Aspiring Neuroscientist | Biochemistry major | Researching Alzheimer's disease | ND '27
- Community Builder | Future Civil Engineer | Incoming intern at UND Inc. | ND '26
- Future Pediatrician | Finding cures for neglected diseases | Notre Dame '28
- Consultant | Finance and Economics major | Case Competition Winner | ND '25
- Notre Dame '25 | Computer Science | Proficient in Java, Python, and R | More than just a coder
- Aspiring Architect | Multilingual | Photographer | Notre Dame '29
- Launched startup at Notre Dame | Tech entrepreneur | Aspiring venture capitalist | Notre Dame '27
- Problem Solver | Proficient in SQL and Tableau | Future Data Analyst | Business Analytics
- Future Doctor | Biology and Theology major | Passionate about global health equity | ND '26
- Team Player and Leader | SWE | SIBC | Mechanical Engineer | Notre Dame '28