Written by student blogger, Isabella Blasko (RD2Be)

As a student or professional, it is likely that you’ve heard at one point or another that networking is important. However, figuring out how to do this can feel very overwhelming. The good news that LinkedIn makes it easy to connect with professionals, explore career options, and open doors to new opportunities. Here are some ways that you can use LinkedIn as a student or dietitian to build your network and/or job search:

Keep your profile up to date

LinkedIn is essentially your public resume. It’s your first impression to many potential employers and connections. Make sure you’re updating it regularly. Keep it warm, professional, and focused on your goals.

Connections = Opportunities

You have the opportunity to connect with classmates, professors, colleagues, employers, and more, which helps build your network. Connections lead to conversations and conversations can lead to opportunities!

Follow organizations that interest you

• Following organizations on LinkedIn will help expand your network and help keep you visible.
• Your feed becomes more curated with job openings, educational opportunities, and inspiration.
• You’ll also be kept up to date with news, policies, and research from the organizations you’re interested in.

Share posts about what you’re learning and doing

• These posts show initiative, passion, and professional growth-all things that future employers and colleagues are interested in seeing.
• Commenting on others’ content is another great way to network! Engaging in the field is a good opportunity for building meaningful visibility.

Let your network know what opportunities you’re open to

On your profile you can share with others what you’re looking for. Simply click “Open to” and select one of the options below:

• Finding a new job
• Hiring
• Finding Volunteer Opportunities
• Providing Services

This will help get the word out there about what you’re looking for! You have options for who can see it and what details may or may not want to include.

Change up what you’re searching for

• Nutrition-related jobs can be found under many different job titles. Try searching for a few different ones to expand your search
• Examples include: Inpatient Clinical Dietitians, Dietary Managers, Culinary Nutrition, WIC Dietitian, Public Health, Nutrition Educator, Recipe Development, etc.

LinkedIn can be used to help build your professional community and tell your story. By building your profile, engaging meaningfully, and connecting with people inside and outside of your field, you can start creating some wonderful opportunities for yourself.