LaRoche LinkedIn Guide
1. Why LinkedIn Matters
LinkedIn is more than social media. It is a professional networking platform that can help students discover scholarships, internships, mentors, colleges, career pathways, and professional opportunities.
2. Building Your Profile
Profile Photo
- Clear photo
- Professional or school appropriate
- Good lighting
- Smile/confident appearance
Headline Examples
Instead of blank headlines:
- “Aspiring Nurse | High School Senior”
- “Future Finance Major | Student Leader”
- “STEM Student Interested in Aviation & Engineering”
About Section
Very short introduction:
- who you are,
- interests,
- goals,
- leadership,
- future plans.
3. What Students Should Post
This is huge because students often think they have “nothing to post.”
Ideas:
- Honor roll achievements
- College acceptances
- Volunteer work
- Debate competitions
- Athletics
- Internships
- Scholarship awards
- Community service
- Career interests
- Summer programs
- Reflections on goals
Professional opportunities often begin with visibility.
4. How to Network Professionally
This is huge because students often think they have “nothing to post.”
Ideas:
- Honor roll achievements
- College acceptances
- Volunteer work
- Debate competitions
- Athletics
- Internships
- Scholarship awards
- Community service
- Career interests
- Summer programs
- Reflections on goals
Professional opportunities often begin with visibility.
simple etiquette:
- personalize connection requests,
- thank people,
- follow up professionally,
- engage thoughtfully on posts.
Example message:
“Hello Ms. Smith, I’m a high school student interested in healthcare careers and enjoyed your recent post. I’d love to connect and learn from your work.”
5. What NOT to Do
Very important for students.
Avoid:
- arguments,
- inappropriate content,
- offensive jokes,
- negativity,
- unprofessional photos,
- spamming adults for opportunities.
6. Hidden Opportunities on LinkedIn
- scholarship posts,
- internship announcements,
- admissions representatives,
- mentorship opportunities,
- corporate programs,
- networking invitations,
- discoverability.
Many opportunities come through relationships before formal applications are ever submitted.
7. LaRoche Scholar Expectations
- professionalism,
- encouragement,
- supporting peers,
- celebrating wins,
- representing the network well.