Written by Dr. Anna Stumpf
As a marketing professor for almost two decades, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible potential of LinkedIn for students.
In fact, I’m known as “The Golden Ticket Professor” because I firmly believe that being a student and declaring that in your headline can be your golden ticket to open doors to invaluable connections and opportunities. When professionals see your curiosity as a learning mechanism, they’re more likely to respond to your comments and engage with you in meaningful ways.
But here’s the key: building a strong presence on LinkedIn is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s never too early to start; the journey will parallel your growth as a marketing student and professional. Begin by crafting a compelling profile that showcases your unique story, skills, and aspirations. Then, dive into the vibrant LinkedIn community. Follow companies and thought leaders that inspire you, join industry-specific groups, and start engaging with the content that resonates with you.
At first, engagement might simply mean liking posts that catch your eye. But as you get more comfortable, challenge yourself to leave thoughtful comments, share your perspectives, and ask insightful questions.
When you’re ready, start creating your posts. Share your experiences from coursework, reflect on wisdom from guest speakers, or discuss news stories shaping the marketing landscape. Don’t be afraid to ask questions — the LinkedIn community is full of generous professionals eager to help students learn and grow.
As your knowledge of marketing expands, so too should your LinkedIn presence.
Start writing articles that demonstrate your thought leadership and unique voice. Offer recommendations for peers, colleagues, and mentors who have made an impact on you. Not only can you find internships on LinkedIn, you can leave the internship with a lasting impact by posting about it, creating an article or series of articles about your experience, and providing multiple people with recommendations. What a wonderful showcase of who and how you are as a colleague when you do that! Each of these activities is a rep in your professional training ground, strengthening your skills and expanding your network.
Understand that LinkedIn is the perfect partner for the classroom. It’s a powerful tool for enhancing the fundamentals and application of what you’re learning in marketing classes. As you explore the platform, pay close attention to the types of roles, organizations, and skills that pique your interest. Which job descriptions excite you? What common threads do you notice among the professionals you admire? Use these insights to inform your coursework, extracurricular activities, and skill-building efforts.
I often tell my students that they should be working as hard outside of the classroom as they do inside of it when preparing for their future careers. LinkedIn makes this process infinitely more accessible and enriching. By visiting the platform daily, you can keep your finger on the pulse of the industry, continuously refine your goals, and make progress toward your dreams in micro-moments between your studies.
I won’t sugarcoat it: at first, diving into LinkedIn might not give you the same instant gratification as other social platforms. It’s a space for thoughtful, professional engagement, not mindless scrolling. But if you approach it with consistency and genuine curiosity, the rewards will be truly transformational.
You’ll build relationships with mentors who can guide your journey. You’ll discover opportunities — from internships to full-time roles — that align with your passions. You’ll cultivate a professional brand that sets you apart and opens doors. And you’ll develop the real-world skills and insights that will make you an invaluable asset to any organization.
So, my advice to every marketing student is this: don’t wait. Start your LinkedIn journey today, and commit to making it a daily habit. Embrace the discomfort of putting yourself out there, knowing that every interaction is a chance to learn and grow. And most importantly, remember that your status as a student is not a limitation — it’s a golden ticket to engaging with professionals who want to help you succeed.
As you navigate this platform, know that you’re not alone. I promise you that countless marketing professionals are invested in the next generation of marketing leaders. We’re here to answer your questions, celebrate your achievements, and help you realize your fullest potential.
So dive in, stay curious, and enjoy the journey. With LinkedIn as your ally, there’s no limit to how far your marketing career can soar. Your most exciting opportunities are just a connection away — and it all starts with taking that first step today.
Dr. Anna Stumpf stands out as a consultant and coach with a specialized understanding of younger millennials and Gen Z. Her 18 years as a full-time educator, combined with her experience at the world’s largest company, have given her deep insights into these generations.
Anna is well-published in this area, emphasizing her expertise in guiding businesses to effectively engage with these younger demographics. Her approach involves leveraging generational insights to enhance workplace dynamics, leadership development, and bridging generational gaps. Anna’s unique blend of corporate experience and educational background makes her an invaluable asset to businesses aiming to understand and harness the potential of younger millennials and Gen Z in the modern workforce.
