How to Use LinkedIn for Networking as a Graduate

If you're an international student who just graduated, this post is for you. I came to the US on an academic and athletic scholarship at 18. I’ve been on an F-1 visa, done the whole STEM OPT thing, and built my career from scratch here. No family, no connections, no favors. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: You can’t afford to move like everyone else. Most students start figuring things out after graduation. For international students, that’s already too late... So here’s what I’d be doing right now if I were you: 1. Get clear on the companies that will even consider you. Use tools like MyVisaJobs or H1BGrader. Cross-reference with LinkedIn filters (E-Verify, visa sponsorship) and stop wasting time on dead ends. 2. Make your LinkedIn undeniable. Your profile should do three things: → Tell your story → Prove your skills → Make someone want to message you If it doesn’t, fix it. 3. Treat DMs like applications. I've never seen someone get hired because of a "Hi, can you refer me?" message. I have seen it happen after thoughtful, well-timed outreach rooted in value. 4. Document, don’t perform. Show the work. Post the project. Share the lesson you just learned. Visibility > perfection. 5. Track everything. Build reliable systems. If you’re serious, treat your job search like a job. Know your timelines. Know your next step. The most dangerous place to be on OPT is passive. It’s tough. I know. I’ve lived it. But the ones who win are the ones who move different. #InternationalStudents #JobSearchTips #OPT #STEMOPT #CareerAdvice #DataScienceCareers #LinkedInTips #EarlyCareer #VisaSponsorship #WorkInTheUS #H1B #Graduation2025 #LinkedInNews

Dear May 2025 Grads especially international students, Graduated now.. Excited? Nervous? Wondering how to land a job in the U.S. as visa deadlines loom? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Let’s talk real job search strategy. Here are some out-of-the-box networking + time management tips that worked for me and many others because the "just apply online" route? It’s not enough anymore. Networking tip #1: Become a connector, not a collector Don’t just collect LinkedIn connections. Engage. After every virtual or in-person event, send a thoughtful message: “Hey [Name], I loved your take on [topic]. Would love to stay in touch and learn from your journey.” Then follow their content, leave a meaningful comment weekly. Not just "Great post"—say why it resonated. Real Example? I did this with a speaker from a conference. A week later, they referred me to a role I didn’t know existed. Networking tip #2: DM like a human Cold messaging can work if it’s warm in tone. No one likes “Hi, can you refer me?”. Try this: “Hi [Name], I’m a May 2025 grad, exploring roles in [your field]. Your path at [Company] is inspiring! What advice would you give someone starting out?” You’re not asking for a job— You’re building trust. Jobs often follow. Networking tip #3: Start your own thing No industry events? Create one. Host a 20-minute Zoom chat with peers and invite 1 professional. Call it “Something Creative.” Record it, post snippets on LinkedIn. Now you’re no longer chasing people— They come to you. Time Tip #1: Pick 3 buckets daily Job search feels endless—so make it finite. Every day, pick only 3 things: 10 application 10 follow-up 1-2 learning or networking action Then rest. Your brain needs consistent progress, not burnout. Time Tip #2: Theme your week Mon: Research companies Tue: Tailor resume + apply Wed: Networking messages Thu: Interview prep Fri: Personal branding Sat: Review progress Sun: Rest or reflect Theme = clarity. Clarity = momentum. Bonus Tip: Show your work in public Share your job search journey online. Post about projects, learnings, even rejections. One classmate posted his weekly job goals + learnings. He got a DM from a hiring manager who was watching silently. You never know who’s watching. International students—this road is hard, but it’s not impossible. You just need to play it smart, support each other, and show up consistently. If you’re on this journey, You’ve got this. #May2025Grads #InternationalStudents #JobSearchTips #Networking #TimeManagement #F1VisaJobs #OPT #CPT #CareerGrowth #LevelUp

I always like to mention the Alumni feature when I’m teaching about LinkedIn job search tools because it’s one of the most effective. LinkedIn’s research discovered that alumni are 3x more likely to help you than any other type of connection. To use the alumni feature, go to your school’s LinkedIn page. You can do this easily by typing the school name in the search bar. Once you’re on the school’s page, you’ll see a tab for Alumni. Click that tab. The Alumni feature allows you to search for job titles, industries, and the years attended — you can broaden this range to find people who graduated close to you or ahead of you. You can even search by where they live to target people near you or where you want to move (another connection point). You can search by where they work or by alumni who are employed at a specific company where you want to work. I love this feature because I can find multiple common connection points (key networking currency). My first connection point is that we’re both alumni of the same school. Then, I can choose to find alumni where I live, so I choose Jacksonville, FL. Now, I have two common points of connection with this person. Let’s say I also have my heart set on working for Mayo Clinic, so I click Mayo Clinic. Now, I can see all the alumni in my area who work for Mayo — but now, I want to dive even deeper and find a third point of common connection. I will search by what they do to connect with people in HR at Mayo. So I can select that option. You could also narrow it down by what area they studied (maybe you both have business degrees — another point of connection), and you can also select what they’re skilled at (these are the main skill areas on their profile). Lastly, you can choose how you’re connected. LinkedIn will show you 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-degree connections. If I message a UNF alumnus who also studied business, lives in Jacksonville, and works in HR, we have much more in common. This is the perfect person I need to speak to about working in HR at Mayo. When you send a connection request, make sure to list your common points: “Hi (name), we’re both UNF alumni and Jacksonville natives. I studied and worked in HR, too. I’d appreciate the opportunity to connect and network since we’re in the same field.” After you’re connected, you can follow up and ask questions like: “I aspire to work for Mayo Clinic one day. I’d love to hear what path you took to work there.” Or you could say: “I see you’ve been in HR for 10 years and you’re a VP of HR. I hope to grow my HR career and become a director in the next 3 years. I’d appreciate hearing any advice you might be willing to share about your path.” These are the people you want in your network. They are the people who will become your biggest cheerleaders and helpers — the ones willing to hold informational interviews with you, share their stories, and give you advice. #networking #jobsearch #careers

In my junior year of college, a big-tech job recruiter called me out for what I thought was “networking” on LinkedIn. She showed me how to actually use LinkedIn for networking. And since then, I’ve used this exact strategy to land interviews at top tech companies — and I had zero connections when I started. Here’s the play: 1. Search “Software Engineer @ [Company]” Filter by “Schools” → choose your university. Boom — now you have a list of alumni at your dream company. 2. Send 15–20 connection requests Include a note: “Hey [Name], I’m a CS student at [School] and I’d love to learn more about your experience at [Company]. Would you be open to a quick 15-minute chat sometime this week?” 3. Expect most people to ghost you. That’s normal. But you only need one yes. One referral > 100 applications. 4. Don’t be scared to ask for a referral. Employees are actually incentivized to give you referrals because if you end up getting hired, they get a referral bonus. 5. After the call, follow up. Stay in touch. This is how relationships are built — and how doors open. You don’t need a big personal brand. You don’t need to go viral. You just need to be strategic, intentional, and consistent. Need help crafting a DM that gets responses? Drop a comment — I’ll share my exact template. ♻️ Repost to share the real networking game.

How to Utilize LinkedIn in Undergrad (Especially from a Non-Target School!) If you're a student looking to break into competitive fields from a non-target school like me, LinkedIn can be a great asset. Here's how I’ve used it to secure opportunities that many think are out of reach. 1. Networking 💬 It’s the most obvious answer, but it works! In today’s market, many people land opportunities through who they know, not just what they know. LinkedIn is a powerful way to connect with hiring managers and professionals, especially if you lack a strong alumni pipeline. Many are eager to help if you show genuine interest. Here’s my go-to message template for connecting with hiring managers: “Hi [Name], I’m [Name], a [Major] student at [University], and I’m really inspired by your work at [Company]. I’d love to connect to learn more about your role and any advice you have for someone looking to pursue a similar path.” 2. Early-Career Programs ☀️ Wondering how students get into programs like MLT, SEO, or IBM Accelerate? LinkedIn is often where they first hear about them! These programs help students land early-career roles at top companies. As someone who completed the IBM Accelerate program, I used LinkedIn to connect with participants and professionals who shared invaluable insights. Early connections = early access to career-defining opportunities. 3. Alumni Connections 👫🏽 Alumni connections can be a game-changer. LinkedIn’s search features let you to find alumni at your dream companies. I’ve used it to connect with graduates at Google and Microsoft—people I wouldn’t have known existed otherwise! Here’s the general message I send when reaching out to alumni: “Hi [Name], I'm [Name], a [Major] student at [University]. I see you’ve had great success at [Company], and I’d love to hear about your career progression and any advice you might have for a fellow [Mascot]” Many alumni are more than happy to help once you make the connection. 4. Building a Personal Brand 💁🏽♀️ More companies ask for your LinkedIn profile during job applications LinkedIn is now your personal brand. It’s where recruiters get a fuller picture of who you are beyond your resume. I’ve started sharing my journey, focusing on the unique path I’ve taken as a non-target school student navigating big opportunities. Start building your brand today! 5. Finding Jobs/Internships ✅ Finally, LinkedIn is still one of the best places to find jobs & internships. In a tough job market, having a referral can make all the difference. Networking with alumni and industry professionals is crucial. I also recommend following pages like Taylor Falls and Jade Walters who focus on sharing job opportunities for students and early-career seekers. At the end of the day, LinkedIn is a TOOL. If you’re a student from a non-target school, USE IT to break through the barriers and reach opportunities you never thought possible. You Got This! #earlycareer #2025internships #nontarget #LinkedIncreator