Charles Hardy, Head of University Partnerships at Handshake, kicked off the session by sharing strategies on leveraging LinkedIn for career success. Joining him were Lily-May Edwards, a social media officer and content creator from the University of Liverpool, and Chris Webb, HE Careers Professional and blogger. This session offered invaluable advice on harnessing the power of technology to enhance career prospects. Here are the key learnings from the webinar.
Leveraging LinkedIn for career success
Charles Hardy emphasised the importance of LinkedIn as a professional networking tool, highlighting its potential to connect students with a vast array of opportunities. He explained that having a well-crafted professional profile is crucial for making a strong first impression in the professional world. “A LinkedIn profile is what you might call your CV that never sleeps. It’s up and running 24/7.” Charles noted. He advised students to focus on building their identity by regularly updating their profiles on professional networking sites like LinkedIn and Handshake with new achievements and engaging with relevant content to stay visible to potential employers.
Enhancing your Career with social media
Lily-May Edwards shared her journey from a law student to a social media officer, demonstrating how social media can be a powerful tool for career enhancement. She stressed the importance of authenticity and consistency in content creation, which helped her secure her current role. “Engaging with your audience and maintaining a brand identity that aligns with you is key.” Lily-May emphasised. She encouraged students to explore platforms like TikTok not just for entertainment but as a means to showcase their skills and connect with industry professionals.
Navigating the world of Generative AI
Chris Webb delved into the evolving landscape of generative AI and its implications for career development. He highlighted how AI tools like ChatGPT can assist with various aspects of career planning, from generating CVs to providing industry insights. “Experimenting with AI can help you understand its potential and limitations, and how it can best serve your career goals.” Chris explained. He urged students to view AI as a co-pilot rather than a replacement, emphasising the importance of human creativity and judgement in utilising these tools effectively.
3 top tips from the webinar
- For professional networks like LinkedIn and Handshake n: Regularly update your profile, engage with content, and expand your network thoughtfully.
- For social media: Start by creating content around your interests, engage with relevant career content, and explore networking opportunities.
- For AI tools: Experiment with AI for drafting application materials and researching industries, but always personalise and refine the outputs.
Conclusion
The webinar offered valuable insights into leveraging technology for career success, emphasising the importance of professional networks, social media, and AI tools. Each expert provided practical advice to help students make the most of their screen time and enhance their professional profiles.
The key takeaway is to be proactive, continually update and engage with your professional networks, and use technology thoughtfully to support your career aspirations. As Chris Webb aptly summarised, “Experimentation is a really important part of using this tech”.