How I used LinkedIn to get an internship at Axis Bank
Tips and Tricks for Using LinkedIn to Secure Your Dream Internship
The job market can be tough, especially for students looking for internships. While college career cells are helpful resources, there are other ways to land an internship.
In today's digital age, social media platforms like LinkedIn have become increasingly important for job seekers. With over 700 million users, LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking and job hunting.
In this blog post, I will share my personal experience of how I utilized LinkedIn to secure an internship at Axis Bank, one of the largest banks in India. By following some simple steps and utilizing the platform effectively, you too can increase your chances of landing your dream internship.
One post may not be enough to cover each and every step so let us break it down. Today, let us talk about optimizing your profile.
1. optimize your profile
Before you send out connection requests on LinkedIn, your first step should be to clean up and upgrade your LinkedIn profile. Now, how does one do that?
Instagram influencers, LinkedIn influencers and basically every career coach will tell you hundreds of things to do but let me try and synthesize it for you.
Add every internship you have ever done but not just with the title of the role and the organization but with detailed numbered points discussing every task you did and what you learnt from it.
“For eg.
Legal Intern at Indian Oil Corporation between the months of April and May, 2021
1. Worked on a marketing contract ….; learnt the importance of due diligence…
2. Wrote a research report on….; understood the importance of…”Any accolade, any project, any achievement that is RELEVANT to your career field should be on your field and perfectly described.
Try putting in quantitative information such as won a $1000 grant for “XYZ” project and utilised it do A, B and C tasks.Make sure all your publications are put down with a synopsis of the same and moots with the position you achieved
In case you don’t have a ton of moots or publications, a good way to boost your profile is via courses that you may have taken relevant to the field. You can also add in any particular skills you learned from these courses.
Your education must also be clearly stated
Your LinkedIn bio is one of the first things a recruiter or person contemplating whether they want to accept your connection request or not will come across, so make sure it is enhanced with keywords that are going to catch the eye of the person.
For eg.
”I am a dedicated and ambitious second-year law student with a keen interest in advocacy and a deep passion for the law. Currently, I am pursuing my Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree at [University Name], where I am gaining comprehensive knowledge and honing my legal skills.During my academic journey, I have developed a strong foundation in various legal subjects, including contract law, criminal law, and constitutional law. I am enthusiastic about exploring different areas of law and expanding my understanding of their practical applications.
In addition to my coursework, I am actively engaged in internships to gain hands-on experience in the legal profession. Currently, I am interning at [Law Firm/Organization Name], where I am involved in research, drafting legal documents, and assisting senior lawyers in [Area of Law]. This experience has provided me with invaluable insights into the intricacies of legal practice and has further fueled my determination to pursue a career in advocacy.
As an aspiring advocate, I am committed to upholding justice, advocating for the rights of individuals, and promoting a fair and equitable society. I believe in the power of the law to bring about positive change, and I am dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the legal field.
Outside of my academic pursuits, I actively participate in legal workshops, seminars, and moot court competitions to enhance my practical skills and stay updated with the latest legal developments. I am also a member of [Law Society/Association Name], where I engage with fellow law students and professionals, fostering a supportive network within the legal community.
If you are interested in connecting or collaborating on legal projects, I would be delighted to connect with you. Let's connect and explore opportunities to contribute to the legal fraternity together!”
Whether you like it or not, grammar and spellings are of key importance and every little tiny mistake is likely to stand out. Make sure the letters that need to be in capitals are in capital form, every comma is in the right place and every paragraph indented well.
Use tools like Chat GPT or Grammarly to your benefit in these cases to be extra sure.Make sure your most recent accomplishments are put on LinkedIn as posts which you can then feature on your profile. By featuring your posts, you can boost their visibility and reach a larger audience within your LinkedIn network. This can help you gain more exposure and attract attention from professionals, recruiters, and potential mentors in the legal field.
Adding in your languages to your profile can also be extremely beneficial. In today's interconnected world, proficiency in multiple languages is highly valued by employers, particularly those with an international presence. By showcasing your language skills on your LinkedIn profile, you can attract attention from organizations seeking candidates who can communicate effectively in different languages. This opens up doors to global job opportunities and expands your potential career prospects.
Add in all relevant skills under each internship, project, education etc. and then get these skills endorsed by co-workers or other industry experts you my have networked with already.
Recommendations are also great ways to make sure your skills are highlighted in this social world. They are a great way to stand out amongst people who have similar qualifications or experiences. Requesting recommendations on LinkedIn provides an opportunity to reconnect with former colleagues, supervisors, professors, or mentors. It allows you to maintain and strengthen professional relationships by seeking their input and showing appreciation for their guidance and support. They provide a personal touch and provide insights into your work ethic, interpersonal skills, and unique strengths. Having positive recommendations on your LinkedIn profile adds credibility and validates your professional achievements. It demonstrates to potential employers, colleagues, and clients that others value your work and are willing to vouch for your abilities.
While my LinkedIn profile is not the most developed one out there, it can be a great starting point for anyone to get an idea of what to add/subtract/correct:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/khushi-mehta-64b65319a/
There are so many more amazing profiles out there which you can use as references, so just do a little browsing, look for accomplished senior students in the field and what their LinkedIn profile tells you.
Remember: Your LinkedIn profile is you creating a personal brand that you are creating and endorsing.
While this post attempts to be a comprehensive starter kit to update your LinkedIn game, there are always more ways to bring your profile up to code and it is a constant learning process.
Remember to regularly update your profile with new accomplishments, experiences, and skills as you progress in your law career. Stay active on the platform by engaging with industry professionals, participating in relevant discussions, and sharing valuable content. LinkedIn offers various features and tools to further enhance your profile, such as joining relevant groups, publishing articles, and leveraging the power of LinkedIn Learning for continuous professional development.
Keep in mind that LinkedIn is not just a static online resume, but a dynamic platform that can propel your career forward. Take advantage of the networking opportunities it provides, connect with professionals in your field, and explore potential collaborations, mentorships, or job opportunities. Building a strong presence on LinkedIn can open doors to a world of possibilities and help you stay connected in the legal community.
So, take action today and start building a LinkedIn profile that truly showcases your unique strengths, expertise, and aspirations in the legal field.
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