Recently, we concluded BricksFolios’s Summer Business Internship for high school students, offering a Real Estate Investment Analyst – Intern opportunity. This internship was about more than just learning real estate or financial concepts; it was about acquiring life skills that will help our interns well into the future. From understanding the importance of strategic planning and wealth-building to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and gaining practical experience, the knowledge they’ve gained is truly invaluable.

Would you like to apply to our next internship cohort? 
Please click here.

During the course of this internship, a recurring question arose: “How can I leverage this experience professionally?” Our founders suggested setting up a LinkedIn profile, but many interns questioned its relevance, thinking, “Isn’t LinkedIn for adults and job searching? How can it benefit me while I’m still in high school🧩?”

The truth is, LinkedIn is far more than just a tool for seasoned professionals. It’s a platform that can significantly impact your future, even if you’re still in high school. By creating a LinkedIn account now, you can start building your professional brand, connect with mentors and peers, and explore opportunities that will set you up for success. In this blog, we’ll delve into why setting up a LinkedIn profile as a high school student is a strategic move that can offer long-term benefits and help you make the most of your early career experiences.

Why You Should Set Up a LinkedIn Account in High School

In the digital age, where networking and professional presence play crucial roles in career development, high school students have a unique opportunity to start building their professional brand early. One of the most powerful tools for this purpose is LinkedIn. While it may seem like a platform reserved for seasoned professionals, creating a LinkedIn account while you’re still in high school can offer significant benefits. Here’s why setting up a LinkedIn account now is a smart move:

1. Start Building Your Professional Brand Early

LinkedIn is not just a job-searching tool; it’s a platform where you can start building your professional identity. According to LinkedIn’s Official Blog, creating a profile while you’re still in high school allows you to start curating a digital presence that reflects your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and early career interests. A well-crafted LinkedIn profile can set the stage for future opportunities, showcasing your skills and goals to a wider audience.

2. Showcase Your Achievements and Skills

High school students often participate in a variety of activities that can be highlighted on LinkedIn, such as:

• Academic achievements (honors, awards, notable projects)
• Extracurricular involvement (clubs, sports, volunteer work)
• Skills and certifications (e.g., coding, languages, leadership training)

Having a LinkedIn profile allows you to document and showcase these accomplishments, making it easier to highlight your skills and experiences to future employers or college admissions officers.

3. Network with Professionals and Peers

LinkedIn offers an excellent platform for networking with professionals, mentors, and peers. By connecting with teachers, career counselors, and professionals in fields of interest, you can gain valuable insights and advice. Additionally, following companies and industry leaders can help you stay updated on trends and opportunities in your areas of interest.

4. Explore Career Interests and Opportunities

LinkedIn provides an excellent platform for exploring various career paths and industries. By following companies and industry leaders, you can stay updated on trends and opportunities in your areas of interest. Harvard Business Review highlights the importance of building your professional brand early, noting that LinkedIn allows you to engage with content relevant to your career aspirations and connect with mentors who can offer valuable advice (Harvard Business Review).

5. Stand Out in College Admissions

Colleges and universities are increasingly looking for well-rounded, proactive students. A LinkedIn profile that demonstrates your achievements, involvement, and professional interests can make your application stand out. It provides admissions officers with a more comprehensive view of who you are and what you’ve accomplished beyond your resume and transcripts.

6. Gain Access to Internship and Job Opportunities

Many companies and organizations use LinkedIn to post internships and entry-level job opportunities. High school students with active LinkedIn profiles can stay informed about these openings and apply early. The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) emphasizes how leveraging LinkedIn can help you access valuable college and career resources, setting you apart from your peers (NACAC).

If you are interested in applying for the next cohort BricksFolios’ Business Internship, please click here.

7. Develop Professional Skills

Creating and managing a LinkedIn profile can help you develop important professional skills, such as:

• Crafting a compelling resume and cover letter
• Networking and relationship-building
• Personal branding and self-promotion

These skills are valuable as you move into higher education and the workforce, making you more prepared for future career challenges.

8. Track Your Growth and Progress

LinkedIn allows you to track your growth and progress over time. By regularly updating your profile with new achievements and experiences, you can see how far you’ve come and set new goals for yourself. This ongoing reflection can be motivating and help you stay focused on your personal and professional development.

LinkedIn Profile: Best Practices for High School Students in 2024

Creating a standout LinkedIn profile involves more than just setting up an account. To make the most of LinkedIn and effectively build your professional brand, follow these best practices:

1. Craft a Compelling Headline and Summary

Your LinkedIn headline is one of the first things people see. Make it specific and impactful by highlighting your key skills, interests, or career aspirations. For example, instead of a generic “High School Student,” use “Aspiring Real Estate Analyst | Passionate About Strategic Planning and Wealth-Building.”

In your summary, provide a brief overview of your achievements, skills, and goals. This section should be engaging and reflect your personality, giving viewers a sense of who you are beyond your resume.

2. Highlight Your Achievements and Experiences

Include detailed descriptions of your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any relevant experiences. Be specific about your roles and contributions, using bullet points to make your profile easy to read. Highlight projects or initiatives where you made a significant impact, and don’t forget to include any awards or recognitions.

3. Use a Professional Profile Picture

A professional profile picture helps create a strong first impression. Choose a high-quality photo where you are dressed appropriately and appear approachable. Avoid casual or overly stylized images; instead, opt for a clear headshot that reflects your professionalism.

4. Build and Maintain Your Network

Start by connecting with teachers, mentors, classmates, and professionals you meet. Connect with BricksFolios’ founders Vinod Sharma and Jo Dixit. As your network grows, engage with their posts and participate in relevant groups to expand your connections. Networking is a two-way street, so be sure to offer support and advice to others as well.

5. Stay Active and Engaged

Regularly update your profile with new achievements, experiences, and skills. Share posts or articles related to your interests or career goals to demonstrate your engagement with your chosen field. Engaging with content and participating in discussions can help increase your visibility and attract connections with similar interests. Follow BricksFolios on LinkedIn to for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes content, and valuable insights. By following us, you’ll gain:

Interactive content that engages and educates, helping you stay ahead in your journey to success.

Exclusive access to tips and advice from industry experts and successful entrepreneurs.

Early notifications about upcoming events, webinars, and opportunities to enhance your learning experience.

Inspiration and motivation through success stories and achievements of our interns and alumni.

6. Seek Recommendations

Recommendations from trusted individuals can add significant value to your LinkedIn profile. Reach out to those who can vouch for your skills and experiences, such as:

• Internship Supervisors: If you’ve completed an internship, like the one at BricksFolios, ask your supervisors for a recommendation. For example, seeking recommendations from BricksFolios’ founders Jo Dixit and Vinod Sharma can add substantial credibility to your profile, showcasing your real-world experience and the skills you demonstrated during your internship.
• Teachers and Mentors: Request recommendations from teachers, mentors, or coaches who can speak to your work ethic, skills, and accomplishments. Their endorsements can highlight your strengths and provide a well-rounded view of your abilities.
• Extracurricular Leaders: If you’ve held leadership roles or been involved in extracurricular activities, ask leaders from these groups to provide recommendations that reflect your contributions and leadership skills.

7. Utilize AI Tools for Profile Enhancement

To optimize and grow your LinkedIn network effectively, consider using AI tools designed to enhance your LinkedIn experience:

• Content Creation and Optimization Tools: Tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini can assist in crafting and refining your LinkedIn profile summary, headline, and posts. These AI tools help generate engaging content, provide writing suggestions, and offer insights to ensure your profile is clear, professional, and impactful.
  • ChatGPT: Helps draft and polish LinkedIn profile content, including headlines and summaries, to ensure they are engaging and well-structured. ChatGPT
  • Claude: Provides AI-driven writing assistance for creating compelling LinkedIn profiles and posts, helping to communicate your professional strengths effectively. Claude
  • Gemini: Offers insights and recommendations for optimizing your LinkedIn presence, analyzing your profile and engagement to suggest improvements and strategies. Gemini
• ResumAI: Provides personalized recommendations for optimizing your LinkedIn profile by analyzing your content and suggesting improvements. ResumAI
• TealHQ: Assists with crafting a compelling LinkedIn headline and summary, offering AI-driven insights to refine your professional narrative. TealHQ
• Cultivated Culture: Offers strategies to enhance your personal brand and effectively showcase your skills and experiences. Cultivated Culture

By applying these best practices and utilizing AI tools specifically designed for LinkedIn, you can create a profile that not only highlights your achievements and skills but also helps you build a strong professional network and open doors to future opportunities.

Jo, I, and our team at BricksFolios.com are rooting for you😀