Polish Your Profile: Effective LinkedIn Strategies

The Department of English and Cultural Studies organised a career guidance workshop titled “Polish Your Profile: Effective LinkedIn Strategies” on 14th October 2025. The session was conducted by Mr. Sharad Gupta, Assistant Professor, Department of Business Administration, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), with the objective of preparing students for career readiness, digital professionalism, and enhanced employability in a competitive job market.

The workshop aimed to familiarise students with the strategic use of LinkedIn as a professional networking platform that connects learners with potential employers, mentors, and peers globally. Mr. Gupta began the session by emphasizing that LinkedIn should be used not merely to collect contacts but to build genuine professional connections rooted in mutual interest and authenticity. He discussed how thoughtful interaction and meaningful engagement can significantly expand one’s professional circle and visibility.

Participants were guided on several practical aspects of building an effective LinkedIn profile. Mr. Gupta stressed the importance of choosing a clear, professional profile photo, as it serves as the first impression to potential employers. He also spoke about selecting an appropriate cover photo that visually reflects one’s professional interests, aspirations, and academic background. The resource person provided detailed insights on crafting an engaging headline that highlights individual skills, areas of expertise, and value propositions rather than simply stating a job title or degree.

The workshop also covered the use of LinkedIn’s name pronunciation feature, which helps establish inclusivity and professionalism in communication. Students were encouraged to make their personal brand visible by sharing achievements, publications, and milestones that reflect consistent growth and expertise. Mr. Gupta drew attention to the difference between professional content suitable for LinkedIn and personal content meant for other social media platforms, reinforcing the principles of digital etiquette and professional integrity.

Another major takeaway from the workshop was the need for students to update their profiles regularly with new projects, internships, roles, and accomplishments to demonstrate ongoing learning and professional engagement. Participants were also encouraged to comment, share, and post thoughtfully, thereby building their credibility and positioning themselves as proactive contributors within their chosen fields.

Mr. Gupta further explained how students can enhance their visibility to recruiters and potential collaborators by incorporating industry-relevant keywords and by presenting their experiences and achievements in a way that resonates with professional audiences. He also spoke about how LinkedIn analytics can be used to track engagement, measure profile performance, and identify opportunities for improvement.

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where students sought guidance on topics such as networking strategies, content creation, and professional communication. Participants expressed that the workshop gave them the confidence to approach LinkedIn as a platform for career advancement, job opportunities, and lifelong learning.

Overall, the workshop successfully met its objectives by equipping students with the knowledge and skills required to enhance their professional identity and readiness for the future workforce. By promoting self-development, employability, and meaningful participation in the professional ecosystem, the session directly contributed to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, fostering sustainable and inclusive career opportunities for students.