Troy holds faculty workshop sessions

The Troy University Office of Career Services held its eighth “Workshop Wednesday” on April 1, which taught students how to make the most of LinkedIn.  

The eighth installment of the workshops, titled “Unlocking LinkedIn,” included a presentation that taught students how to properly set up a professional LinkedIn profile and how to effectively use the platform for networking.  

“It was really insightful,” said Vrund Shah, the Career Services graduate administration assistant and computer science master's student from Anand, India. “There were a lot of new things to learn like how to write the headers, professional summaries, and how to add and edit skills.”  

Assistant Director of Career Services Alicia Womack started the presentation with some statistics participants found shocking. Womack said 70% of jobs are never posted on job board sites like LinkedIn, and 75% of jobs are found through networking.  

The presentation then walked students on how to create a profile that will stand out to employers.  

According to the presentation, students should choose a professional headshot for their profile photo with a clear view of their face, good lighting and professional attire. They should also write a headline that gives employers an impression of who they are, what their field or industry is and mention any relevant experience like any employment or volunteer work.  

Womack then taught students how to use LinkedIn for networking. Students can search for Troy alumni working in their dream field, connect with them and message with questions about their job.  

“I think the most important part about LinkedIn that a lot of students don't know how to do is the networking aspect,” Womack said. “I think a lot of students think about LinkedIn as just a job board, but there's a lot with the networking with alumni and connecting with people who work at your dream company.  

“You can connect with recruiters you've met just to have your network built so that when you graduate and you're ready to find a job, you can rely on that network.” 

Students were then given a worksheet that walked them through how to revise their profiles, make a networking plan, create messages to recruiters and alumni, search for jobs and create their first post.  

“After looking at my LinkedIn and seeing how it looks from an employer’s standpoint, I want to make sure it looks good enough for me to feel confident in what I have going on and how it’s looking,” said Eleesia Howard, a sophomore accounting major from LaGrange, Georgia.  

“My first step is going to be go in and get my headshot done today.” 

Students without a professional headshot are encouraged go to the photo studio on the first floor of Wallace Hall for free headshots. Those interested can walk in Monday-Wednesday from 2 to 5 p.m. with no appointment needed.  

The next workshop is titled “I Need Help Choosing a Major,” and will be on Apr. 8 at 2 p.m. Students interested in attending a Workshop Wednesday can check their Troy email for future dates or stop by Career Services in Eldridge Hall, room 124.  

Additionally, those interested in more information can follow Career Services on Instagram @troyucareer for more updates and can also stop by their office any weekday for help with resumes, mock interviews and more.