» LinkedIn Tips

Get the most out of LinkedIn

We recommend all students create a LinkedIn account by their junior year and use it to network with their peers, alumni, and industry professionals.

As a Dodge student, effectively using LinkedIn can set you apart in the film and media industry by allowing you to:

Showcase your creative portfolio directly on your profile.
Access industry-specific job listings and opportunities tailored to your skills, work experience, and career interests.
Stay updated on industry trends with industry news, articles, and discussions so you are always informed.

Book an appointment with Dodge’s Career Center for personalized advice about how to position yourself while engaging in LinkedIn outreach.

Tips for using LinkedIn in the entertainment industry space

Below are some tailored tips to help you make a strong impression with your LinkedIn profile:

Follow Dodge College Career Center’s LinkedIn

The Dodge College Career Center’s LinkedIn page regularly posts industry-specific resources and professional development tools including:

Internships and jobs listings
On-campus events and guest speakers from the industry
Mentorship opportunities for students
Professional workshops and information sessions
Helpful trades, podcasts, and websites

Network strategically

Connect with Chapman alumni and industry professionals at companies of interest.

Don’t hesitate to send a direct message to the person of interest and request an informational meeting. This can provide valuable insights, open doors to new opportunities, and expand your network.
In addition, make sure to follow the companies you are interested in working for to show recruiters you are passionate about the position.

Showcase your creative works/projects on LinkedIn

Showcasing your creative projects effectively is key to demonstrating your skills and experience to potential employers.

Here are some tips to help you optimize your creative portfolio on LinkedIn:

Use the “Featured” section

Use the “Featured” section of your LinkedIn profile to upload videos, images, or links to your work.

Include your best and most relevant projects to grab the attention of potential employers and illustrate your skills effectively.
Make sure to regularly update it with your most recent projects to reflect your ongoing professional development.

Your visual portfolio helps potential employers see your abilities in action.

Include detailed descriptions

Clearly define your responsibilities and the specific role you played in the project.
Describe the goals and objectives of the project to provide context for your contributions.
Highlight the outcomes of the project, including any metrics or success indicators.
Mention any specific contributions you made.
Discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them to showcase your problem-solving abilities.
Reflect on what you learned from the project and how it contributed to your professional growth.
Connect your listed skills to the project and any you may have developed to demonstrate your expertise and versatility.

Showcase collaborations where you’ve been a contributor

Showcasing and describing any collaborations will demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a team and show that you take advantage of your personal network.

Use industry keywords

Make sure to use industry keywords in your project descriptions, such as “content creation,” “digital marketing,” “video production,” and so on.

This will improve your profile’s visibility with common search terms used by employers.

Finding career opportunities on LinkedIn

To maximize your job search on LinkedIn, consider the following tips:

Use advanced search filters to tailor your job search by industry, location, experience level, etc.
Set up job alerts to get notifications for new job postings that match your desired criteria, helping you stay ahead.
Engage with industry content by commenting, liking, and sharing posts from companies/professionals in your field to stay visible and informed.

Panna Warren '23

Creative producing major

After Panna’s summer internship plans in Prague were canceled due to COVID-19, she turned to LinkedIn in search of new opportunities. She quickly found an opening at VICE Magazine and secured an incredible summer internship as the Creative Studios intern.

Read Panna's story