In this era, it’s very common for students to have more than just one social media accounts, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and many more. But not a lot of them are not familiar with professional social media such as LinkedIn. Whereas, according to its characteristics, LinkedIn is a professional network which have been able to successfully facilitate its user upon entering the professional network.

Based on said reason, UP collaborates with LinkedIn in a seminar which talked about digital personal, and how students, and also graduates, are supposed to start building their career in the professional world through their profile in LinkedIn.

Ronny Supardi, Senior Relationship Manager from LinkedIn and the Team Leader of Indonesia Pintar, was present as the key speaker in a seminar held during the ‘Career Expo 2019’ in Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) Lippo Karawaci, February 15, 2019. In his presentation, Ronny talked about the importance and how to build personal branding in a professional platform such as LinkedIn; and also how are we supposed to act in such a platform, as well as the boundaries for the things we should and should not post in LinkedIn, and many more.

Moreover, Ronny said that in order to build a digital persona, you have to create a professional look. For example, by putting a formal self-portrait, using e-mail with your clear, real name, not a made-up character name or nickname, and attaching a short introduction.

Ronny also said that to the students who haven’t had any working experience, they don’t have to worry. Because, the company will still look at the other strong aspects that a fresh graduate might have. For example, internship experiences, involvement in organization and committee, are just few of many things that you can attach in your LinkedIn profile. You can describe the job description of your internship, your role in the organization or committee.

Aside from that, Rony also emphasized that companies are looking for a unique quality in fresh graduates. They might see whether or not these graduates have the quality to become a team player, or does she/he have a leadership material, and maybe, whether or not can you work under pressure.

“Just show the world what you can show about your quality, or at least, show the classes you have been enrolled in during in university, or maybe you can attach your GPA. But more importantly, you have to try to get involved in the campus’ organizations,” he stated.

After the seminar has ended, Ronny encouraged participants to try and make their own professional profile in LinkedIn by doing the steps he has shown to them during the seminar. (pl)