What if I tell you that 90% of the students have no clue and are often confused what to put under the industry section on Linkedin
Yes you are not the only one buddy so relax!!
As a student, you might have zero or a very limited amount of work experience and hence I very much understand your pain and confusion over what to choose under the industry section on Linkedin
After analyzing more than 100 of Linkedin profiles and also helping students of NIT, IIT, London Business School, London School Of Economics and employees of Honda, Oracle and UBS build their Linkedin profiles,
I assure you that you are at the right place with the right person to know the answer
I guarantee that by the the end of the blog, the first thing that you’ll do is go and fill up your industry section on Linkedin
Before diving deep let’s understand what’s so specific about the industry section on Linkedin
Table of Contents
What to write in Industry in Linkedin for Students: Understanding the Purpose of the Industry Section
Let’s not mince words and cut to the chase
I’ll give you an answer that is available on the Help Page of Linkedin so that you can directly hear from the horse’s mouth
Linkedin allows its user to choose an industry that best matches their company or the kind of work they do. When you add an industry other people from the same industry can easily find you. Adding an industry also helps connect you to relevant opportunities, connections, and content.
Linkedin Help Page
So basically selecting an industry option helps Linkedin segregate its user and provide them personalized treatment based on the industry they belong to
For example if you work as a digital marketer and choose the “Advertising and Marketing” industry option on Linkedin.
Linkedin will make sure that the kind of content and connections that drop over your feed are related to your niche / industry – “Advertising and Marketing”
Imagine that you are a marketer and out of no where content and connections related “Motor Vehicle Manufacturing” starts to pop up over your feed, it’ll be super irritating for you
BRO I UNDERSTOOD YOUR POINT ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRY SECTION
BUT AGAIN, I’M A COLLEGE STUDENT SO WHAT SHOULD I SELECT?
What to write in Industry in Linkedin for Students: Reflecting on Your Field of Study
\One way to go about choosing the “Industry” section on LinkedIn by reflecting on your field of study. This section should be a reflection of your academic background, interests, and career aspirations.
Considering your current field of study could and the industry it aligns with could be helpful because your academic pursuits often serve as an indicator of your interests and future career paths
You can also think about the courses you’ve taken, the projects you’ve worked on, and the skills you’ve acquired during your studies. This can help you identify the specific industry or industries that align with your interests and expertise.
For instance, if you’re studying computer science in your university and you see yourself working in the same domain after your studies then, you might consider specifying your industry as “Information Technology and Services” or “Computer Software”.
What to write in Industry in Linkedin for Students: Leveraging Relevant Work Experience and Internships
Another great way to determine the industry that best suits you is by leveraging your relevant work experience and internships.
This can help you gain a better understanding of the industries you’ve worked in and the skills you’ve acquired. For instance, if you’ve interned at a marketing firm, you might consider specifying your industry as “Marketing and Advertising” or “Public Relations and Communications”.
Similarly, if you’ve worked as a software developer, you might consider specifying your industry as “Information Technology and Services” or “Computer Software”.
Or if you haven’t done any task or internships then choosing an industry where you wish to intern or work full time could again be an option.
So again if you are a mechanical engineering student and wish to intern in a automotive engineering company then choosing the industry as industry as “Motor Vehicle Manufacturing” or “Computer Software” could be helpful
What to write in Industry in Linkedin for Students: Networking and Seeking Guidance
Networking is another great way to gain insights into different industries and receive guidance on what to write in your “Industry” section.
You can reach out to alumni, professors, and industry professionals to get their perspectives on the industries you’re considering.
This can help you gain valuable insights into the skills and qualifications that are required for success in each industry.
Additionally, you can attend career fairs and industry events to network with professionals and gain exposure to various industries.
What to write in Industry in Linkedin for Students: Researching Industries of Interest
Take the time to research industries that intrigue you.
Learn about their current trends, growth opportunities, and the skills sought after in those fields.
Explore industry-specific publications, attend webinars or conferences, and join LinkedIn groups related to these industries.
This research will provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision when selecting the industry option that aligns with your career goals.
What If I want to change my industry in future?
That’s OK!
Selecting an industry option on Linkedin is not a stepping stone. It’s just a way to signal Linkedin algorithm to tailore the content it shows you
For instance, I started my journey as a graphic designer and eventually into digital marketing. Back then the industry I chose was ‘Advertising and Marketing”
Now as I write this blog, I work as a product manager at a tech startup in London. So now the industry option that I’ve chosen is “Technology, Information and Internet”
Life hasn’t changed, it’s still the same so RELAXXX
Conclusion
Selecting the right industry option on LinkedIn is an essential step in building a professional profile that accurately reflects your interests and aspirations.
By aligning with your field of study, leveraging relevant work experience, researching industries, networking, and understanding that you can change the industry option in the future, will now give you a path in terms of choosing the right option.
Remember that the industry option is not set in stone and can be updated as you gain more experience and evolve in your career.