In today’s job market, a strong social media presence can be your biggest asset. Knowing how to use platforms like LinkedIn, or platforms specific to UTSA, is key. Our tips will guide you through creating a professional online image, sharing valuable content, and growing your network—all essential tools for career growth.

Keeping LinkedIn accounts and resumes updated and current is crucial as these tools are essential for professional development and career success. Keeping LinkedIn accounts and resumes updated enhances employability, facilitates networking, showcases growth, and prepares students for career opportunities. Regular updates ensure that students stay competitive in the job market and build a strong professional presence.  

Enhancing Employability 

Visibility to Recruiters: Many recruiters and employers actively search LinkedIn to find potential candidates. A well-maintained LinkedIn profile with updated skills, experiences, and achievements makes students more visible and attractive to these professionals. 

Accurate Representation: An updated resume ensures that students present their most recent accomplishments, skills, and experiences to potential employers. This increases their chances of being considered for relevant opportunities. 

Networking Opportunities 

Building Connections: LinkedIn is a powerful platform for networking with professionals, alumni, industry leaders, and potential employers. Keeping the profile current makes it easier to connect with others in the field, which can lead to mentorship, job opportunities, and collaborations. 

Staying Active: Regularly updating LinkedIn keeps students engaged with their network, showing that they are active and committed to their professional growth. This can lead to new connections and opportunities as they arise. 

Showcasing Skills and Achievements 

Highlighting Recent Achievements: As students gain new skills, complete projects, or earn certifications, these accomplishments should be reflected on their resume and LinkedIn profile. This demonstrates their growth and continuous learning to potential employers. 

Professional Branding: A current LinkedIn profile and resume help students build and maintain their professional brand. This branding is essential for standing out in a competitive job market. 

Career Opportunities 

Job Search Efficiency: An updated resume and LinkedIn profile streamline the job search process. When a relevant opportunity arises, students can quickly apply without needing to spend time updating their documents. 

Receiving Job Alerts: LinkedIn allows students to set up job alerts based on their updated profile information. This feature ensures they are notified of job openings that match their skills and interests. 

Reflecting Personal and Professional Growth 

Tracking Progress: Regularly updating LinkedIn and resumes allows students to track their own progress over time. It helps them recognize their growth, set new goals, and identify areas for further development. 

Adapting to Industry Changes: As industries evolve, new skills and experiences may become more relevant. Keeping profiles and resumes updated ensures that students remain competitive by reflecting these changes in their professional documents. 

Leveraging LinkedIn Features 

Endorsements and Recommendations: LinkedIn allows connections to endorse students' skills and write recommendations. Keeping profiles updated encourages others to support and validate their abilities, which can enhance credibility. 

Engagement with Industry Content: By keeping their LinkedIn profiles active, students can engage with industry-related content, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions. This keeps them informed about industry trends and positions them as active participants in their field. 

Preparation for Unexpected Opportunities 

Readiness for Opportunities: Opportunities can arise unexpectedly, such as a chance meeting with a potential employer or a sudden job opening. Having an updated resume and LinkedIn profile ensures that students are always prepared to seize these opportunities without delay. 

Maintaining Professional Presence 

Continuous Professionalism: A well-maintained LinkedIn profile and resume reflect a student's commitment to their career and professional development. It signals to employers and connections that they are serious about their future and proactive in managing their career. 

Handshake is a recruiting platform resources offered through UTSA’s University Career Center for UTSA students, alumni, faculty, and staff. The platform uses cutting edge technology to help easily connect with employers, source jobs and internships, event information, and on-campus recruiting opportunities. 

 The UTSA Handshake website also offers many other resources for students including meeting with Handshake Career Consultants to discuss topics that include: 

  • Career Exploration & Planning  
  • Job and Internship exploration 
  • Professional networking 
  • Resume, CV, and Cover letter writing 
  • Interview Preparation 
  • Graduate & Professional School preparation  
  • Preparing for a Career Expo

You can create a profile by going to the Handshake login website to log in using the options provided and click on the BLUE “The University of Texas at San Antonio Sign On” button and use your abc123 and password to login. Do not use your school or preferred email address, as this is not linked with your student account. Once you login, update your profile, upload your resume, and click on “Submit Profile.”  

The Roadrunner Network is a resource that connects professional connections and provides a virtual community where students, alumni, UTSA faculty, and staff can interact to ask questions, seek guidance, and develop relationships that lead toward professional goals.  

The Roadrunner Network offers the ability to search for and connect with alumni, UTSA faculty, and/or staff as a mentor, mentee, or both. Participants choose their level of involvement from a one-time meeting to a longer, more sustained mentoring relationship. This network is helpful to connect students to people that can offer unique job opportunities, career support, establish a mentoring/mentee relationship, and a variety of other resources in one place.