LinkedIn Isn’t Just for Grown-Ups with Jobs

Inspiring Hub
Jul 27
3 min read

Let’s be honest.

Most of us didn’t create a LinkedIn account the moment we finished school. In fact, for a lot of young people, LinkedIn feels like it’s made for people who already have jobs, not those still figuring things out.

But here’s something we wish more people said:

LinkedIn isn’t just for professionals with years of experience. It’s for you, especially when you’re just starting.

Whether you’re still studying, applying for scholarships, or unemployed and feeling stuck, you still have a place there. And you don’t need a fancy job title or a perfect CV to show up.

Let’s break it down.

1: You Don’t Need to Post Right Away

One of the biggest reasons young people avoid LinkedIn is because they feel like they have nothing to say.

That’s totally okay.

You don’t have to become a content creator overnight. You don’t even need to post at all at first. Start with something simple: set up your profile so people know who you are.

Here’s how:

Upload a friendly, clear photo. It doesn’t need to be taken by a professional — just find good lighting and keep it simple. Smile!

Write a short headline. Something like:
“Final-year Computer Science Student | Interested in AI & Problem Solving”
“Aspiring Social Worker | Passionate about Youth Development”
Write a short ‘About’ section. Think of it like introducing yourself to a mentor:
“I’m a Public Health graduate who cares deeply about access and equity. I’ve volunteered at local clinics and I’m currently looking for internships where I can keep learning and making a difference.”

That’s it. No stress. No pressure. Just be honest about where you are right now.

2: Observe First, Engage Later

Once your profile is up, don’t worry about posting — just observe.

Start by:

Following organizations you love.
Following professionals in your field, people you admire, alumni from your university, scholarship winners
Searching hashtags.

Let your feed fill up with useful, inspiring content. Watch how others show up. Read how they write about their journey. Take notes. Learn quietly for now, there’s so much value in that.

3: Use LinkedIn Like a Search Tool

LinkedIn isn’t just for networking. It’s one of the best places to find real opportunities.

Try searching:

“Remote internships”
“2025 Scholarships”
“Youth leadership programs Africa”

You’ll find posts from organizations and youth who’ve been through it. You can save those posts, reach out to people (kindly!), and start curating opportunities that fit your path.

4: Still Feel Like You Have Nothing? Share What You’re Learning.

Eventually, when you’re ready to post something, don’t overthink it.

You don’t need big news. Just share your process.

Here are ideas:

“I just created my LinkedIn profile. I’m new here and excited to learn.”
“Attended a webinar today on youth innovation. One thing that stuck with me: [insert quote].”
“Currently applying for internships. If you’ve ever been in this phase, how did you stay motivated?”

You don’t need to sound like an expert. You just need to sound like yourself.

We say this often at Inspiring Hub, and we’ll say it again here: