Why Every College Student Needs to be LinkedIn

“It’s a jungle out there kiddies.”

Whether talking about the economy, the competition out there, or just the prospect of finding a job with an incredible unemployment rate, Jimmy Buffett was right. Only the strong survive, and luckily, the strong have a tool to keep them in the game: LinkedIn.

LinkedIn has joined Facebook as an online phenomenon—yet it reaches beyond the social realm and instead creates an online network of business contacts that can boost any career. With over 75 million members and growing, LinkedIn “helps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of professionals,” even in an unforgiving economy.

The website uniquely allows users to create an online professional presence (by posting resumes, references, and more) that helps potential employers and clients easily find candidates and review their credentials. In fact, a survey conducted by Microsoft concluded that approximately 79% of hiring managers in the US have used such online resources in the hiring process. Having a LinkedIn profile also allows users to be ranked higher on organic searches, increasing the chance of employers finding the correct applicants profile. If that isn’t enough, members can also post links to other websites (such as their personal portfolios and samples) that give them the chance to impress businesses before even meeting with them.

The benefits of LinkedIn are great for all—but can be especially beneficial for recent college graduates needing that extra spark to stand out in the job pool. Yet unfortunately, students across the board aren’t taking advantage of the tool, leaving many asking: why not?

There are no definite answers, but experts are speculating the reasons behind the lack of involvement. According to some, Generation Y simply isn’t aware of LinkedIn and the great opportunities it provides. Not only that, but the site is populated and seemingly focused on an older population. The prospect of being young and inexperienced in the midst of seasoned professionals may be intimidating students and scaring them away from using the site to launch their careers and build up business networks.

Social Networking Guru and author of LinkedIn for College Students: Top 4 Ways to Use LinkedIn, Neal Schaffer challenges student’s perceptions. He claims, “There is no reason why a college student can't start networking early with working professionals on LinkedIn,” and suggests that students take action as soon as possible. Whether it’s networking for an internship, creating a public persona, or finding a mentor, LinkedIn has proven itself to be the proverbial golden egg in this ruthless recession.

Students need to be aware of these potential benefits, and use such tools to be successful in the workforce. There’s never been a better time to get in the game and prepare for life outside the classroom.

The bottom line is that the world after college really is a jungle—and LinkedIn can be the compass in the midst of the chaos.

Thanks to Flickr for the picture.