By Ellie Posen, Contributing Writer
• October 16, 2025
New connections are better fostered through deep conversations, where each person is open and takes the time to get to know one another on a deeper level. Communication in a new place is tough — especially among college students who always have their heads buried in their devices, only able to talk through direct messages. By taking a moment to get to know someone outside of where they are from and what their major is, we can begin to foster quality relationships.
No one really thinks of turning to LinkedIn, and I can’t really blame them — it’s academic-facing, and has always come across as being “strictly business.” Yet, the more I toiled with the idea of LinkedIn being a one-stop shop for all things romance, I couldn’t help but wonder: could this be the revolutionary answer to modern dating troubles?
LinkedIn mirrors every other social media platform in setting a stage for comparison. Instead of admiring an influencer’s lifestyle on Instagram, I hyperfixate on my peers’ career accomplishments on LinkedIn. I compare myself to them through internship experience and GPA, and pay the price with my peace of mind. My insecurities are amplified — and I feel obligated to keep it to myself.
Some people join clubs, others join frats and sororities — all of which are great ways to find community and a sense of belonging. But for me, something about working with the same people every week for a semester, and then getting to meet new ones as the schedule changes every semester is the best kind of instant connection made.
The reality is this: who we know has a huge impact on our careers, and in order to better prepare ourselves to be successful, we have to appreciate what, and who, got us there.
