A few weeks ago, a friend told me his biggest life goal was reaching 500 connections on LinkedIn.
I asked him whether graduating college, getting his first job or even marrying the love of his life...
Say goodbye to the panicked version of me, searching for something I don’t want, and say hello to a girl who has a thing or two to say on joyful employment.
Between browsing job postings, internship announcements and networking events, scrolling on LinkedIn is as common for college students as scrolling on social media.
LinkedIn, an online employment-focused professional platform launched in 2003, helps people connect with others and further their career development.
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?
An internship shortage is affecting college students across the United States, according to an article published by Inside Higher Ed. According to Inside Higher Ed, about half of the 8.2 million students who wanted a summer internship didn’t end up completing one. And that difficulty is proving to be true at Boston University,.
This method, though, isn't about finding a fling or a one-night stand. On LinkedIn, people date to marry and check if their hallway crush is as smart and ambitious as he is charismatic. As traditional dating apps become increasingly saturated with superficial swipes and fleeting connections, users are turning to LinkedIn in search of something more substantial. What sets LinkedIn apart is its focus on professional identity and accomplishments, offering a deeper glimpse into a person's lifestyle beyond the typical dating app bio.
Susan Akram, director of the International Human Rights Clinic at the Boston University School of Law, said she saw generational trauma firsthand. Akram started teaching at BU in 1993, where she now supervises students representing international non-governmental organizations at the International Human Rights Clinic, IHRC.
Even for everyday internet users, we find difficulty in finding the balance between building an authentic — with emphasis on “authentic” — online profile and also protecting our offline privacy. For lawmakers writing legislation, the goal here shouldn’t be to codify the interests of prosecutors or Big Tech into legislation, but to secure individual agency for end-users.
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.
Students who work in service and retail jobs throughout high school and college may not graduate from Boston University with as many internships under their belt as their peers. But that isn't something to be ashamed of.
By Ruby Voge, Opinion Co-Editor
• October 25, 2023
When Cecilia Muñiz, Sofia Hudzik and Reeya Mathur assumed leadership positions this Fall in Boston University’s Fashion & Retail Association, they knew something had to change: inclusivity.
As a senior and someone who is desperately looking to start a full-time job right after graduation, I've been on LinkedIn more than I've been on my other social media platforms — which is saying a lot. I have some tips and advice for anyone who may still be unfamiliar with LinkedIn.
