Nowadays, graduates are entering a workforce that is very technologically driven. Nearly every company and business uses technology in some way or form. Whether it is advertising graduate recruitment through online employment marketplaces, or selling products or services solely online, or seeking endorsements on social media, so many facets of employment are becoming saturated by the internet and all it has to offer. As a graduate, you may find yourself wanting to create a professional online profile. Having the skills to do this effectively can help you make the most out of your professional online profile. This article will explain what a professional online profile is, why you may choose to make one and how to create one.

What is a professional online profile?

A professional online profile describes a work-related online presence that a graduate may wish to cultivate for themselves. Your professional online profile may look differently to that of others depending on what you wish for the profile to accomplish, your personal career goals, your job industry, and the type of role that you are seeking. For instance, a graduate photographer may wish to create a website as their professional online profile. This will allow them to highlight their portfolio to potential clients and employers. In contrast, a graduate accountant may wish to make their professional online profile on a networking site so that they can connect with other industry professionals. 

Why would you create a professional online profile?

There are various reasons for why you may choose to create a professional online profile as a graduate. You may find yourself lacking in industry connections, so a professional online profile could allow you to connect with others and form those important relationships. Another reason may be that a resume and cover letter fails to highlight the extent of your achievements and skills, especially if you are seeking to pursue a career in the arts and creative industries. A professional online profile can be a one stop shop for potential employers to see your work and learn the extent of your skills. This can help you demonstrate your suitability for a particular role more effectively. You may also choose to create a professional online profile if you live in a remote area or need to work virtually. This can allow you to make up for your absence from a physical workplace through the virtual sphere of communication. 

Where would you create a professional online profile?

There are a range of different platforms where you can create a professional online profile. Before you begin to create your own profile, you should think carefully about what you wish the profile to achieve and on which platform that purpose can best be pursued. Different online platforms offer their users different services. Your choice should be purposeful and deliberate. You may choose to create a professional online profile on more than one platform. However, you should refrain from creating profiles on too many platforms as it can become difficult for you to manage them all. Profiles on one or two platforms can allow you to devote the required time and effort. Some platforms where you can create a professional online profile include:

• LinkedIn
• X (formerly Twitter)
• YouTube
• GitHub
• Medium 
• Behance
• About.me
• AngelList
• Dribble
• Instagram
• Ted

How to create a professional online profile?

Creating a professional online profile can appear daunting. This profile will be the way potential employers or clients, and other people within the industry will see you. Here are some tips to follow when creating your own professional online profile:

Step 1: Select a picture

You should begin by selecting a professional picture to use on your profile. This picture should be a professional headshot. You should be centred in the photo against a neutral background. There should be no other individuals in the photo. You should also be dressed appropriately.

Step 2: Create a headline

The next step is to create a concise headline. This should be a short statement that communicates the most essential information to people who will come across your profile. To be most effective, the headline should describe your profession. For example, “Graduate Lawyer - Intellectual Property” will immediately inform people that you are a graduate who is new to the workforce and that you specialise in intellectual property law. An effective headline can ensure that you reach people through your online profile that are most beneficial for your career or your career goals.

Step 3: Write a summary

Next, write a summary that elaborates on your headline. You may choose to highlight any relevant skills, education or skills that you wish for people to know about. It is a good idea to use keywords related to your role or industry in your summary to grab the attention of people browsing or searching the platform for similar results. 

Step 3: Highlight your education

As a graduate, your education is one of your strongest achievements when job searching. This is because you have recently graduated from completing that education, so it is the most up to date accomplishment you have to highlight to potential employers. Many graduates also rely on their education during graduate recruitment due to their limited work experience and exposure to the workforce. You should make sure to highlight the degree or degrees you completed and at which institution. Ensure that you include information about any academic achievements, such as prizes, awards, projects, thesis, or coursework that you completed. These forms of additional information can allow you to stand out amongst other graduates with similar qualifications. 

You can read more about how to include information about education on your resume here. 

Step 4: Highlight your experience

As already stated, graduates tend to have limited experience in the workforce. While this may seem like a detriment, keep in mind that employers are aware of this. They know that you have to start somewhere. Despite this, you should still highlight any experience that you may have on your professional online profile. This experience can consist of any part-time or casual jobs you had while studying, any volunteer work you completed, as well as any internships or clinical work you may have completed as a requirement of your coursework. While these types of experience differs from full-time employment, it still communicates to others your skills. You should describe the responsibilities associated with each role as well as any accomplishments. 

Step 5: Highlight your skills

You may choose to include a section in your professional online profile that highlights any relevant skills that you wish to showcase to potential employers. These skills should directly relate to the roles you are interested in and your career goals. Avoid including a long list of skills that you have found on the internet. Be particular and deliberate about the skills you choose to include. They should highlight your ability to successfully complete the responsibilities associated with your ideal job. 

Step 6: Other relevant information 

You should also make sure to include any other information that you believe is important for employers, clients, or industry connections to know. For example, if you are working on a project, that may be relevant for you to highlight in your professional online profile. You may also choose to include links to other profiles or websites that you have been mentioned, associated with, or published in.