LinkedIn in 3 steps

How design students can build their career with the help of LinkedIn 

Your professional career as a designer begins while you're still a student. LinkedIn can help you stand out. Here are three steps to succeed.

When I meet new students, I often start by talking about the importance of having a business focus. The sooner you develop this mindset, the better prepared you’ll be when you enter working life as a designer. One way to do this is by using LinkedIn. While most students spend their time on TikTok or Instagram, you can take a step ahead with LinkedIn. It’s a powerful tool to prepare for your career while still studying – helping you build a professional network, connect with business, and join the public conversation. Your professional journey doesn’t begin at graduation – it begins now. Along the way, you will:

• Build a professional presence – show who you are as a designer in a credible, career-oriented way.

• Grow your network – connect with peers, professionals, and businesses that can open doors to jobs, collaborations, or mentorship.

• Gain industry insight – stay updated on trends, opportunities, and how design connects to business and society.

By shaping your profile, developing your network, and combining creativity with business focus, you lay the foundation for your future career. Here’s a practical 3-step guide for design students to get the most out of LinkedIn – from building your profile to engaging in meaningful conversations:

LinkedIn in 3 steps for Design students

Step 1:
Get started

Craft your profile – Write your profile text with a business focus. Show your skills, projects, and ambitions, refine it with peer feedback, and update it as you grow.
Grow your network – Connect with peers, teachers, professionals, collaborators, and potential employers. Even weak ties today can lead to future projects, partnerships, or jobs.
Show your work – Share projects, processes, and experiences from your design journey. Use visuals and storytelling to make posts engaging and highlight both creativity and business impact.

Step 2:
Build presence

Listen and learn – Follow designers, studios, businesses, researchers and thought leaders. Notice how they communicate design’s value and learn from their approach.
Stay current – Track design trends, business strategies, and industry opportunities.
Support others – Share, comment, and celebrate others’ work. Add your own perspective when reposting.

Step 3:
Go deeper

Engage in dialogue – Go beyond likes. Comment thoughtfully, ask questions, and connect design to business goals, social issues, and public debates.
Seek and give feedback – Share work-in-progress to invite input, and offer constructive feedback to others. It builds both skills and relationships.
Have fun! – Active engagement makes LinkedIn enjoyable. It can lead to inspiring events, new connections, and career opportunities.

 Your career as a designer begins long before your first job title. By using LinkedIn early, you can build visibility, grow your network, and connect design with business and society. The sooner you start, the stronger your network and professional presence will be when you graduate. Why not make LinkedIn your next design project?

 Good luck – and feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn!

Reference: This Blog post is inspired by “15 ting du kan gjøre på LinkedIn”, by Audun Farbrot (2025). Availabe at forskningskommunikasjon.com