When people talk about “networking” it can sound exhausting. You picture awkward events, business cards, and conversations you do not want to be in. The truth is that a lot of that has moved online, and LinkedIn is the main place where it happens now.
LinkedIn is not just another app to scroll when you are bored. It is the one platform where your classmates, professors, coworkers, hiring managers, and future clients are all in the same room. If you are trying to grow your career in any field, especially marketing, it is almost strange not to show up there with intention.
Why LinkedIn matters for your career
- People look you up before they talk to you
Before an interview, a call, or even a coffee chat, most people will search your name. A clean LinkedIn profile gives them something clear and professional to find. Your photo, headline, and “About”section work like your mini elevator pitch. - Your experience becomes easier to understand
Resumes are short and formal. LinkedIn gives you more room to tell the story behind your work. You can add projects, campaigns, volunteer roles, internships, and even school work that you are proud of. When someone scrolls your profile they should be able to answer a simple question.
What does this person care about and what kind of work do they want to do more of
If your LinkedIn does that, you are already ahead of a lot of people.
- You stay visible without constantly “reaching out”
Cold messages can feel awkward. Posting occasionally, commenting thoughtfully, and sharing wins or lessons from your work keeps you in people’s minds in a softer way. A hiring manager might not respond to a random message right now, but if they see you engage with content in a smart way over time, you become familiar. - You learn by watching what professionals share
If you follow agencies, brands, and leaders you admire, your feed turns into a daily mini class. You see how they talk about campaigns, how they frame results, and what topics are trending in the industry.
Instead of feeling behind, you start to pick up the language and mindset of people who have been in the field for years.
- Recruiters actually use LinkedIn as a search tool
A lot of recruiters search by location, skills, and job titles. If your profile is empty or vague, you will not show up even if you are qualified. If you clearly list skills, tools, and interests, you make it easier for the right people to find you without you doing anything extra.
Small things that make a big difference
You do not need a perfect, overly formal profile to benefit from LinkedIn. You just need a profile that feels like a professional version of you. Here are a few small things that go a long way
- A clear profile photo that looks friendly and put together
- A headline that says who you are and what you do, not just “Student”
- An “About” section that sounds like you and explains what you are working toward
- A few bullet points under each role or experience that focus on results and responsibilities
A great example would be our Intern: Paulina Almaguer Account.
Over time, you can add projects, portfolio pieces, or links to things you are proud of. The point is progress, not perfection.
Why following the right accounts matters
Who you follow shapes what you learn. If your feed is only classmates, you will miss out on industry conversations. When you follow agencies, brands, and professionals, LinkedIn starts to feel less like homework and more like a window into the world you want to be in.
You see real campaign recaps, client stories, behind the scenes content, and honest commentary on what is working in marketing right now.
Follow Nativa’s LinkedIn if you want real world marketing insight
If you are interested in multicultural marketing, social media, or how agencies think about campaigns in the real world, make sure to follow Nativa’s LinkedIn account.
You will see
- Recaps of client work and events
- Lessons from real campaigns and community projects
- Content around culture, language, and how brands speak to diverse audiences
It is an easy way to learn, get inspired for your own career, and see how the things you study in class actually show up inside an agency.
So if you are trying to take LinkedIn more seriously, start with one simple step today. Clean up your profile, then hit follow on accounts that help you grow, including Nativa. Little by little, your LinkedIn stops being just a profile and starts becoming a real part of your career story
