Step 4: Build Your Professional Presence

You are Googleable—make it work in your favor.

💡 What: Craft a Professional Online Identity

Your online presence is often the first impression an employer gets. Make sure it reflects who you are, what you’ve done, and where you’re going.

💼 LinkedIn: Complete your profile, highlight your experiences, and follow companies that interest you.
👀 Handshake: Update your profile with skills, interests, and job preferences to unlock personalized job and internships.
🧹 Social Media Audit: Google yourself and clean up any public content that doesn’t reflect your professional self.
🌐 Portfolio or Personal Website (optional): If you’re a creative, communicator, or aspiring thought leader, a portfolio can help showcase your work.

🛠️ How: Build Your Digital Brand

➡️ Update or Create Your LinkedIn Profile
Step-by-step guidance to help you write a headline, summary, and experience descriptions that get noticed.
🔗  Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Profile →
🔗  Get a Professional LinkedIn Photo (CORE Commons) →
🔗  🛠 Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Jobs & Internships →

➡️ Update Your Handshake Profile
Fill out your profile completely, including interests, job types, locations, and skills—this helps Handshake show you the most relevant openings.
🔗 Build Profile from Resume
🔗Completing your Profile in Handshake

➡️ Do a Social Media Self-Audit
Google yourself and check your Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, etc. Remove or privatize anything that doesn’t represent your best self.
🔗 Tips for Students to Manage Their Digital Footprints

➡️ Build a Portfolio or Personal Website
For students in design, communication, writing, or media, a portfolio is a great way to showcase your work and set yourself apart.
🔗 How to Design a Digital Portfolio
🔗 How to Make an ePortfolio: Best Practices for Your Portfolio Project
🔗 Building an ePortfolio for Creative Careers