Yikes, the professional part does sound intimidating, but I promise you that making an account will do you so many wonders. I think I check my LinkedIn feed more than I check Facebook.
If you have not already, stop reading this and go create an account so I can help walk you to a groundbreaking profile.
When you create your account setting your profile is the first and in my opinion, the most important part. Add your most business/professional profile picture. If you do not have a more professional photo, see if your campus has opportunities to get your headshot taken. Make your header an image of your hometown or the town you are currently living in, this gives a simple photo and a great conversation starter.
Add as much information as you can to your information, but keep it current and relevant. Current employment, employment from the past four years, what university you are attending, what major you have declared, and any volunteer experience.
Next is to make as many connections are you can. Start with current co-workers, then friends, and even your professors. Everyone who has a LinkedIn is working to make connections and to find people that can help them go further, as well as working to help others get further in the professional world.
Saying "hi" to all your new LinkedIn connections. media1.giphy.com
Include your skills and endorsements. This is not the time to be humble. You got certified for Microsoft, include it! You worked forever in retail, include customer service! Be honest with yourself when including these because future employers may ask you about your skills in an interview.
I would post at least once a month. This is a platform to brag about your achievements, goals, and how you are becoming a working adult. Go out there and create your profile. You can become so much more professional and relate to the business world from your couch while watching "Gilmore Girls."
Get to work!media1.giphy.com
Giphy
Gilmore Girls I Like Knowing Things GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY
Rory Gilmore Is This Some Kind Of Hazing GIF by Gilmore Girls - Find & Share on GIPHY
Rory Gilmore You Go Girl GIF by Gilmore Girls - Find & Share on GIPHY
Stressed Rory Gilmore GIF by Gilmore Girls - Find & Share on GIPHY
Rory Gilmore Hug GIF by Gilmore Girls - Find & Share on GIPHY
Stressed Gilmore Girls GIF - Find & Share on GIPHYGiphy
Season 5 Netflix GIF by Gilmore Girls - Find & Share on GIPHY
Awkward Season 2 GIF by Gilmore Girls - Find & Share on GIPHY
Season 5 Netflix GIF by Gilmore Girls - Find & Share on GIPHY
Gilmore Girls Shut Up GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY
I Love Reading Gilmore Girls GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY
5 Replies I Hear When I Tell People I'm A Feminist
I'm loud and proud when it comes to being a feminist, which means I've gotten some interesting comments.
Over the past few years I have finally become comfortable admitting to those around me that I am a full-blown feminist. I'm even vice president of the University of Dayton's feminist organization. And although I'm proud to call myself a feminist, the reactions I receive from others are not always positive.
One of the main reasons people snark at me when I say I'm a feminist is because there are negative connotations around the word. And my job as a feminist is to help change that.
While I try to change people's views on modern day feminism, I also find some joy in the weird comments I hear from people when I tell them I'm a feminist. If you're a feminist, you've probably heard some of these things too.
1. So, you hate men?
No, actually, I don't hate men. In fact, I really like men. And I want men to join the feminist movement as well. The word "feminist" is not synonymous with "man-hater." Feminism is all about the equality of the sexes, meaning that while I fight for women's rights I'm also fighting to breakdown stereotypes that harm men.
2. I believe in equality but I'm not a feminist
Are you sure about that? Because by definition feminism is "the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes." If you believe in all that, then I'm sorry to break it to you: you're a feminist.
3. I just don't like today's version of feminism
Modern day feminism focuses on all sorts of issues related to sex, including equal pay, rape culture, toxic masculinity, transgender rights, and the way women are portrayed in the media. Although you may not agree with all arguments that today's feminism is typically associated with, such as being pro-choice, that doesn't mean you can't be a feminist. Every feminist is different. No check-list exists for what you need to believe in order to consider yourself a feminist, so you maybe you are one after all.
4. Are you some weird, liberal hippie?
Maybe? I guess in your opinion I might be. But, since I know what "weird, liberal hippie" means to you, the answer is this: I shave my legs, I wear makeup, and most days I choose to put on a bra. Those are my personal decisions. But those things don't necessarily need to be associated with feminism. Some men choose not to shave their face, does that mean they're making a statement? On the contrary, some feminists choose not to shave because it shouldn't be weird for women to keep their natural body hair. Everyone lives out feminism in a different way because, again, all feminists are different. That doesn't make anyone a "weird, liberal hippie."
5. I can't be a feminist because I'm not a white female
Sad to say, feminism has struggled with intersectionality for years. But modern day feminists are trying to show the world that ANYONE, no matter who you are or where you're from or what you look like, can be a feminist. Feminism is for everyone.