Many parents tell me, “But my teen doesn’t have anything to put on LinkedIn yet.” Trust me — they do. Here’s how you can guide them through the basics:
- Start with a professional profile photo. Help your teen choose a clear, friendly photo. It doesn’t need to be a formal headshot — a nice photo from a school event or family gathering works just as well. Avoid group photos, filters, or anything too casual.
- Add a simple banner image. The banner is the large image behind the profile photo. They can use a free tool like Canva to create something that reflects their interests — robotics, art, sports, nature, or their dream college colors.
- Write a headline together. The headline is the short description under their name (shows up in search results). Encourage them to include their goals, grade level, and interests:
- “Aspiring Environmental Scientist | Junior at Lincoln High | Nature Club Leader”
- “Future Educator | Honors Student | Volunteer Tutor”
- “Exploring Engineering & Robotics | Class of 2026 | FIRST Robotics Team Member”
- Craft their “About” section. This is a short paragraph — 3–4 sentences — about who they are and what they’re passionate about. It doesn’t need to sound overly formal. Encourage authenticity:
“Hi! I’m a high school junior passionate about environmental conservation and sustainability. I’m exploring careers in environmental science and love hands-on learning through my school’s Nature Club. I’m excited to connect with professionals in the field and learn more about making a real-world impact.”
Building Momentum: Adding Depth to Your Teen’s LinkedIn Profile
Once the basics are in place, help your teen add substance to their profile:
- Add education and coursework. List their high school, expected graduation year, and any notable coursework (AP classes, dual enrollment, specialized programs). GPA is optional, but can be included if it’s strong.
- Include experiences and activities. Every experience counts. For each one, help them write 2–3 bullet points starting with action verbs:
- Led a team of 10 volunteers to organize a community food drive that collected 500+ items
- Created social media content for the Robotics Club, increasing follower engagement by 40%
- Organized weekly tutoring sessions for middle school students in math and science
- Helped coordinate the school’s annual charity fundraiser, raising $3,000 for local shelters
- Add skills and request endorsements. LinkedIn allows users to list skills. Your teen might include: Leadership, Public Speaking, Microsoft Office, Social Media Management, Research, Teamwork, and Problem-Solving. They can ask teachers, coaches, or mentors to endorse these skills.
- Encourage strategic networking. Help them start by connecting with:
- Teachers and school counselors
- Coaches and club advisors
- Family friends in careers they’re interested in
- Alumni from their high school
- Professionals they’ve met through volunteer work or internships
Networking tip: When sending connection requests to people they don’t know well, always include a personalized note: “Hi Ms. Johnson, I’m a junior at Lincoln High interested in learning more about environmental science. I’d love to connect and learn from your experience in the field.”
How to Use LinkedIn Safely and Professionally: Guidelines for Teens
Talk with your teen about maintaining a positive, professional presence:
Keep all content positive and appropriate — no complaining about school, teachers, or controversial opinions
Only connect with people they know or have a legitimate reason to reach out to — no random connection requests
Never share personal information like phone numbers, home addresses, or school schedules
Think before posting — every post, comment, or message reflects their personal brand
Use privacy settings — set profile visibility appropriately and limit who can send messages
Stay active but not overwhelming — post once or twice a month about projects, achievements, or things they’re learning
Remind them: college admissions officers, future employers, and mentors might all see their LinkedIn profile. Every interaction should reflect the professional person they’re becoming.
Keeping the Profile Active: Small Actions, Big Impact
An inactive LinkedIn profile for high school students won’t help much. Encourage your teen to:
- Post updates about school projects, volunteer experiences, awards, or interesting articles they’ve read (once or twice a month is plenty)
- Engage with content by liking or commenting on posts from colleges, professionals, or organizations they follow
- Update their profile when they join a new club, earn an award, or start a new activity
- Reach out for informational interviews once a quarter with professionals in fields they’re curious about
Even 10–15 minutes a month can keep their profile fresh and their network growing.
Why Creating a LinkedIn Profile for High School Students Is Worth Your Time
A teen LinkedIn profile:
- Provides a platform to showcase initiative and leadership
- Helps students explore college and career options
- Builds confidence and professional skills long before graduation
Students who build a professional presence in high school gain an advantage in college applications, internships, and scholarship opportunities.
How I Can Help Your Teen Stand Out
In my Your Teen’s Next Chapter program, I guide students step-by-step:
- Crafting their profile
- Highlighting strengths and goals
- Connecting with professionals safely
If you want your teen to stand out to colleges and employers, schedule a College Assessment Plan Call to learn how I can help.
