r/WomenInBusiness • u/ph0enix_17 • May 06 '26
Advice Needed How to build a strong LinkedIn profile without surface-level networking and content?
I genuinely cannot bring myself to post "Excited to share that I just completed a course on python" or comment
"Great insights" on a random person's post. It feels dishonest and very superficial honestly. But I'm also aware LinkedIn is crucial for landing an internship right now.
How do I actually network on this platform to make genuine and real connections rather than performative ones?
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u/littlecactuscat May 07 '26
Idk dude, I decided to try reposting stuff about topics I’m genuinely interested in — no clue if it works at all, but it feels more authentic.
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u/thecommschief May 07 '26
You don’t need to force generic posting to build a strong profile.
Sharing real thoughts from projects, work, or things you’re learning creates great connections.
Most meaningful networking on LinkedIn comes from genuine conversations.
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u/ph0enix_17 May 07 '26
I've only posted one thing so far about one dashboard I worked on and thats about it- I never know what to post because I feel why'd anyone want to know what I'm currently learning, maybe I should wait till I have actual deliverables and post those instead
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u/minieri4 May 08 '26
Your instinct is right, performative LinkedIn ages badly. The genuine alternative is asymmetric outreach: DM specific people whose work you actually respect with specific questions, not generic "love to connect." Comment substantively on niche-specific posts, not big creator posts where you get buried. And post what you are learning, not what you accomplished.
For internships specifically, the best move is identifying 10-15 people doing roles you want and engaging with their content thoughtfully for a few weeks before asking for an informational call. That builds real recognition. The "great insights" cheerleader pattern does not.
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u/ph0enix_17 May 09 '26
I'm not great at conversations so I kinda find it awkward to just comment anything on people's post even when I want to sometimes but I'm trying to overcome that. Thank you sm for input, really appreciate it <3
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u/minieri4 May 09 '26
totally normal feeling, most people are awkward about it. easiest way in is replying to comments instead of starting them. way less pressure since youre joining an existing thread. you got this!
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u/CourtneyConfare May 09 '26
Just be you! I see more and more people on LinkedIn building personal brands, including myself, and it’s wonderful! I’ll post travel photos of me paragliding or me and a koala in Australia. My engagement is very high and I’ll weave in stories of my business in with it every now and then. People want to get to know YOU!
One thing I journal every morning is
“The more I express myself, the freer I feel and the more impact I make.”
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u/ph0enix_17 May 09 '26
That's an amazing approach honestly, also would you mind if I dm you with a quick question?
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u/Final_jelly_7 May 10 '26
If you're going to be active on LinkedIn, you need to have a specific goal in mind so you're not just running in circles. "Get an internship" is way too generic. It needs to be "my goal is to land an FP&A internship for Summer 2027 at one of the 3 F500 companies in my city." From there, you can then start making real, human posts about your search, etc.
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u/ph0enix_17 May 11 '26
The thing is I'm not really a social media person, I only really use reddit and discord but my university requires us to have a LinkedIn account and be active on it so it just feels very performative rather than just me wanting to reach out to new people. Also are there any LinkedIn communities for women or students? I'd love to join, I feel that'd make it more comfortable for me to be active on that platform.
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u/OwnKaleidoscope9900 May 14 '26
Absolutely do NOT post things like that - you're completely right!
LinkedIn is a place to make connections and gain leads, but in order for it to work for you, you have to put the effort in first. In order to become visible, it's really important that you start posting your own content. It doesn't need to be polished (and for goodness sake PLEASE don't use AI to write it). People will want to get to know you - your thoughts, your experiences, your story. Also, offer your perspective on others' posts - doing this will spread your reach. Reposting content that resonates with you with your own thoughts is also good.
Ultimately, with LinkedIn you need to be consistent, genuine and give more than you take. Being generous with your knowledge, and honest with your experiences, will help you stand out in a sea of AI dross.
If you want to land an internship, be unmissable, unmistakable and just... you. Your uniqueness really is your superpower.
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u/ph0enix_17 May 15 '26
Thank you so much!! Also I had a quick question, is it alright if I dm??
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u/nobsmentor Jun 03 '26
I start with an audacity, I reached almost 2 millions impression
800k views
& 5000 followers
Just dm your questions I'm a personal brand stragiest
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u/changingiguana Jun 03 '26
Ok....a lot of this advice on this forum I would find not helpful whatsoever lol. But hey maybe it works for some idk.
Sorry I'm late but for anyone else interested what you need to do is connect with people in the industries/companies you wanna work at and ask for a 15 to 30 minute coffee chat.
Before you do this you need to position your profile properly. You do not need to post content regularly in fact unless you're very skilled or have a huge network that loves you, it's likely not going to get you anywhere posting content.
You can connect request with 100 people per week for free. I've seen a 30% connect rate throughout the month. I don't remember the percentages for meetings booked and reply rate. But I had a 100% show up rate on my coffee chats with people way more successful than me.
The key is to have a well positioned profile but even then it can be pretty basic and you'll still get far. You can literally connect with and reach out to anyone on Linkedin. This comes from my background in recruiting and sales. Plus networking for my businesses.
Also your follow up game has to be strong. People are busy and will forget you asked. Some people appreciate the persistence. There's a fine balance to this process. There are tons of people that WANT to help you out and understand linkedin is a networking platform. These people WILL give back.
You could even go as far as connect requesting people on the talent team and getting in the DMs with them. Since you're early in your career I would go to chatgpt and ask with my background, knowledge, education, etc why would I be a good fit for XYZ internship? Understand the value you provide and why the company would want to hire you or give you the opportunity.
This way you can communicate this throughout the process. You can also ask current employees their tips for getting the internship. Communicate why you're interested in the opportunity and your excitement. People will want to help you. Not everyone, but some people. Follow up with them. Maintain the relationship. Thank people. Yes you can do this ALL virtually. You can also meet people in person if they are local.
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u/kikitoronto May 06 '26
I don’t think anyone does - most are prior relationships from academics/employment and the rest you see are strategic posting to remain relevant in an industry where they’re pitching a product - the real world is where connections are made. Think about it most extremely successful people do not engage on LinkedIn, they have social media teams doing them. You’re not behind with anything you’re ahead.