LinkedIn is the professional home of 150 million+ members, all of whom are networking with one another. Each member has a different objective and each objective is sculpted by the member’s professional and educational aspirations.
While many may not have large “networks” on LinkedIn, there is one way to expand your LinkedIn horizons and that is to join LinkedIn Groups! Joining a LinkedIn Group can allow you to:
- View/Post Job Opportunities
- Ask and Share Career Tips
- Discuss Industry Trends
- NETWORK with Like-Minded Professionals
While we may all have different goals for who we want to network with, ’Four Must Join Groups’ on LinkedIn remain the same. The groups listed below can give you a great networking start, so join now!
Educational Alumni Groups:
Most universities, colleges and specialty schools have a presence on LinkedIn and many have groups for their alumni. If applicable, check to see if your sorority or fraternity has a LinkedIn group. Many educational institutions and Greek life that have groups make networking accessible and nationwide.
Association Groups:
Being a member of an association and attending meetings and mixers certainly has its perks, but participating with the associations on LinkedIn has its perks too. Association groups put you in touch with like-minded professionals and allow you to keep your skills sharp with on-topic conversations. For example, if you’re a member of the Connecticut Society of CPA’s there’s a group out there for you!
Certification Groups:
Are you a Six Sigma Black Belt? CPA? CFA? Google AdWord Certified Marketer? There are THOUSANDS of certifications out there and many of these certified professionals have started networking groups on LinkedIn. It is more than likely that, if you have a certification, there is a LinkedIn group out there for you. These groups can be an excellent way to network with others whom have the same certifications as you, and are willing to help others advance their careers.
Special Interest Groups:
Social media enthusiast? Baseball fanatic? Diversity inclusion advocate? Wildlife preservationist? What an easy way to break the ice with another professional you want to network with, but to know you’re interested in the same special topics or activities. Don’t see a group on LinkedIn particular to your interest? LinkedIn has great directions on how to start your own group, which you can find here.
Whatever your education, association, certification or interests may be, there’s probably an existing LinkedIn Group out there for you.
To get started, feel free to join the Kforce Professional Network.
Happy Networking!