Similar to Facebook, LinkedIn builds your network by connecting you, degree by degree, with connections of your connections. Use it as a valuable resource in your networking.  Over 8,000 Davidson alumni and students are using LinkedIn.  Join Today! 

LinkedIn Student Guide

What is LinkedIn and why should I Join?
Build your Professional Brand
Create Your Profile
Find your Career Passion
Grow your Professional Network
Turn Relationships into Opportunities
Nail the Interview
LinkedIn Ettiquette Guide

Locate over 8,000 Davidson Alumni on LinkedIn using the "Advanced Search" Link

1. From your LinkedIn homepage, click on the "Advanced" link next to the people search text box on the top, righthand corner of your LinkedIn profile.
2. Type "Davidson College" in the School text box.
3. Select industries, geographical areas and/or keywords of interest to you.
4. Follow the invitation to connect instructions below. 

How to Write an Invitation to Connect with Alumni on LinkedIn

When you "Connect" with an individual on LinkedIn you will be given the opportunity to indicate your relationship to that person and write a short invitation.  Your invitation will be brief and should explain who you are and why you want to connect.  

1. Select how you know the person. Students connecting with alumni should use the "Classmate" option.  
2. Do not use the generic "I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn" message when connecting with individuals on LinkedIn. Instead, write a brief personal message that conveys who you are and why a connection to that individual is important.

An example of an invitation to connect message:

Dear Mr: Flora:

I am a Davidson College junior exploring a career in law and would appreciate your advice on locating summer internships at law firms. I hope we can connect and have a follow up conversation at your convenience. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Jacob Ellison '13

Davidson College Network LinkedIn Groups

Once on LinkedIn please join the 4,500+ strong Davidson College Network group and other Davidson groups.  The groups are a networking resource for alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of Davidson College.  

Learn how to Connect with a Group Member
Learn how to Send a Message to a Group Member

Recommended  Davidson LinkedIn Groups
Davidson College Network
Davidson College Legal Professional Network 
Davidson International Network
Davidson Finance Network
Davidson College Real Estate Network
Davidson College Tech Network
ACE: Alumni Color of Engagement at Davidson
Washington DC Area Davidson College Alumni

How to Write An Effective Discussion Post on the Davidson College Network LinkedIn Group

Once you have joined the Davidson College Network you will be able to post a "discussion" message which will be viewed by many of the members of the group. Posting a discussion is an effective way of reaching a large audience of alumni who can provide advice and potentially offer leads on internships or jobs.  The posting should be short and clearly state what type of advice you are seeking from the group.  

An example of a posting:

Davidson Community: I am a junior exploring a career in law and would appreciate any advice on obtaining a summer internship at a law firm or legal clinic in New York City. Please send me a message if you can help and thank you in advance for your time.

Quick Tips for Your Next Networking Conversation

• Review the Networking Guide for sample networking questions to ask your contacts and for sample emails to send alumni. 
• Know your skills, interests and goals and can articulate them.
• Have a 1 - 2 minute personal introduction prepared that succinctly describes your background and what your goals are.
• Know what it is you want to take away from the conversation with the alumni (advice on a career interest, internship leads, additional networking contacts?)
• Be polite, friendly, professional and observant of your contacts time. Always send thank you notes after meetings or conversations.
• Keep in touch. Follow up with networking contacts once a month to share how you have been progressing towards your goals and to let them know when your goals have been achieved. They will appreciate hearing from you.