networking

Making LinkedIn Work for You in 2025

Posted on by Rachel Wood

LinkedIn has changed a lot since 2021 when I first shared these tips. Back then, the focus was mostly on having a polished profile and connecting with alumni. Those things still matter, but now there are more ways than ever to make LinkedIn work for you. 

1. Start with the basics, then level up

  • Photo & headline: A clear, friendly headshot and a headline with 2–3 keywords for your field make it easier for people to find you.
  • About section: Write in first person, keep it authentic. Share what you’re interested in, not just what you’ve done.
  • Experience: Focus on results and projects, not just job titles or duties.

2. Post with purpose

You don’t have to make posts on LinkedIn. If you do, you definitely don’t have post all the time. Liking, commenting, or sharing others’ posts is valuable. But posting can be easier than you might think. If you do want to post, share something quick about what you’re learning, working on, or curious about. That could be:

  • A class project you’re proud of
  • An internship or campus job update
  • An article, podcast, class discussion, or event that got you thinking
  • A question for people in your field of interest
  • A reflection on a skill you’re building

New in 2025: LinkedIn’s algorithm favors visual content. Aim for most posts to have an image, infographic, or short video. Short, vertical “Reels”-style videos and carousel posts are performing especially well.
Tip: Don’t just post. Stick around to reply to comments and join conversations.

3. Level up your outreach

We talk a lot about reaching out to alumni or other professionals in our field(s) of interest. This outreach works best when it’s short, specific, and personal. Mention something specific you noticed, like a recent post or shared interest. Instead of just “I’m a student and want to talk,” try:

  • “I saw you got your PMP certification. I’m curious if you’d recommend it for someone starting out?”
  • “I noticed you did your graduate work at the University of Michigan. What helped you choose it?”

As career coach Madeline Mann says, “If you’re going to ask for 15 minutes of their time, be sure to show that you spent 15 minutes of yours.” Remember to follow up; thank people for their time or advice, and later share how you used what they told you.

4. Stay genuine

LinkedIn’s culture has shifted toward valuing authenticity. It’s okay to show a bit of your personality alongside your professional work. The more your profile reflects your real values and interests, the more likely you are to attract opportunities that fit you.

Bottom line: The basics from 2021 still matter. In 2025, LinkedIn works best when you keep your profile fresh, connect with people genuinely, and take small, consistent actions. You don’t have to do everything, just keep showing up. 

Meet Alumni. Build Connections. Join a Hornet Huddle.

Posted on by Rachel Wood

What if you could grab coffee with someone who once stood exactly where you are but now works for the Detroit Lions, the U.S. Department of State, or Johnson & Johnson?

KConnect Week (Dec. 2–6) is all about meaningful connections between students and alumni. One of the best ways to get involved is through Hornet Huddles, 20-minute, one-on-one or small-group conversations with K alumni from a wide range of careers.

Alumni hosts have volunteered to share advice, career stories, and insights to help you explore options after K. Huddles happen on Zoom throughout the week.

Before signing up, check your calendar carefully and make sure you can attend. Once you register, show up. Alumni are setting aside time just for you, and it’ll be important not just for you but for future K students to honor your commitment.

How it works

  • Log in to the KConnect Week portal with your KNet ID and password to view all alumni bios and available times.
  • Each Huddle listing includes the alum’s field, interests, and signup link through Bookings.
  • After you reserve a spot, you’ll receive a calendar invite with the Zoom link.

Featured Alumni Snapshots

A few of the many alumni ready to meet with you:

  • Amanda Moss ’19 – Head of International Strategy, Detroit Lions: global sports business and leadership.
  • Dr. Natalie Melnick ’15 – Physician Assistant, Henry Ford Health: liberal arts to medicine.
  • Sarah Glass ’17 – Principal Scientist, Johnson & Johnson: biochemistry to drug discovery.
  • Kyle Hartwell ’07 – Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Department of State: diplomacy and global careers.
  • Mallika Mitra ’16 – Journalist & Editor: business and finance storytelling.
  • Bethany Whitehead ’98 – Director of Operations & Culture, Minnesota Museum of American Art: equity and leadership in the arts.
  • Paul Guenette ’74 – Former CEO & Development Leader: 40 years in global agribusiness; author of From Kalamazoo to Timbuktu.
  • Riya Bhuyan ’20 – Strategy & Operations Lead, Virya Projects: consulting to sustainability.
  • Olivia Nalugya ’16 – Scientist III, Cardinal Health: first-generation international professional in healthcare innovation.
  • Asia Liza Morales ’15 – Regional Vice President, The Posse Foundation: advancing education equity.
  • Michael Zak ’09 – Principal Marketing Manager, Amazon: storytelling and innovation in tech.
  • Daniel Henry ’20 – Associate Attorney, Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP: specializing in patent prosecution and AI/machine learning.

And that’s just the beginning! Dozens more alumni are ready to connect (seriously, we have 42!). Log in with your KNet ID to explore the full list and sign up for your Hornet Huddles.

Students Lead Civic Government Panel on Careers in Public Service

Posted on by Valerie Miller
Moderator, other panelists, and student attendees listening to panelist, Christina Anderson '98.

Political Science DSA Hollis Masterson ’26 and student leader Libby McFarlen ’26 partnered with Dr. Justin Berry, the Center for Civic Engagement, KVotes and the CCPD to host a dynamic conversation on civic careers last Tuesday with three Kalamazoo city leaders who also have strong ties to the K community.

The panel featured Vice Mayor Jeanne Hess, Chief Operating Officer Laura Lam ’99, and City Planner and Deputy Director of Community Planning and Economic Development Christina Anderson ’98. Each shared personal stories and insights about discovering purpose through public service.

Masterson, who moderated the discussion, asked how each panelist found their way into city government. Anderson described starting as a volunteer on the zoning board before joining the City of Kalamazoo staff. Lam applied for a role with the City, hoping to return to her hometown and contribute to its growth. Hess spoke about her deep ties to Kalamazoo and how the former mayor encouraged her to run for City Commission after retiring from teaching and coaching at K.

As the discussion shifted to building skills and managing challenging work environments, the panelists offered advice rooted in lived experience. “Even a bad internship or job gets you closer to what you want,” Anderson told students. She went on to add that “any job has a learning curve… you need to be in it long enough to see if it’s going to work for you.” Hess added, “I always said as a coach, ‘you either win or you learn.’”

When asked what cities look for in candidates, the panelists emphasized the mindsets and habits that define effective public service. They spoke about listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, and engaging with community members in ways that build trust. Strong civic leaders, they noted, show up, collaborate well, follow through, and stay grounded in purpose. As Lam put it, “If you go into government, you need to be crystal clear about your ‘why.’”

The event captured the best of K’s collaborative spirit. Students, alumni, faculty, and community partners came together to explore how liberal arts learning can lead to real-world impact. By organizing and leading the panel, Masterson and McFarlen created space for real conversation and connection, encouraging students to imagine careers in public service, or, if not, how to stay involved through continued civic engagement. As Anderson noted, “Wherever you go, you are a member of that community. And it is your duty to be an active member of your community…to bring your light to that space.”

Keep the Homecoming Energy Going: Join KConnect

Posted on by Rachel Wood

At last week’s Homecoming’s Connection Receptions, students and alumni met in person and realized they had a lot to talk about. The conversations that started in Hicks do not have to end there! KConnect is how you keep them going.

KConnect screenshot

KConnect is Kalamazoo College’s online community where students and alumni connect for quick career advice, mentoring, and opportunities. You can search by major, location, or career field to find people who have been where you want to go, whether that is law school, nonprofit work, tech, or something you have not even discovered yet.

Unlike LinkedIn, everyone on KConnect already shares the K experience. Alumni have joined because they want to help you. It takes just a few minutes to set up your profile, and you can start by messaging one alum whose story interests you.

Do not lose the momentum you built during Homecoming! Join KConnect today and see how far one short conversation can take you.

Meet Employers & Unlock Opportunities: Your Guide to the 2024 Fair

Posted on by Rachel Wood

Are you exploring career paths, searching for that perfect summer internship, or just looking to build connections with future employers? Then mark your calendar for the Kalamazoo College Employer Connection Fair, happening Wednesday, October 9, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Dewing Commons.

This informal event is open to all Kalamazoo College students and recent alumni, giving you a chance to meet recruiters, get valuable insights into different industries, and start laying the groundwork for your professional future!

Who Should Attend?

Whether you’re actively job hunting or just starting to think about potential career paths, this fair has something for everyone:

  • Curious about career options? Meet representatives from a variety of industries and learn about what they do.
  • Looking for internships or jobs? Speak directly with recruiters who are hiring.
  • Want to build your networking skills? Practice introducing yourself, delivering your elevator pitch, or getting feedback on your resume in a low-pressure setting.

Who’s Coming?

Get excited about the range of employers attending this year’s fair. Here’s a sneak peek at some featured organizations:

  • Atomic Object: Specializing in custom software design and development, Atomic Object collaborates on a range of products across web, mobile, and desktop.
  • Bronson Healthcare Group: The largest healthcare provider in the region, offering a full range of services from primary to critical care.
  • Consumers Credit Union: Known for its exceptional growth and member-focused approach, Consumers is a leader in the financial sector.
  • Greenleaf Hospitality Group: A top player in hospitality with properties including the Radisson Plaza Hotel and Wings Event Center.
  • Helix Scribe Solutions: Provides healthcare students hands-on experience by working closely with medical providers as scribes.
  • Kalamazoo County Government: Offers diverse employment opportunities in law enforcement, health, administration, and more.
  • Lake Michigan Credit Union: The largest financial institution in West Michigan, known for putting its members first.
  • Northern Biomedical Research: Supports pre-clinical research in gene therapy, stem cells, and biologic therapeutics.
  • Peace Corps: Volunteers work globally on projects in education, health, environment, and community development.
  • The Kalamazoo Promise: Provides full-tuition scholarships to Kalamazoo high school students for community colleges and public universities in Michigan.
  • Zhang Financial: A prominent wealth management firm recognized for its client-centered, evidence-based approach.

How to Get Ready

To make the most of this event, prep your materials ahead of time:

  • Bring Your Student ID: This will speed up the check-in process.
  • Have Copies of Your Resume: Employers will appreciate it if you’re ready to share, especially if you’re actively seeking an internship or job.

Not sure if your resume is up to par? Swing by the Career Studio in Dewing 102 during Drop-In Hours (Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesday/Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.). There, you can get personalized feedback on your resume, help crafting questions for employers, and answers to any other burning questions you might have.

Why Attend?

This is your chance to gain valuable face time with recruiters and learn about a wide range of career options. Even if you’re not looking for a job or internship right now, building connections early can give you a head start when you’re ready to launch your career.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to network, explore, and take one step closer to your future career! We can’t wait to see you there.

Chemistry Connections

Posted on by Rachel Wood

I want to share how excited I was to be a part of the planning group for our 4th annual Kalamazoo American Chemical Society (KACS) networking event, co-sponsored by Kalamazoo College and KACS. Over the past several years, we gathered in person in the Hicks Banquet Rooms on campus. Given the enthusiasm of wanting to continue this type of program, we shifted to the virtual format and I am happy to report it was a success!

On January 26th, Dr. Blakely Tresca and Dr. Jeffrey Bartz led this award-winning program virtually using Zoom. Participants met in this virtual space to talk about their shared interests in the chemistry field. Zoom breakout rooms provided one-on-one meeting space for students to ask specific questions based on mentors’ career paths. Industry professionals served as mentors and talked about their professional pursuits.

“I started attending the yearly KACS Speed Networking event as a freshman and it was helpful in making meaningful connections and learning more about what I could do with my chemistry degree. Currently, as a senior, I am planning to attend chemistry graduate school in the fall, and being able to talk to Ph.D. scientists has given me a perspective of what I could do with a Ph.D. I’m thankful for having the opportunity to attend the speed networking events during my time at K and for the impact it has made to my career.” – Subi Thakali, K’21, Chemistry​

“The KACS Speed Networking event was a great experience that helped me develop professional communication skills and provided me with the opportunity to make real connections with mentors throughout many different fields of chemistry. Additionally, the conversations I had with the mentors were fascinating and inspiring… these conversations made lasting connections that could be very helpful in the future.” – Marissa Dolorfino, K’23, Spanish and Chemistry

In between the student/mentor conversations, K Chemistry faculty, Ed Thomas (local American Chemical Society President, and Dr. Tricia Zelaya-Leon (our CCPD Director) made announcements and shared resources. Dr. Ben Maxey also spoke, highlighting Pfizer’s lead in the global development of the COVID vaccine.

Group planning members Dr. Tomasz Respondek (Principal Scientist, Zoetis Inc.) and Dr. Lucas Chadwick, K’95 (Sr. Scientist, Bell’s Brewery), lead outreach efforts.

We are hopeful that these area industry professional mentors and students will continue their conversations, well-beyond this event.

Jacqueline A. Srodes
Assistant Director, Center for Career and Professional Development
Kalamazoo College

Making LinkedIn Actually Work

Posted on by Rachel Wood

Here’s a common refrain in my coaching practice:

kalamazoo college alumni network on linkedin

Me: “Do you have a LinkedIn profile?”

Student: “I have one, but I’m not doing anything with it. It’s blank.”

Me: “I get this a lot. Here’s what you can do with a free profile that will actually help you get an internship. You might be surprised, but it has virtually nothing to do with searching jobs posted…”

Almost 95% of recruiters use LinkedIn to search for candidates, but the majority of our students have a basic profile with the title of “student”. They created it, probably because someone told them they should, and maybe they have added their roommates or a few friends.

But there’s so much more you can do with this platform to advance your career.

Take charge of your future and attract more attention from potential employers. Try these tips for designing and using your LinkedIn profile.

Designing your LinkedIn Profile:

1. Edit your headline. Start by writing a specific headline. Tell employers what value you add and make them want to learn more. Keep your audience in mind and avoid technical terms that may be unfamiliar to them. You have 230 characters here. Examples might be “Aspiring policy-maker looking to gain experience on the ground in the nonprofit sector”, or, “Creative programmer seeking opportunities to utilize data analytics skills”

2. Update your summary. Your summary is where you can add more details and showcase your achievements. Provide statistics to describe your impact. Add multimedia attachments like videos and work samples to help you stand out.

3. Choose your photo. Pick an image that looks professional and clear. Focus on your face and use flattering natural light. Consider your background photo—do you see others in your industries of interest with creative backgrounds? What makes sense for you?

4. Add keywords. Help recruiters and automated search tools to find you. Browse through job descriptions and resumes for keywords that are popular in your field and include them in your profile, including the headline and summary.

5. Choose your URL. LinkedIn gives your profile a URL, but you can change it to something that you like better or might work more effectively for you. If your name is already taken, use a slight variation with your middle initial, a hyphen, or an underscore.

6. Welcome recruiters. Is your profile visible to recruiters? Go into your privacy settings to be sure that you’ve opted to let them know that you want to hear from them. You’ll need to reset this switch every few months if you’re still looking.

7. Be consistent. Your resume is usually written for a specific opening while your profile is a more general statement. Still, you want them to be similar enough to avoid causing any confusion. If you are searching for multiple types of roles, talk with a career professional about how to make a headline/summary that keeps you open.

8. Check the meter. LinkedIn provides a profile strength meter to help you rate yourself. It will give you helpful recommendations about additional steps you can take, such as adding more information about volunteer work and foreign languages.

Actively Using Your LinkedIn Profile:

1. Find Kalamazoo College alumni doing things you find interesting. Check out their (often circuitous) career paths. How might you get where they are now? What skills do they have? Check out this >2 minute video on how to use the Alumni Tool.

2. Gather recommendations and endorsements. Recruiters want to know what others say about you. Ask former classmates, professors, employers and other contacts for recommendations. Use your endorsements to advertise skills that are in high demand. Not sure how to ask for a recommendation? Write one for someone else! If you’re generous about helping others, they’ll be more likely to return the favor.

3. Write and publish. Share your knowledge and insights on the LinkedIn publishing platform. You are already writing for your classes, why not share that writing publiclly?

4. Follow companies of interest. Like/comment on their posts.

5. Join groups. Look for groups in your subject area and participate actively. Post articles and answer questions.

6. Monitor your connections. Stay on the lookout for valuable connections to add to your network. Send them personal invitations that will make a positive impression. Did someone recently give you a business card? Add them that evening! Did you meet an alum at an event on campus? Reach out!

7. Encourage others. Think of LinkedIn as a community where you can exchange ideas and support. Comment on posts from other users and share them with your own connections.

Your LinkedIn profile is much more than just an online resume. Utilize it to maintain and develop your network— without ever having to change out of sweatpants!