What LinkedIn Premium Offers for Students
Short answer
LinkedIn Premium for students is a paid subscription designed to help young adults enhance their job search, build professional connections, and gain new skills. It offers features like direct messaging to recruiters, detailed insights on job applicants, and access to career courses, providing a practical advantage when starting a career.
What Is LinkedIn Premium for Students and How Is It Different from Free LinkedIn?
LinkedIn Premium for students is a special paid plan tailored specifically for college students and recent graduates aiming to start their professional journeys. While the free LinkedIn account lets you create a profile, connect with others, and apply for jobs, Premium adds extra tools focused on career growth and job searching.
For example, with free LinkedIn, you can see limited information about who viewed your profile and can only message your direct connections. Premium expands these capabilities by allowing you to:
- See the full list of people who checked your profile in the last 90 days.
- Send direct “InMail” messages to recruiters or professionals outside your network.
- Access LinkedIn Learning courses to develop skills relevant to your career goals.
- View competitive insights on job applicants, helping you understand how you compare for positions.
These benefits make Premium a proactive resource rather than just a social profile. It helps you build a professional presence, network strategically, and prepare for roles more effectively than with the free version alone.
How Does LinkedIn Premium for Students Work? A Step-by-Step Example
To understand how LinkedIn Premium works, imagine you are a student looking for an internship in graphic design. Here’s how you might use Premium features in practice:
- Profile Views: You notice several design managers have viewed your profile. This shows your profile is attracting attention, which is a good sign.
- InMail Messaging: You use your Premium credits to send a polite message to a design lead at a company you admire. Your message might say: “Hi [Name], I’m a graphic design student passionate about branding. I’m very interested in your company’s internship program. Could we connect to discuss potential opportunities?”
- Job Applicant Insights: When applying to internships, Premium shows you how your background compares to other applicants (like degrees or skills). You see you have fewer years of experience but strong software skills, so you highlight those in your application.
- LinkedIn Learning: You take courses on Adobe Creative Suite and UX design, then add these certifications to your profile to strengthen your resume.
- Job Search Filters: Premium offers advanced filters to find internships by company size, industry, or location, helping you focus on the best matches.
This example shows how Premium offers a combination of communication tools, learning opportunities, and data to support an effective job search.
Why Does LinkedIn Premium Matter Specifically for Students?
Starting a career without much work experience or a large professional network can feel overwhelming. LinkedIn Premium matters because it gives students direct access to recruiters and useful information that would otherwise be unavailable or limited on the free platform.
For students, this means:
- Increased Visibility: Being able to see who views your profile and message hiring managers directly helps you build relationships earlier.
- Skill Development: Access to LinkedIn Learning courses means you can prepare for jobs by learning specific skills employers want.
- Competitive Edge: Knowing how you compare to other candidates helps you tailor your applications or decide on new skills to add.
- Networking: Premium encourages reaching beyond friends and classmates to professionals in your desired field.
For example, if a student applies for a software engineering internship and sees that a recruiter from that company viewed their profile, they can send a message to express interest and ask about next steps. This proactive outreach can make a difference in landing interviews.
What Do Students Often Confuse LinkedIn Premium With?
Many students confuse LinkedIn Premium with:
- Just a Profile Boost: Some think it automatically increases profile views or job offers. In reality, Premium provides tools you have to use actively to get results.
- LinkedIn Learning Alone: The course library is included with Premium, but some believe these are separate services.
- Free LinkedIn: The free version allows basic networking and job searching but limits messaging and insights.
- Other Job Sites: LinkedIn combines networking, job postings, and learning in one place, unlike sites that only list jobs.
Understanding these differences can help you decide if Premium fits your needs or if you can achieve your goals with the free account and other resources.
How Much Does LinkedIn Premium Cost for Students and Is It Worth It?
LinkedIn offers a discounted Premium subscription for students, usually at a fraction of the standard monthly fee. Prices and promotions change, so check LinkedIn’s website for current rates and trial periods.
Whether Premium is worth it depends on how you plan to use it. For example, if you:
- Want to contact recruiters directly.
- Need access to career-building courses.
- Want insights on job competition.
- Are actively applying for internships or jobs.
Then Premium can be a valuable investment. However, if you’re just browsing or starting to build your profile, the free version might be enough until you’re ready to engage more deeply.
What Should Students Do Next to Get the Most from LinkedIn Premium?
To make the most of LinkedIn Premium, students can follow this step-by-step plan:
- Build a Complete Profile: Include a professional photo, clear headline, education details, skills, and any projects or volunteer work.
- Use InMail Thoughtfully: Research the person you want to contact and send personalized, respectful messages expressing genuine interest.
- Explore LinkedIn Learning: Select courses that match your career goals and add completed certifications to your profile.
- Monitor Profile Views: Check who’s viewing your profile and consider reaching out to those people.
- Use Job Insights: Compare your skills to other applicants and adjust your resume or learning plan accordingly.
- Set Goals: Decide how many jobs to apply for weekly or how many connections to make, then follow through.
- Join Groups and Follow Companies: Engage with professional communities and stay informed about your industry.
By combining these steps, you can turn LinkedIn Premium from a subscription into a practical career-building tool.
What Are Some Alternatives If LinkedIn Premium Isn’t a Good Fit?
Not every student needs LinkedIn Premium. If cost is a concern or you prefer other options, consider these alternatives:
- Free LinkedIn Features: You can still build a strong profile, connect with classmates and alumni, and apply to many jobs.
- Career Services at Your School: Many universities offer free resume reviews, mock interviews, and job fairs.
- Other Learning Platforms: Websites like Coursera, edX, or Khan Academy offer free or low-cost courses.
- Networking Events: Attend local meetups, workshops, or volunteer activities to meet professionals.
- Job Boards: Use other job search websites to find internships or entry-level jobs.
These options can be effective, especially if you’re just starting out or want to explore before investing in Premium.
Frequently asked questions
Can I try LinkedIn Premium for free as a student?
Yes, LinkedIn often offers a free trial of Premium for students, usually lasting one month. After the trial ends, you’ll need to pay the discounted student rate to keep using Premium features. Check LinkedIn’s website for current trial offers.
What is an InMail message on LinkedIn Premium?
InMail lets you send direct messages to LinkedIn users outside your connections. This is useful for reaching recruiters or professionals you want to network with or ask about job opportunities.
Will LinkedIn Premium guarantee me a job?
No, Premium provides tools to help your job search and networking, but landing a job depends on your skills, applications, and interviews. It increases your chances but doesn’t guarantee employment.
Does LinkedIn Premium include online courses?
Yes, LinkedIn Premium includes access to LinkedIn Learning, which offers thousands of courses on professional skills, software, and career development.
How do I cancel my LinkedIn Premium subscription?
You can cancel anytime in your LinkedIn account settings. After cancellation, you keep Premium features until the end of your billing cycle and then revert to the free account.