Leveraging LinkedIn for Professional Growth: Career Orientation Session

The Department of Sociology, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), in collaboration with the Placement Cell, organised a Soft Skill Training Program on LinkedIn on 14 July 2025 at Block 1, Room No. 126. The session was facilitated by Mr. Jackson Mendonza, Placement Officer (Postgraduate Programmes) at the Centre for Placement and Career Guidance, Central Campus. With his rich experience in talent acquisition, workforce planning, and student engagement, Mr. Mendonza brought valuable insights into harnessing LinkedIn for career growth and professional networking.

The session began with an interactive dialogue in which students shared their expectations and concerns regarding placements. They expressed interest in gaining clarity on resume-building, understanding the skill sets required for various roles, identifying internship opportunities through LinkedIn, and navigating desired firms along with pay structures. This exchange helped frame the discussion around practical needs, making the orientation both dynamic and relevant to the participants.

Mr. Mendonza emphasized that LinkedIn, when strategically utilized, serves not merely as a digital resume but as a powerful platform for personal branding and professional visibility. He guided students through the process of creating impactful LinkedIn profiles, underscoring the importance of tailoring content to reflect one’s career goals. Practical advice was shared on adding personal information appropriately, avoiding common errors, and highlighting achievements in a way that appeals to potential recruiters.

A key highlight of the session was the discussion on resume keywords and alignment with job descriptions. Mr. Mendonza advised students to extract relevant keywords from job postings and incorporate them into their resumes and LinkedIn profiles to increase discoverability in recruiter searches. He also shed light on the pay structures across sectors, offering students a realistic view of the employment landscape for social science graduates.

Throughout the session, the emphasis remained on building professional networks and connecting with like-minded individuals to expand opportunities. Mr. Mendonza encouraged students to approach LinkedIn as a space for learning, sharing ideas, and engaging with communities, rather than simply a job-seeking platform.

The event concluded with a call for further career enhancement sessions that address complementary aspects such as resume review workshops, skill-building modules, and sector-specific placement guidance. Students left the session better equipped with the knowledge to navigate the digital professional space, while also appreciating the broader career strategies discussed.

This initiative reflects the Department’s commitment to preparing students for the evolving job market by combining academic training with practical skill development. The collaboration with the Placement Cell not only strengthened students’ understanding of LinkedIn but also reaffirmed the role of social sciences in bridging people, organizations, and career growth.