7 Things to Include When Building Your LinkedIn Profile as a Vet Student

So, you're navigating the exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) world of veterinary school. You're juggling lectures, labs, and maybe even some early clinical experiences. In the midst of all this, you might be wondering if you really need to think about LinkedIn. The answer? Absolutely! Think of LinkedIn as your professional launchpad, and as a vet student, now is the perfect time to start building a strong foundation.

Why bother now? Well, LinkedIn isn't just for seasoned professionals looking for their next job. It's a powerful tool for networking, learning, and showcasing your journey as you grow into a veterinarian. It allows you to connect with vets in your areas of interest, learn about different career paths, and even discover potential mentorship opportunities. Plus, when it comes time to apply for internships, externships, and eventually your first job, a well-crafted LinkedIn profile can give you a significant edge.

So, what should you actually include on your LinkedIn profile as a vet student? Here are some key elements to focus on:

1. Your Professional Headline and Summary:

Think of your headline as a brief snapshot of who you are. Instead of just "Veterinary Student," try something more engaging like "Aspiring Small Animal Veterinarian | Passionate about Animal Welfare" or "Veterinary Student at [Your University] | Exploring Equine Medicine."

Your summary is your elevator pitch. Briefly introduce yourself, mention your university and year of study, and highlight your key interests within veterinary medicine. Don't be afraid to inject some personality and enthusiasm! Mention any specialities you're particularly drawn to, like surgery, cardiology, or exotics.

2. Your Education:

This might seem obvious, but make sure your education section is complete and accurate. Include:

• Your university name and degree program (e.g., Doctor of Veterinary Medicine).

• Your expected graduation date.

• Any relevant coursework, honors, or awards you've received. You can even list key courses that demonstrate your specific interests.

3. Your Experience (Even if it's Not Traditional "Jobs"):

Don't think you need years of paid work experience to fill this section. As a vet student, you have valuable experiences to showcase:

• Veterinary-related roles: Even shadowing experiences, volunteering at animal shelters or clinics, or assisting in research labs count! Describe your responsibilities and what you learned. Use action verbs (e.g., "Assisted with," "Observed," "Prepared").

• Relevant skills: Think about skills you've gained through your studies and experiences. This could include animal handling, basic medical procedures, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

• Extracurricular activities: Participation in vet student clubs, leadership roles, or involvement in animal welfare organizations demonstrates your commitment and initiative.

4. Your Skills and Endorsements:

LinkedIn allows you to list specific skills. Include both technical skills (e.g., venipuncture, suturing – as your experience allows) and soft skills (e.g., communication, empathy, teamwork). Encourage your classmates, professors, and supervisors to endorse you for these skills.

5. Recommendations:

Don't be shy about asking professors, mentors, or supervisors from your experiences to write you a recommendation. These personal testimonials add significant credibility to your profile.

6. Your Network:

Start connecting with people! Follow veterinarians whose work you admire, join relevant LinkedIn groups (e.g., veterinary professionals, specific specialty groups), and connect with your classmates and professors. Engage with their posts by liking, commenting, and sharing relevant content.

7. A Professional Profile Picture:

A clear, professional headshot makes a great first impression. It doesn't need to be overly formal, but ensure you look approachable and presentable.

Building your LinkedIn profile is an ongoing process. Regularly update it with new experiences, skills, and connections. By investing time in your online presence now, you'll be setting yourself up for success in your future veterinary career. So, take the leap, build your profile, and start connecting! Your future self will thank you.

If you're a vet student searching for more resources to help you while in school, you don't want to miss out on Exero Vet. A video database with over 500 instructional videos on procedures and clinical skills all available to you for FREE through VIN. Interested? Learn more today!