LinkedIn for Epidemiologists

At some point since starting at Rollins, you have probably heard a faculty member, guest speaker, or classmate mention their LinkedIn profile. Some of you may be longtime LinkedIn users and others may be considering joining the platform for the first time. No matter where you fall on this spectrum, you may be wondering how you can make use of the resources that LinkedIn offers to its users. Here are some dos and don’ts for navigating LinkedIn as an epidemiologist:

DO:

1. Follow Rollins School of Public Health! The RSPH page routinely posts about upcoming opportunities and articles that can help stay up to date on new research and happenings in the world of public health. You can also use the “Alumni” tab on the page to browse classmates and graduates that have added Rollins to their own profile.
2. Use LinkedIn to keep up with other public health organizations. Many organizations of interest such as the CDC, the Georgia Department of Public Health, and the American Cancer Society use LinkedIn to post job opportunities and updates to their programs. By navigating to the “People” tab on an organizations page, you can also browse current/former employees. If you see someone who is doing work that you are interested in, you can connect with or follow them to stay up to date on their research.
3. Keep up with your classmates. Consider connecting with folks you meet in your classes here at Rollins. The world of public health is small, and you may find that LinkedIn can help you get back in touch with a classmate who is doing work you are interested in after graduation. This can make networking easier!
4. Update your profile/make posts as you accomplish new things. LinkedIn allows you to showcase almost everything that you are doing at Rollins, from REAL jobs to student organizations to certifications you have obtained. By keeping your profile up to date, you put your best foot forward in the event that a potential employer views your profile. If you already have a resume, you can likely reuse that material to update your LinkedIn.
5. Browse the “Jobs” tab on your LinkedIn homepage. Based on the experiences you have listed on your profile, LinkedIn may recommend jobs that seem aligned with your skills. This can be a good jumping-off point for a job search. While this can definitely be a good resource, be sure to check the website of the job posting before applying, as LinkedIn job postings may be created automatically and can sometimes leave out important job details or requirements that are featured on the employer’s website. 

DON’T:

1. Don’t use LinkedIn as your only resource during a job hunt. When searching for a job, you do not want to close yourself off to any potential opportunities. Some employers do not use LinkedIn, so be sure to explore beyond one website. Like I said above, LinkedIn can be a good starting point during a job search, but it is important to use all of your resources, such as 12Twenty (or the Confounder!). 
2. Don’t share information you do not feel comfortable having available publicly. While I have included keeping your profile updated in the “Do” section, it is important to remember that it is never required to post something on LinkedIn that you do not want to. Using LinkedIn is entirely optional, and some folks may choose not use it at all. Remember that there are always other ways to network and it is totally fine to say no to posting on/using LinkedIn.
3. Don’t spend too much time on LinkedIn if it is impacting your mental health! While it can be a great resource for networking, it can also be draining to be constantly comparing yourself to the successes that your colleagues have posted about on LinkedIn. Studies have even found that using LinkedIn can be associated with feelings of impostor syndrome. At the end of the day, everyone’s career moves at a different pace and people only typically post about their successes. It is important to avoid comparing yourself to the deliberately curated profiles that are posted to LinkedIn. If you notice your mental health being impacted by LinkedIn, take some time away from the platform. Remember that it is not the only way to network or find jobs and that your mental health comes first!