I LOVE LINKEDIN | #BeBoldConnect | Post 1 of 6

Kirstin on Fullback and Friends | I have set myself the challenge of writing six themed blogs, and my chosen theme is LinkedIn. Now I am the first to hold my hand up and admit that technology is not my greatest strength, and yes, I do not mind admitting that I am a what is known as a ‘technophobe’, but with regards to LinkedIn, I can safely say I am a massive fan.  I love LinkedIn.

This blog is the first of six, and I hope, will provide me with a platform to introduce my professional background and experience in using LinkedIn.

So, here are the facts & figures…

My profile link | https://uk.linkedin.com/in/kirstin-burke-b4b54317
My connections | 1,532
Account | Basic
Profile Strength | nearly, just nearly an ‘All Star’
Favourite LinkedIn tool | opportunity to showcase the creative you – portfolio of work

People I am proud to be, connected, too…

Far too many to mention, but two professionals I am inspired by and enjoy following their professional successes are Lisa TSE (MBE) and Laura Kent (Manchester School of Art, 2015 Textiles in Practice Graduate). Why? Lisa studied, BA Business at Manchester Metropolitan University (1996 – 2000), which is where our professional connection began. Lisa graduated, working for family business, Sweet Mandarin (Manchester). Since 2004, Lisa’s business role is as CEO – Sweet Mandarin, 2012 – operates a Sweet Mandarin sauce manufacturing business (Manchester), & co-author of two cook books. Yep, I did warn you, inspirational.

Laura Kent is a creative professional, that, I am so proud to have connected with whilst studying at the Manchester School of Art (2012 – 2015), and was one of my first Art School students who engaged with me as a placement & work based learning mentor, when I set up my service delivery two+ years ago. When I introduced Laura to LinkedIn, she got it immediately, a professional platform to showcase her creative achievements, follow and connect with like-minded creatives in the industry, update her profile with all of her amazing internships, bursaries, awards, volunteering – and, Laura grabbed every opportunity available to her (& continues to do so). I know that Laura’s has an amazing future ahead of her, and as with Lisa Tse, I will be there in the background, proudly cheering Laura on.

A little bit about me, I have 20+ years’ experience working within Higher Education, areas of expertise are placement & work based learning mentoring and business development, event management and networking. Sector knowledge includes Architecture; Creative; Third Sector and Business. I am a ‘business geek’, I love working with industry professionals, following business trends, and introducing meaningful opportunities to our students at the Manchester School of Art, Manchester School of Architecture and Manchester Metropolitan University. As a mentor, I support under-graduates with all aspects of their recruitment and selection process when organising placement & work based learning, help them tailor personalised job searches, and provide 1-2-1 support. In addition, during 2015/2016 I have designed and delivered under-graduate LinkedIn Masterclasses; created/manage multiple LinkedIn Placement & Work Based Learning – Course Groups; & my team promotes #LinkedInThursdays on our Facebook Group.

So finally, how do I use LinkedIn? LinkedIn is in the background of all of my work, as soon as I log-on to my computer, I sign into LinkedIn as well. All of the groups I manage, are fed and checked daily, I respond to in-box messages, review invite requests, check connection updates ie. work anniversaries, new job updates etc, and regularly check newsfeed. In addition, I use LinkedIn at my 1-2-1 sessions, reviewing student profiles, showing them how to search for companies, employees, and job opportunities to support their job searches. &, as my job involves a lot of business development/networking, I keep a business card drop on my desk, to make sure that I follow up on LinkedIn after business meetings/events etc.

Do you enjoy using LinkedIn as much as me? Do you find it is supportive to your work, and helps showcase all of your professional achievements and successes? If yes, I look forward to sharing, my next blog post with you next week.