More Than a Profile: LinkedIn Tactics that Get Engineers Connected & Hired
In today’s competitive job market, building professional connections is not just helpful — it is essential. LinkedIn makes that possible. Think of it as a dynamic, supercharged version of your resume: a living, interactive portfolio that extends far beyond a single page. It allows you to showcase photos, project diagrams, and examples of your work, all accessible to recruiters and industry professionals. But LinkedIn is much more than an online profile — it is a powerful platform for learning, networking, and opening doors to new opportunities.
For students pursuing engineering degrees, it delivers one of the world’s most engaged and influential alumni networks — LinkedIn serves as a dynamic platform for professional branding, meaningful connections, and strategic career advancement.
Drawing on principles from Steve Dalton’s The Job Closer and The 2-Hour Job Search, we will explore how LinkedIn can help you secure internships, launch full-time careers, and build meaningful professional relationships — both within a university’s powerful alumni network and beyond.
The Importance of LinkedIn in Engineering Careers
1. Discoverability Through Keywords
LinkedIn functions as a massive, searchable database. Recruiters use it to identify potential candidates based on specific technical skills, such as SolidWorks, MATLAB, FEA (Finite Element Analysis), CAD (Computer-Aided Design), or domain experience in sectors like aerospace or energy. If an engineering student’s profile lacks these keywords, they may not appear in search results.
Students should be intentional and focused in presenting their key skills. For example, a recruiter seeking FEA experience will prioritize profiles where the term appears in the headline, summary, and experience sections.
Tailor your profile to your desired industry or role. Use keywords in your headline and summary.
Headline Example:
Engineering Student | CAD & FEA | Aerospace Design Enthusiast
About Section Sample:
I’m a university engineering student with experience in SolidWorks, MATLAB, and thermofluids. Seeking a full-time role in aerospace design or sustainable energy systems.
Tips:
Highlight coursework, capstone/class projects and yes, even personal projects — they matter to employers.
List relevant tools: ANSYS, Python, GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing), CNC machining.
Quantify accomplishments (e.g., “Reduced component weight by 15%”, “Significantly improved thermal efficiency over the baseline model”).
2. Demonstrating Professionalism and Results
In the world of engineering, details and results matter. A deliberately developed LinkedIn profile demonstrates initiative, organization, and professionalism — qualities employers need. Beyond professionalism, engineering managers look for evidence of results.
Students should use their profiles to highlight not only what they have done, but the measurable impact of their work — projects completed, systems improved, efficiencies achieved, or innovations introduced. A results-oriented and professional presence helps convey not only who you are but also what you have accomplished and how you can contribute. This same principle extends to your customized resumes and interviews.
3. Meaningful Professional Outreach (a.k.a. “Networking”)
Dalton’s strategy emphasizes informational interviews as the most effective method for obtaining valuable insights and generating opportunities. I could not agree more. LinkedIn supports this approach by helping students identify alumni and industry professionals. For example, hidden in plain sight on the BYU LinkedIn page, the LinkedIn BYU Alumni Tool is an unknown goldmine for most students — this tool lets you filter alumni by employer, location, career field, major, and even specific skills.
Universities have hundreds of thousands of alumni on LinkedIn who form a unique and powerful professional community. This is magnified by built-in connections with their established global networks, where shared values and experiences promote a culture of advocacy and service. For university students, this is an incredible resource when they take advantage of it.
Connecting with Engineering Alumni and Industry Professionals
Reaching Out
LinkedIn is excellent for discovering professionals, but less effective for direct communication. When possible, find emails through company websites, AI tools, CareerShift, etc. Send a concise (under 75 words) message introducing yourself as an engineering student exploring their field or company. Focus on what impressed you about their work — avoid mentioning jobs or internships — and politely request a brief 15–20-minute Zoom or phone chat.
During the conversation
Begin by expressing gratitude and acknowledging any connection you may have. Ask about their career path, what their typical day looks like, and what advice they have for students preparing to enter the field. As the conversation progresses and if it feels appropriate, acknowledge interest in the organization and transparently shift to questions related to how you can best position yourself for internships and full-time work. Use the information to customize resumes and prepare for interviews to show how you can add value and be a good fit.
Following up
Send a thank-you email within 24 hours, mentioning something specific you learned. Connect on LinkedIn with a brief note referencing your discussion. If interested, continue the relationship by sharing updates about your progress or goals a few times each year. Thoughtful follow-up often leads to mentorship, internships, and future career opportunities.
Conclusion
LinkedIn is a game-changer for career preparation and growth. For engineering students, it is more than a profile — it is a launchpad to showcase your skills and proactively connect with the world, starting with your university’s extensive and supportive alumni network. That network is literally at your fingertips. Use it to open doors, build relationships, and shape your future. Then, move forward with faith as you go forth to serve.
To cite this article:
Jewkes, Tony. “More Than a Profile: LinkedIn Tactics That Get Engineers Connected & Hired.” The BYU Design Review, 29 October 2025, https://www.designreview.byu.edu/collections/more-than-a-profile.
