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Now, I know what you’re thinking, why would I want to fill my LinkedIn feed with more posts highlighting that I’m not in my dream job and how it seems like literally everyone else on earth is? Well behind the “I’m so excited to announce” and “I’m thrilled to announce my newest adventure”, there are tips and tricks to utilize LinkedIn for you. BTW, I’m guilty of posts like this too.
LinkedIn is a love-hate relationship. Behind the self-promotion, and the lack of authenticity that sometimes surfaces, there is an incredible trove of resources and job postings outside of the normal searchable options. Especially in the current state of the tech world, finding job opportunities is more stressful and competitive than ever.
Following LinkedIn influencers is an underrated way to find hidden internships and new career opportunities.
From my experience, and my assumption, your LinkedIn feed is curatable. The same as any algorithm-based social media platform. The content you interact with, save, and spend the most time on will inform LinkedIn on what to show you. As a result, if you’re looking for an internship or a new job, we can curate your feed to be constantly showing you new opportunities, just posted opportunities, and more.
I should mention that there are LinkedIn influencers that provide different “value”. Some post inspirational stories, some describe hyperbolic interactions that changed their entire life, and some post disingenuous advice that isn’t actually helpful. This article is not talking about those influencers, but instead I am focusing on those who provide opportunities, actionable tips or valuable resources to help in the career journey.
What Value Do LinkedIn Influencers Provide?
The right LinkedIn influencers will commonly post new and available job postings for internships and early career positions. There is also an opportunity to network in the comments of these posts. Following creators like this is a great way to see new internships and early career positions that aren’t necessarily posted on LinkedIn in the jobs section.
I’ve found creators post for Product Management, SWE (Software Engineering), UI/UX, Project/Program Management and Data Science the most frequently. However, this is a result of my LinkedIn curation. Other industries may have similar style influencers who post content around internships and early career opportunities.
My Fav Tech LinkedIn Influencers to Follow in 2024
These are listed in no particular order and are some of my favorites for their content, authenticity, and stellar tips. Not all of these people are self-proclaimed LinkedIn influencers. These are just the people I would follow if I was looking for an internship or early in my career looking to apply to positions in the tech industry.
Note: The people on this list more frequently post about US + Canada opportunities, but some international opportunities are posted as well.
Early Career Product/Tech Creators
- Ledornubari (Ledo) Nwilene: A Product Manager at Oracle focused on helping students and early career folks in PM recruiting.
- Morgan Young: A Computer Science & Engineering, and Entrepreneurship student, public speaker, and content creator who posts about her experience applying to internships from a non-target school, new internship opportunities, and more.
- Macy So: A Program Manager and recent Computer Science grad who posts about new tech grad positions and internships plus wellness tips to keep your sanity through recruiting season.
- Diana Vicezar: A Paraguayan Product Manager, designer, and social entrepreneur. Posting content from across the tech world on internship opportunities in cybersecurity, UI/UX, product, SWE, and more.
Tech Recruiters
- Kristi Kennebrew: A passionate advocate for the underrepresented community, particularly those seeking entry-level and transferable roles. Currently a Talent Attraction Partner at Salesforce.
- Manny Duenas: A first-gen college graduate who aims to help diverse & ambitious young people break into tech. Currently a University Recruiter at Intuit.
Career Content
- Elizabeth Morgan: creates weekly content about interviewing, networking, and career tips to encourage early career creatives to cultivate healthy careers that fill them with joy and purpose. Currently a Content Strategist at Amazon.
- Pooja Sund: has over 17 years of global experience in setting visionary goals, providing inspirational and timeless career advice. Currently an Engineering Finance Leader at Microsoft.
- Jeff Nguyen: is committed to helping students navigate their lives and careers. Currently the founder of BobaTalks, a non-profit that supports students by guiding them through career and personal development ambiguities for free.
- Heather (Ianuale) Mikelberg: is a University Recruiting Program Manager with inspiring content around leveling up and strategies for early talent folks.
How to Search for Other LinkedIn Creators
Many creators use hashtags or common language that can help you search for more creators more catered to you and your interests. Some suggestions to follow include: #earlycareer #internships #breakintotech and #newgrad are all amazing places to start. LinkedIn will cater your results to your algorithm. The more you cater who you connect with and who you follow, the better and more specific your results will be.
Closing Notes
I want to acknowledge that I have not always had the healthiest relationship with LinkedIn. I’ve had phases where I’ve needed to take breaks and avoid it; I’ve had phases where I’m on it nearly daily (my life now). These tips are helpful, but only if you find yourself in a place where you’re comfortable and able. Taking breaks is encouraged and normal.
[Content Disclaimer: All opinions, insights, and perspectives given and portrayed through my content are my own and are not reflective of the company I work for nor the brands I collaborate with.]