Cmty Dev & Apld Econ: Career Builder: LinkedIn (WQ2)

About CDAE 1450 WQ2

Learn how to use LinkedIn to build or strengthen your professional profile, find your next job or internship, and grow your professional network. Develop communication competence and confidence relevant to your unique experiences and career goals.

Notes

Winter Session Course: 12/28/2026 - 1/15/2027; Asynchronous online; Open to degree and PACE students

Section Description

LinkedIn is a social network site for professionals interested in finding new opportunities for professional development, advancing their careers, and connecting with other professionals. This Career Builder: LinkedIn course will focus on how professionals and students can use LinkedIn to build or strengthen their professional profile, request informational interviews, find their next job or internship, and grow their professional network.
After completing this course, you should have accomplished the following objectives:
1. Describe the basic assumptions of communication theories related to networking, social capital, identity performance, persuasion, communication competence, and social media use.
2. Use communication theories to design a LinkedIn profile, strategically build a professional network, and write effective messages about yourself.
3. Identify how online communication confidence and competence can help you reach your professionals.

Schedule: This class is completely asynchronous. You will not be required to attend synchronous or in-person meetings. As long as assignments are submitted on time, you may complete online modules at your own pace and at times that work well for your schedule.
Modules open and items are due: January 1–15.
Here’s what you should do before January 1:
Buy the Textbook: Norman (2015) LinkedIn: Tell Your Story, Land the Job by Tycho Press. ISBN-10 / ISBN-13: 1623155762 / 9781623155766
• Order the textbook now so it’ll arrive before January 1. You can use either a hard copy or the Kindle version. Feel free to buy it from any retailer—but just so you know, it won’t be available in the UVM Bookstore or the UVM Library.

This is a fast-paced, boot camp style course, if you want to get a head start, here are some things you can work on:
• Read the Textbook. We will read Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7. This textbook is a quick read and the best book I’ve found so far connecting LinkedIn to the communication concepts in the modules. There will be other readings, videos, and activities specifically focused on communication theory and with specific LinkedIn functions.
• If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, you open a LinkedIn account before class starts.
• If you have a LinkedIn profile, you can get ahead by checking your “Profile Strength Meter.” The strength of your profile will increase as you add more relevant content and connections to it. There are five levels of strength, and your goal should be to have an “All Start” rating. Professionals who have an All-Star rating are 40% more likely to receive opportunities through LinkedIn!!! My favorite part of this meter is that it tells you what you should do to improve the strength of your profile – wonderful! It would be immensely helpful to you if you started chipping away at these tasks.

Section Expectation

Expectations
EVERYONE IS WELCOME!!!
+If the classes fill early, please join the waitlist or email me.
+You don't need a LinkedIn account to join the class. A resume would be helpful.
+If you have a LinkedIn account, you will learn how to leverage it to grow your professional network and be more effective in the job search process. Even if you have an account, you should expect to edit it slightly based on course information and expectations.
+All majors, professions, and student ranks. Degree and non-degree seeking students.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
• Reliable internet access
• A computer or tablet (not a smartphone). To be successful and minimize stress, you want a device that will support reading and typing reflection essays.
• Access to Brightspace and LinkedIn

Evaluation

Evaluation
Tentative Assignments:
5 Modules with Short Skill Application and Reflection Essay Assignments
7 super-short surveys throughout the class to gauge the student experience
LinkedIn Profile

Important Dates

Note: These dates may change before registration begins.

Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.

Resources

• Parking
• PACE Course Pricing
• Textbooks

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