Before the first bell rings, freshman Emma Sola Pena refreshes her LinkedIn profile instead of checking Snapchat. She rereads a leadership description, debating whether it sounds impressive enough, when a notification appears: a connection request from a business professional. Before class even begins, the question isn’t what homework is due, but whether her future looks competitive enough.
LinkedIn, once a platform mainly used by adults and college graduates, is becoming part of high school culture. As competition for internships, scholarships, and leadership opportunities increases, students are beginning to build professional identities years earlier than previous generations.
For students, LinkedIn works less like social media and more like a living resume. Instead of posting photos, they list leadership roles, competitions, and career goals while connecting with professionals who may influence their future. The growing number of high school users reflects how career preparation is starting earlier than ever.
Pena paused before pressing save, rereading the same line three times. One word felt too casual; another, not impressive enough. Around her, classmates scrolled through TikTok, but she kept adjusting a single bullet point, not because a teacher assigned it, but because she knew someone outside the school might read it. The pressure, she said, comes from knowing opportunities can appear at any moment.
Freshman Angel Del Toro, a DECA member and active LinkedIn user, said joining early helps him plan ahead. He connects with students who share his interests and searches for internships to strengthen his resume. “It’s social media, just more professional,” Del Toro said.
Freshman Ana-Lucia Gonzalez, an active DECA member and LinkedIn user, said LinkedIn has also helped her connect her interests to real professionals in her field. Through the platform, she learns from professionals whose work ethic she hopes to follow. Gonzalez said scientist Dorothy Merritts has inspired her. After reading Merritts’ posts about research and fieldwork, she began exploring similar career paths and paying closer attention to opportunities she once would have ignored.
Pena, a DECA member, founder of Open New Doors, and active LinkedIn user, said LinkedIn has helped her present her achievements beyond a traditional resume by showcasing leadership roles and projects online. Through it, she has connected with mentors and explored possible careers.
“You are never too young to begin building your professional network and personal brand.” She said updating her profile allows her to organize accomplishments in one place instead of trying to remember them later when opportunities appear.
But starting earlier also changes expectations. As more students build polished profiles, some say the pressure to appear accomplished can feel overwhelming. Instead of waiting until senior year to think about resumes, students now measure themselves against internships, leadership titles, and professional connections while still in high school.
The pressure students describe is noticeable in classrooms as well. Prof. Dinter, the High School of Business director at Riviera and DECA club moderator, has seen the change happen in his classroom as more students begin thinking about careers earlier than before. Dinter said professional expectations are reaching students sooner than in previous years.
“Students are starting a little bit earlier because they’re recognizing that skills are needed in the workplace and some want to grow their portfolios,” said Dinter.
Dinter said it also improves students’ real-world writing skills. “LinkedIn helps students write effectively and show impact,” he added.
As expectations rise, some programs now teach students how to present themselves online.
Senior Matteo Narravo Conrad, founder of the Career Development Program, said he began incorporating LinkedIn training after noticing students were expected to present themselves professionally earlier than before.
“I got into LinkedIn a lot before and realized it was a good tool because it helped me get my own internships, so I figured if I helped other people I could give them those opportunities,” he said.
Conrad explained that many students initially struggle with describing their activities and achievements in a professional tone. “The profile is pretty complicated, especially when you don’t have experience and don’t know how to fill it out,” he said.
After building their profiles and practicing networking skills, Conrad said many students leave feeling more confident. “It’s basically part of your portfolio, kind of like a digital resume,” he said. “People build confidence and skills they can apply in person.”
When the bell rings, Pena closes her laptop and heads to class, but the profile stays active, updating, visible, and quietly shaping opportunities she has not reached yet. For many students, preparation for the future no longer starts senior year. It begins between the first period and the morning bell.
