A good LinkedIn About section for students is a short positioning statement: who the student is, what evidence exists (projects, coursework, internships, leadership), and what the student wants next (internship, research, entry-level role). The goal isn’t “sound impressive”—it’s make it easy for recruiters and alumni to understand fit in 10 seconds.
- What the LinkedIn About section is really for (and what people scan)
- The simplest structure that works for students with limited experience
- Fill‑in‑the‑blank templates for common student situations
- Short, medium, and longer About section examples you can adapt
- The most common mistakes (and how to fix them fast)
Quick Answers
What should a student write in the LinkedIn About section?
A student should write a 3–6 paragraph summary that states a target direction (role/field), shows proof (projects, coursework, internships, leadership), and ends with a clear next step (internship, research, entry-level role) plus a simple call to connect.
How long should a LinkedIn About section be for students?
Long enough to prove credibility, short enough to scan: typically 150–350 words (about 5–8 short paragraphs). If it’s longer, use short paragraphs and strong first lines so it’s still skimmable.
How do students write a LinkedIn About section with no experience?
Use proof outside jobs: class projects, personal projects, labs, volunteering, leadership, and transferable skills. Name specific tools, topics, or outcomes and avoid generic adjectives like “hardworking” unless backed by evidence.
What are good LinkedIn summary examples for students to copy?
The best examples follow the same formula: a clear direction, 2–3 proof points, and a concrete ask. This article includes fill‑in templates plus short and long examples you can adapt for internships, career-switch students, and technical projects.
Recruiters spend about 6 seconds scanning a LinkedIn profile before deciding whether to dig deeper. The About section isn't a biography—it's a signal boost: direction, proof, and next step. Most student About sections fail because they're full of adjectives ("hardworking," "passionate") and empty of evidence.
This guide shows how to write one that gets remembered instead of skimmed—even with limited experience.
Skip to fill-in-the-blank templates if you want to start writing now.
What the LinkedIn About section is for (what recruiters actually scan)
The LinkedIn About section is a short, free‑text summary that explains a person’s background, strengths, and direction. It acts as a “reader’s guide” for the rest of the profile: what the person does, what proof exists, and what opportunities they’re seeking.
In a typical profile skim, readers are looking for quick answers to three questions:
- What is this person trying to do? (internship, research, entry-level role, industry/role target)
- Do they have proof? (projects, internships, leadership, coursework, outcomes)
- Can someone help them? (a simple next step: connect, refer, collaborate, interview)
A good About section doesn’t list everything. It points to the strongest proof and makes the next step obvious.
A student About section should reduce uncertainty fast: direction → proof → next step.
LinkedIn profile summary structure for students (headline → proof → direction)
This structure works for students because it scales up or down depending on experience:
- Line 1 (hook): role/field + specific interest
- Proof: 2–3 evidence bullets (projects, coursework, internship, leadership)
- Skills: concrete tools/skills that match the target
- Direction: what the student is looking for next
- Call to action: how to connect (and what to ask about)
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
“Specific” usually means naming the role direction plus one real proof point.
Write it in 20 minutes (step-by-step)
The fastest way to write a good About section is to gather ingredients first, then assemble.
Pick one direction (for now)
Choose one “primary direction” for the next 3–6 months: a role (e.g., “data analyst intern”), a field (“UX research”), or a niche (“cybersecurity”). The About section should not target four different careers at once.
Collect 3 proof points (no jobs required)
Pick any three of these:
- a class project with a concrete output (dashboard, report, prototype, app)
- a personal project (even small, if specific)
- a lab/research experience
- a leadership role with responsibility
- an internship/part-time job with transferable outcomes
Turn each proof point into one crisp line
Use: what was built/done + tools/topics + result or scope. If there are no metrics, use specificity (users, timeline, constraints, complexity).
Add a clear “next step” ask
Say what’s wanted next: internship, research, part-time role, or entry-level role—plus the timeframe.
Make it scannable (short paragraphs)
Use 1–2 sentence paragraphs and strong first lines. If a paragraph can’t be summarized in one sentence, it’s usually too long.
A polished About section is step one—but most students lose hours on repetitive applications. Careery automates the application process so students can spend more time on networking, interview prep, and refining outreach.
An “ingredients bank” students can use (so it doesn’t sound generic)
Most student About sections sound the same because they only use adjectives. A simple fix is to collect a small bank of specific nouns before writing.
- Projects: capstone, class project, personal project, hackathon build
- Evidence of ownership: led a team, owned a feature, organized an event, shipped a deliverable
- Skills that are nouns: Python, SQL, Figma, Excel, React, research interviews, dashboards
- Domain clues: healthcare, fintech, education, climate, cybersecurity, B2B SaaS
- Constraints: tight deadline, ambiguous requirements, small team, stakeholder feedback
- Outputs: report, dashboard, prototype, app, analysis, presentation, documentation
Examples of “generic” → “specific” upgrades:
The fastest way to sound credible is to replace adjectives with specific nouns (tools, domains, outputs, constraints).
A quick rewrite exercise (turn “cringe” into proof)
When a student is stuck, this pattern works: write a bad version first, then rewrite line by line.
Bad draft (typical):
Motivated and hardworking student with excellent communication skills. Passionate about technology and eager to learn. Looking for opportunities to grow and contribute to a great team.
Rewrite (same student, higher signal):
Computer science student focused on building small web apps and learning how products ship. Recently built a TypeScript project with a clean API layer and shipped a portfolio site with accessible UI. Seeking a summer 2026 internship in frontend or full-stack development and open to connecting with engineers working on consumer or developer tools.
The difference is not “writing talent.” The difference is evidence.
Replace 'hardworking/motivated' with one proof line
Add a project, leadership role, or internship bullet with tools + scope.
Replace 'passionate' with a specific interest
Name the domain or problems: “security,” “analytics,” “design systems,” “user research,” “growth experiments.”
Replace 'looking for opportunities' with a concrete ask
Name the role + timeframe + a simple connection invite.
Use ChatGPT to rewrite a weak About section
If rewriting feels hard, use this prompt to get a better first draft:
I'm a student and my current LinkedIn About section sounds generic. Help me rewrite it to be more specific and credible. My current About section: [Paste your current About section here] My background: - Major/field: [e.g., Computer Science, Marketing, Biology] - Target role: [e.g., data analyst intern, software engineering intern] - 2-3 proof points (projects, coursework, leadership, internships): 1. [Describe what you built/did, tools used, and any outcome] 2. [Another proof point] 3. [Optional third proof point] Rewrite my About section using this structure: 1. Opening line: role direction + specific interest (1 sentence) 2. Proof: 2-3 short bullets showing evidence (projects, skills, outcomes) 3. Skills: list of concrete tools/skills 4. Ask: what I'm looking for + timeframe + invitation to connect Keep it under 300 words. Use short paragraphs. Avoid buzzwords like "passionate," "hardworking," or "results-driven" unless backed by evidence. Sound like a real person, not a resume.
Templates by situation (fill-in-the-blank)
These LinkedIn About section templates are designed to be copy‑pasted, then edited. Each one includes a “direction,” proof, and a clear next step.
These templates work for students with no experience, internship seekers, career changers, and technical/CS majors. Each one follows the "direction → proof → next step" structure.
1) Student with no experience (projects + coursework)
[Year] [Major] student focused on [target area/role]. Interested in [specific topics/problems]. Recent work: - Built [project] using [tools]; [result/scope]. - Completed coursework in [course 1], [course 2], and [course 3], with a focus on [relevant skill]. - [Leadership/volunteering/lab]: [what you did] + [impact]. Skills: [tools], [tools], [tools] (plus [strength like writing, analysis, research, design]). Currently seeking a [internship/research/entry-level role] in [season/year]. Open to connecting with [alumni/recruiters/people in X] and learning about [specific question/topic].
2) Internship search student (with 1 internship or part-time job)
[Major] student interested in [target role/field]. Recently worked as a [role] at [company/team], where I [1 sentence impact]. Highlights: - [Impact bullet 1: what + tools + result] - [Impact bullet 2: what + scope/result] - [Project/research/leadership: what + impact] Skills: [top 3–6 tools/skills aligned to target role]. Seeking a [internship] for [season/year] in [target area]. Happy to connect with [team/industry] professionals—especially around [specific topic].
3) Career-switch student (nontraditional background)
Student transitioning from [previous field] to [new field/role]. Background in [transferable strength] and interested in [specific problems]. What’s changed recently: - Built/learned [project/skill] using [tools]; [result/scope]. - Completed [certificate/coursework] in [topic], focusing on [relevant skills]. - [Optional] Previously [previous experience] which taught [transferable skill that matters in new field]. Seeking a [internship/entry-level role] in [season/year]. Open to advice from people working in [new field], especially about [specific question].
4) Technical student (projects-first, engineering/CS)
[CS/Engineering] student focused on building [type of systems/products]. Interested in [area: backend, frontend, ML, data, security] and shipping real projects. Selected projects: - [Project 1]: built [what] in [tools]; [measurable result/scope or specific detail]. - [Project 2]: implemented [what]; learned [concept]; optimized [thing] by [result]. - [Project 3]: collaborated with [team size]; shipped [deliverable]; improved [outcome]. Current stack: [tools/languages/frameworks]. Seeking a [software/data/security] internship for [season/year]. Always interested in connecting with engineers working on [specific domain].
Use ChatGPT to generate a first draft
If starting from scratch feels overwhelming, use this prompt to get a working draft in 60 seconds:
Write a LinkedIn About section for a student. Use this information: **Background:** - Year and major: [e.g., Junior, Computer Science] - School: [e.g., University of Michigan] - Target role: [e.g., product management intern, data analyst intern] **Proof points (pick 2-3):** - Project 1: [What you built, tools used, outcome or scope] - Project 2: [What you built, tools used, outcome or scope] - Internship/job (if any): [Role, company, 1-sentence impact] - Leadership/volunteering: [Role, what you did, impact] **Skills:** [List 4-6 tools/skills: Python, SQL, Figma, Excel, etc.] **What I'm looking for:** [e.g., summer 2026 internship in product management] **Who I want to connect with:** [e.g., PMs at B2B SaaS companies, alumni in tech] Write the About section in first person. Keep it under 250 words. Use short paragraphs (1-2 sentences each). Lead with direction, then proof, then the ask. Avoid buzzwords like "passionate" or "driven" unless backed by specific evidence.
ChatGPT gives a starting point, not a final draft. Read the output, cut anything that sounds generic, and add details only you would know (specific project names, real outcomes, actual tools).
Examples (short, medium, longer)
These examples are intentionally “normal.” They don’t rely on buzzwords—they rely on proof.
Example A: short (business student, marketing)
About
Business student focused on growth marketing and customer psychology. Recently ran campaigns for a student org and built landing pages to test messaging.
Interested in B2B SaaS marketing roles where experimentation, analytics, and clear writing matter. Seeking a summer 2026 marketing internship—open to connecting with alumni and teams working on onboarding, lifecycle, or product marketing.
Example B: medium (CS student, no internship yet)
About
Computer science student focused on backend systems and data tooling. Enjoys building small, real products that solve concrete problems.
Recent work includes a Python + SQL project to analyze a dataset end‑to‑end (cleaning, querying, and visualizing insights) and a TypeScript app built with a clean API + simple UI.
Skills include Python, SQL, TypeScript, Git, and basic cloud fundamentals. Seeking a summer 2026 internship in data engineering or backend development. Open to connecting with engineers and alumni working on pipelines, APIs, or reliability.
Example C: longer (career-switch student)
About
Student transitioning from healthcare administration to data analytics, with a focus on turning messy information into decisions.
Recent work:
- Built an Excel + SQL reporting workflow for a student project, creating a dashboard that summarized trends and outliers.
- Completed coursework in statistics, SQL, and data visualization, with practice communicating insights to non-technical stakeholders.
- Led a small team in a campus organization, coordinating timelines and presenting updates to leadership.
Interested in analyst roles where clarity, measurement, and stakeholder communication matter. Currently seeking a summer/fall 2026 analytics internship and open to connecting with teams working on product analytics, operations, or business intelligence.
Swap the direction (role), swap 2 proof points, and swap the ask (timeframe + what to connect about). That's usually enough to make an example sound authentic.
Use ChatGPT to polish an existing draft
Already have a draft but it feels off? Use this prompt to tighten it:
Review and improve my LinkedIn About section. I'm a student looking for [target role, e.g., software engineering internship]. My current draft: [Paste your draft here] Please: 1. Cut any buzzwords or vague claims (e.g., "passionate," "hardworking," "results-driven") unless they're backed by specific evidence. 2. Make the opening line clearer—state direction + one specific interest. 3. Tighten proof bullets—each should have: what was done + tools/context + result or scope. 4. Ensure the ask is concrete: role + timeframe + who to connect with. 5. Shorten paragraphs to 1-2 sentences each for mobile readability. 6. Keep total length under 250 words. Return the improved version and briefly explain what you changed.
Mistakes that make student About sections sound cringe (and how to fix them)
Common student About section mistakes
- Buzzword soup: “hardworking, passionate, results-driven” with no proof
- Overclaiming: “expert” with beginner-level evidence
- No direction: reads like a biography instead of a profile summary
- No proof: only adjectives, no projects, no scope, no specifics
- No ask: unclear what the student wants next
Practical fixes:
- Replace adjectives with evidence: swap “passionate about data” for “built a Python/SQL project to analyze X dataset.”
- Use “focused on” instead of “expert”: it signals direction without overclaiming.
- End with a real ask: “Seeking a summer 2026 internship in X” is more useful than “open to opportunities.”
"Cringe" usually comes from mismatch: big claims with small evidence. Fix by shrinking claims or strengthening proof.
LinkedIn About section character limit (and mobile tips)
LinkedIn allows up to 2,600 characters in the About section—but only the first ~200–300 characters appear before "see more" on mobile. That means the first 2–3 sentences must hook the reader.
Best practices for formatting:
- Lead with direction + one proof point before the fold (before "see more").
- Use short paragraphs and line breaks for scannability—walls of text collapse into unreadable blocks on mobile.
- Front-load each paragraph with the most important word or phrase; readers skim first lines.
- Test on mobile before publishing—LinkedIn's app renders differently than desktop.
The About section is a summary, not a replacement for experience bullets. For help translating projects and coursework into strong resume bullets, see how to write a resume with no experience.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Should students write their LinkedIn About section in first person?
Either can work, but first person often sounds more natural (for example: “A student focused on…”). The key is clarity and proof. If first person feels awkward, write in third person and keep sentences short.
What if a student has no internships or work experience?
Use projects, coursework, labs, volunteering, and leadership. Name what was built/done and include tools, scope, or outcomes. For help turning these into strong bullets, see the guide on writing a resume with no experience. Recruiters can't evaluate 'potential' without evidence, so evidence matters more than job titles.
Should a student include keywords in the About section?
Yes—use role-relevant keywords naturally (tools, skills, domains). Avoid stuffing. The best “keywords” are usually specific nouns: tools, methods, industries, and project types.
How often should students update their About section?
Any time the direction changes or a new proof point is added (new project, internship, leadership role). A simple monthly refresh is enough for most students.
What should a student avoid saying in the About section?
Avoid vague claims (“hardworking,” “passionate”), unrelated personal details, and overly broad statements (“interested in everything”). Avoid asking for referrals immediately—start with a clear direction and an easy invitation to connect.
How can students improve LinkedIn networking along with the About section?
Use the About section to clarify direction and proof, then send concise connection notes that reference something specific about the person. For outreach templates, see [LinkedIn connection request hiring manager templates](/blog/linkedin-connection-request-hiring-manager-templates).
LinkedIn About section strategy for students
- 1Use a simple structure: direction → proof → next step.
- 2Proof can come from projects, coursework, labs, volunteering, and leadership—not just jobs.
- 3Write for scanning: short paragraphs, concrete nouns, and specific details.
- 4Avoid buzzwords and “expert” claims unless evidence supports it.
- 5End with a clear ask: what the student wants next and who to connect with.
Researching Job Market & Building AI Tools for Job Seekers since December 2020