Professional Presence
Career & Professional Development | Students | Professional Presence
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Your professional presence is how you represent yourself in the professional world, both online and in person. It’s about conveying your skills, character, and competence to potential employers and colleagues. A strong presence can open doors and make a lasting impression.
Profile Basics
- Photo: Upload a recent, professional-looking photo. Profiles with a picture are 21 times more likely to be viewed.
- Need a professional photo? Our photo booth is available at no cost to UNCG students. Learn more
- Headline: Edit your headline to attract readers and show what you’re pursuing. Go beyond “Student at UNCG” by adding your major, skills, and career interests.
- Example: Marketing Student | Social Media Intern | Passionate About Brand Storytelling
- Background Photo: Personalize your header image with something that represents you and your professional interests.
Summary (About Section):
- Think of this as your introduction. Write in the first person about who you are, your skills, and your experience.
- Include industry keywords, as they are used in LinkedIn’s search.
- Profiles with a summary receive up to 3.9 times as many views.
Experience Section:
- Include all of your positions, including paid and unpaid jobs, extracurricular activities, and athletics.
- Describe what you did using bullet points or a short paragraph. You can copy this from your resume.
- Use action verbs and numbers to quantify the impact of your work when possible.
Education Section:
- Include your major, minor, or study abroad experiences.
- Consider including GPA (if higher than 3.0) and relevant coursework.
Skills Section:
- List at least 5 skills. This can get you up to 17x more profile views.
- Include keywords that recruiters in your field would search for.
See It in Action: Example Profile
Want to see what a strong student profile looks like?
Professional Attire
What it includes:
- Matching suit (jacket + pants/skirt) in neutral colors like black, navy, or gray
- Collared shirt or blouse (pressed and tucked in)
- Closed-toe dress shoes
- Minimal accessories and subtle grooming
When to wear it:
- Job and internship interviews
- Career fairs (especially when you’re job-seeking)
- Employer-hosted events (information sessions, office visits)
- Graduate or professional school interviews
- Presentations or competitions
What it includes:
- Dress pants, khakis, or skirt
- Button-up shirt, blouse, or modest top
- Sweater or cardigan (optional)
- Dress shoes or flats (no sneakers or sandals)
When to wear it:
- Networking events or panels
- Employer meet-and-greets
- Class presentations
- On-campus job interviews or orientation sessions
What it includes:
- Clean, well-fitting jeans or casual pants
- Simple top, polo, or sweater
- Clean sneakers or casual shoes
- No ripped clothing, graphic tees, or athletic wear
When it’s okay:
- Informal mentor meetups
- Peer networking events
Career Closet Pop-Up
The UNCG Career Closet currently operates as a once-a-year, Pop-Up Shop.
- What: Each student may select one complete outfit – top to bottom, completely free
- Who: Open to all current UNCG students
- When: Exact date TBA
- Where: Career & Professional Development, Elliott University Center
- Why: So no Spartan has to choose between showing up prepared and showing up on a budget
Pro Tip:
When in doubt, dress one step more formal than you think you need to. It’s easier to remove a blazer than to wish you had one.
