No one really thinks of turning to LinkedIn, and I can’t really blame them — it’s academic-facing, and has always come across as being “strictly business.” Yet, the more I toiled with the idea of LinkedIn being a one-stop shop for all things romance, I couldn’t help but wonder: could this be the revolutionary answer to modern dating troubles?
LinkedIn mirrors every other social media platform in setting a stage for comparison. Instead of admiring an influencer’s lifestyle on Instagram, I hyperfixate on my peers’ career accomplishments on LinkedIn. I compare myself to them through internship experience and GPA, and pay the price with my peace of mind. My insecurities are amplified — and I feel obligated to keep it to myself.
Some people join clubs, others join frats and sororities — all of which are great ways to find community and a sense of belonging. But for me, something about working with the same people every week for a semester, and then getting to meet new ones as the schedule changes every semester is the best kind of instant connection made.
The reality is this: who we know has a huge impact on our careers, and in order to better prepare ourselves to be successful, we have to appreciate what, and who, got us there.
Although society can feel unrecognizable at times, we should utilize this odd transition period as an opportunity to be thoughtful and intentional with our relationships and ourselves.
