IFSA Write: LinkedIn – Optimizing Networking and Professional Branding of IFSA LC UNHAS’ Members

 

 

 

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IFSA Write: LinkedIn – Optimizing Networking and Professional Branding of IFSA LC UNHAS’ Members

IFSA LC Unhas recently hosted an engaging and insightful session titled ”IFSA Write: LinkedIn – Optimizing Networking and Professional Branding IFSA LC UNHAS’ Members”. The event, held on January 3, 2025 at 8 p.m – 9 p.m. was attended by enthusiastic members of the IFSA Local Committee at Hasanuddin University (IFSA LC UNHAS). The workshop featured guest speaker Muhammad Daffa Putra, S.Hut., who shared practical strategies to help participants create impactful LinkedIn profiles and leverage the platform effectively.  

Opening Session: Laying the Foundation

Picture of Rizqul Yusuf Nizra, as a moderator during the opening
by Amira Mufidah

The event began with opening remarks by the moderator, Rizqul Yusuf Nizra, who greeted the participants warmly and introduced the theme of the session emphasizing the importance of LinkedIn as a professional networking platform and outlined the session’s focus on self-branding and connection-building in the forestry field. Rizqul welcomed Arsyla Dzikriah Jagong, the Head of the Capacity Building Sub-Commission, who delivered an inspiring speech. She expressed gratitude to the speaker, the Executive Committee, and all participants, highlighting the sub-commission’s commitment to empowering IFSA members to develop professional skills at a global level. Arsyla stated, “This event is an effort to support our members in becoming professionals, particularly in the forestry environment. I hope this session provides valuable insights and benefits for everyone.”

Picture of Arsyla Dzikriah Jagong, giving an opening speech
by Amira Mufidah

Moderator Overview and Speaker Introduction

Rizqul provided a brief overview of LinkedIn, describing it as a modern platform for professional networking, job searching, and building connections. He highlighted the platform’s potential to assist members in enhancing their personal branding and maximizing opportunities.  

He then introduced the guest speaker, Muhammad Daffa Putra, S.Hut., a graduate of the Hasanuddin University forestry faculty, was a member of IFSA during his studies and Hasanuddin University AISEC. During his studies, he has won awards and played an active role in projects and organizations.

Picture of the Muhammad Daffa Putra’ experience as a speaker, explained by Rizqul Yusuf Nizra
by Arsyla Dzikriah Jagong

The Presentation: Unlocking LinkedIn’s Potential

Daffa began his presentation by thanking the participants and encouraging an interactive and relaxed discussion. He outlined four key points he would cover and started by comparing LinkedIn to other social media platforms. He explained, “LinkedIn is like Instagram or Facebook, but instead of showcasing your personal life, you present your professional life in a way that connects with companies and professionals.”

Daffa highlighted why LinkedIn is a game-changer, citing 2022 statistics showing over 900 million global users. He emphasized that the platform offers unparalleled opportunities for networking, job searching, and showcasing professional achievements.  

Picture of Muhammad Daffa Putra, explaining about LinkedIn
by Agung Dewa Putra

Creating an Impactful LinkedIn Profile

Daffa shared practical tips on building a strong LinkedIn profile:  

• Profile Picture : Use a high-quality, professional photo. A formal shirt is ideal, but adding a stylish touch is acceptable as long as it reflects professionalism.  
• Profile Details :  Include educational background, such as university and major.  
• Bio Section : Write an impactful paragraph showcasing skills, job experience, and professional strengths.  
• Endorsements and Recommendations : Request endorsements or recommendations from colleagues, supervisors, or anyone you’ve worked with to demonstrate your credibility and expertise to recruiters.  

Finding Opportunities on LinkedIn

Daffa emphasized that opportunities rarely come on their own—you have to seek them out. He shared actionable advice:  

• Send personalized connection requests to expand your network.  
• Join relevant groups and participate in discussions to enhance visibility.  
• Follow companies of interest and stay updated on their activities.  
• Regularly post updates about your achievements or projects to keep your profile active and engaging.  

For those job hunting, Daffa recommended enabling the “Open to Work” feature to make it easier for recruiters to find them. Likewise, hiring managers can use the “Hiring” feature to attract job seekers.

Q&A Session: Addressing LinkedIn Challenges

Following his presentation, Daffa thanked the participants and concluded his talk with an invitation for discussion. The moderator, Rizqul, then opened the much-anticipated Q&A session with his own question to get the conversation started.  

Picture of Q&A session
by Agung Dewa Putra

Rizqul asked, “What are the common mistakes people make when creating a LinkedIn profile?” In response, Daffa highlighted the importance of authenticity. He explained that many people fail to make their profile personal. “Your LinkedIn profile is your own space. You need to make it authentically yours. While people may share similar backgrounds, no one has the exact same experiences as you,” he said.  

He further elaborated that common errors include using passive rather than active phrases when describing roles and failing to quantify achievements. Daffa advised participants to take the time to reflect their unique professional story and accomplishments in measurable terms, ensuring their profile stands out to recruiters.  

The next question came from Namirah who asked, “What factors do companies consider when reviewing LinkedIn profiles, and how can we identify which companies are recruiting?” Daffa began by emphasizing the importance of LinkedIn’s built-in job features. He explained that companies often post vacancies directly on the platform, making it easy for job seekers to identify opportunities.

He also mentioned that recruiters or HR professionals use search filters to find potential candidates. “When you activate the ‘Open to Work’ feature on LinkedIn, recruiters can see your profile and match it with their requirements,” he said. Daffa encouraged participants to ensure their CV is uploaded and that their profile reflects their skills and achievements effectively.  

Another participant, Diah Muflihah, posed the question, “How do companies prioritize LinkedIn profiles, especially if our educational background doesn’t align perfectly with the position we’re applying for?” Daffa nodded thoughtfully before answering. He reassured participants that a specific major isn’t always a limiting factor.  

He explained, “As long as your skills and experiences align with the role, you can still stand out. To attract a company’s attention, tailor your profile to meet their requirements and show them how you’re a fit for their needs.” He added that candidates should focus on highlighting relevant experiences and skills to increase their chances of being prioritized by recruiters.  

Closing Remarks

As the session wrapped up, Rizqul summarized the key points shared during the workshop. “LinkedIn has the power to connect us with people far beyond our immediate network. To make the most of this platform, ensure your profile is complete with a professional photo, impactful bio, and quantifiable experiences. Most importantly, keep learning and refining your LinkedIn profile.”

Key Takeaways

The IFSA WRITE LinkedIn Workshop was a valuable initiative to equip IFSA members with the skills to navigate LinkedIn effectively and leverage its potential for professional growth. From crafting compelling profiles to understanding how to engage with the platform’s features, participants gained actionable insights to enhance their networking and career prospects. This event exemplified IFSA LC UNHAS’s commitment to fostering the personal and professional development of its members.

Before the event wrapped, there’s a photo session to capture the moment of the event, with the speaker and all participants.

 

Picture time!
by Arsyla Dzikriah Jagong

Written by: Amira Mufidah

Editor: Elmita Ayusyifa

Documentation by: Agung Dewa Putra, Amira Mufidah, and Arsyla Dzikriah Jagong