For this week, you are going to start thinking about some of the specifics of your profile including your headshot, cover photo, headline, and skills. In this post, please share the following:
Headshot:
- How does it reflect who you are and your professional goals?
- Does your headshot reflect the rule of thirds?
- How are you going to style your cover photo?
- How does it connect to what you want to do?
- How does your headline bridge the gap between your status as a student and your long-term professional goals?
- Make a list of at least 10 skills that you currently have demonstrating your connection to the field.
- Provide 1 – 3 sentences for each skill from your experience and your classwork.
Example Response For Discussion #2
My headshot shows me in front of the campus library, smiling and dressed in a casual button-up. I wanted my photo to feel approachable but also a little professional, since I’m just starting out in college and want to make a good impression. I think it reflects who I am—friendly, motivated, and excited to learn new things. My goal is to work in education or linguistics, so I wanted a photo that shows I’m serious about my studies but also easy to talk to.
As for the rule of thirds, I made sure my face is slightly off-center, with the library entrance in the background. I read about the rule of thirds in a photography workshop, so I tried to line up my eyes along the top third of the image. I think it makes the photo more interesting and balanced.
Cover Photo
For my cover photo, I’m planning to use a picture of a bookshelf filled with classic novels and some linguistics textbooks. I’ll style it so the spines of the books are visible, and maybe add a small plant or a coffee mug for a cozy vibe. This connects to what I want to do because I’m really interested in English, literacy, and linguistics, and I think it shows that I’m passionate about language and learning.
Headline
AI was used to help develop my headline. I used ChatGPT and gave it this prompt: “Create a LinkedIn headline for a college sophomore interested in linguistics, literacy, and education, who wants to become a teacher.” I only needed one prompt because the first suggestion fit well.
My headline
Aspiring Educator &Linguistics Enthusiast | Passionate About Literacy, Language, and Student Success
This headline bridges the gap between being a student and my professional goals by showing I’m still learning but already focused on where I want to go—helping others through education and language.
Skill List
- English Grammar – I’ve studied parts of speech, verb tenses, and passive voice in my classes, which helps me analyze and teach language more effectively
- Phonetic Analysis – I’m interested in phonetic elements and have practiced identifying different English sounds, like /h/, /m/, and /ŋ/, in both class and tutoring sessions
- Literacy Instruction – I’ve volunteered at a local elementary school, helping kids with reading and writing, and learned about literacy concepts in my coursework
- Research Skills – I’ve completed research projects on language acquisition and grammar for my linguistics classes, using academic sources and proper citations
- Public Speaking – I’ve given presentations in class and at club meetings, which has helped me become more confident when speaking in front of groups
- Writing Skills – I write essays and reports for my English classes, focusing on clear structure and strong arguments
- Teamwork – I’ve worked on group projects in both linguistics and education courses, learning how to communicate and collaborate effectively
- Time Management – Balancing coursework, volunteering, and hobbies like sewing has taught me how to manage my schedule efficiently
- Critical Thinking – Analyzing language patterns and solving grammar problems in class has improved my ability to think critically and solve problems creatively
- Adaptability – I’ve learned to adapt to new challenges, like remote learning and new teaching methods, which is important for a future educator
Professor Karen Sichler 