LinkedIn + GitHub: Online Presence That Works
Lesson 3 — Wednesday, October 28, 2026 • King 150, 5:45–6:45 PM
Lesson Overview
Build a professional online presence that attracts recruiters and showcases your potential. Learn how to optimize your LinkedIn profile for discoverability and create a GitHub that demonstrates your project work and technical interests.
Discussion Topics & Talking Points
Opening: Your Digital First Impression
Question: "When someone Googles your name, what do they find?"
- Social media posts from high school?
- Nothing at all?
- Professional profiles and projects?
Reality: Recruiters WILL Google you. Let's make sure they find good things!
LinkedIn: Your Professional Home Base
Why LinkedIn Matters:
- 750+ million professionals use it
- Recruiters actively search for candidates
- Shows up first in Google searches
- Networking and job discovery platform
Profile Photo Tips:
- Professional headshot (doesn't need to be expensive)
- Smile and make eye contact with camera
- Dress for the job you want
- Plain background works best
- No group photos, pets, or sunglasses
Headline Optimization:
Bad: "Student at James Madison University"
Good: "Computer Science Student | Aspiring Software Engineer | Python & Java Developer"
Better: "CS Student at JMU | Building Web Applications | Seeking Summer 2025 Internship"
LinkedIn Profile Optimization Deep Dive
Building a Profile That Gets Noticed
LinkedIn Summary Formula:
The Perfect LinkedIn Summary Structure:
- Hook (1-2 sentences): Grab attention with your unique value
- Current Status (2-3 sentences): What you're doing now and studying
- Skills & Interests (2-3 sentences): Technical skills and passion areas
- Goals (1-2 sentences): What you're looking for
- Call to Action (1 sentence): How people can connect with you
Example Summary:
"Passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems and create meaningful user experiences.
Currently pursuing a Computer Science degree at James Madison University with a focus on full-stack web development. I've built several web applications using React, Node.js, and Python, including a personal finance tracker that helps students manage their budgets.
My technical interests include machine learning, cloud computing, and mobile app development. I'm particularly drawn to projects that combine technical innovation with social impact.
Seeking summer 2025 internship opportunities in software engineering where I can contribute to meaningful projects while continuing to learn and grow.
Always happy to connect with fellow students, professionals, and anyone passionate about technology!"
Experience Section Best Practices:
- Include Everything Relevant: Jobs, internships, projects, volunteer work
- Use Action Verbs: Same principles as resume writing
- Add Media: Screenshots, links, documents when possible
- Quantify Results: Numbers make impact clear
- Tell Stories: LinkedIn allows more narrative than resumes
Skills Section Strategy:
- Top 3 Skills: Most important for your target role
- Get Endorsements: Ask classmates and colleagues
- Endorse Others: They often reciprocate
- Regular Updates: Add new skills as you learn them
GitHub: Your Technical Portfolio
Showcasing Your Code to the World
GitHub Profile Optimization:
- Profile Picture: Same professional photo as LinkedIn
- Bio: Concise description of your interests and skills
- Location: Include your city for local opportunities
- Website: Link to portfolio, LinkedIn, or personal site
- Pinned Repositories: Showcase your 6 best projects
GitHub Profile README Template:
# Hi there, I'm [Your Name] 👋
## About Me
- 🎓 Computer Science student at James Madison University
- 💻 Passionate about full-stack web development
- 🌱 Currently learning React and Node.js
- 🔭 Working on a personal finance tracking app
- 👯 Looking to collaborate on open source projects
- 📫 How to reach me: [your-email@example.com]
## Tech Stack
**Languages:** Python, Java, JavaScript, HTML/CSS
**Frameworks:** React, Express.js, Flask
**Tools:** Git, VS Code, Docker
**Databases:** MySQL, MongoDB
## GitHub Stats
## Connect with me:
[LinkedIn](your-linkedin-url) | [Portfolio](your-portfolio-url)Repository Best Practices:
- Descriptive Names: Clear, professional repository names
- Comprehensive READMEs: Explain what, why, and how
- Clean Code: Well-commented, organized code
- Live Demos: Deploy projects when possible
- Regular Commits: Show consistent activity
Project README Template:
# Project Name
Brief description of what your project does and who it's for.
## Features
- Feature 1
- Feature 2
- Feature 3
## Demo
[Live Demo](link-to-deployed-app)
## Technologies Used
- Frontend: React, CSS3, HTML5
- Backend: Node.js, Express
- Database: MongoDB
- Deployment: Heroku
## Installation
```bash
git clone https://github.com/username/project-name.git
cd project-name
npm install
npm start
```
## Usage
Explain how to use your application
## Contributing
Pull requests are welcome. For major changes, please open an issue first.
## License
[MIT](https://choosealicense.com/licenses/mit/)Personal Website and Portfolio Development
Creating Your Professional Home on the Web
Why You Need a Personal Website:
- Professional Credibility: Shows you're serious about your career
- Creative Control: Showcase personality and style
- SEO Benefits: Control what appears when people Google you
- Portfolio Space: Detailed project showcases
- Contact Hub: Central place for all your links
Essential Website Sections:
- About: Your story, background, and interests
- Projects: Detailed case studies of your best work
- Skills: Technical and soft skills with proficiency levels
- Experience: Work history and achievements
- Contact: Multiple ways to reach you
- Blog (Optional): Share insights and learning journey
Website Building Tools & Platforms:
No-Code Solutions:
- Wix: Drag-and-drop builder, professional templates
- Squarespace: Beautiful designs, great for portfolios
- WordPress.com: Easy to use, lots of customization
- Webflow: More advanced, designer-friendly
Code-Based Solutions:
- GitHub Pages: Free hosting for static sites
- Netlify: Easy deployment, great for React/Vue apps
- Vercel: Perfect for Next.js and modern frameworks
- Custom HTML/CSS: Full control, showcase coding skills
Domain and Hosting:
- Domain Options: yourname.com, yourname.dev, yourname.tech
- Cost: $10-15/year for domain, free hosting available
- Professional Email: hello@yourname.com looks more professional
Social Media Audit and Professional Branding
Managing Your Digital Footprint
The Google Test:
- Search Your Name: What appears in the first 3 results?
- Image Search: Are there any unprofessional photos?
- Social Media: Check privacy settings on all platforms
- Old Accounts: Delete or clean up unused profiles
Social Media Audit Checklist:
Platform-by-Platform Audit:
Facebook:
- Set profile to private or friends-only
- Review tagged photos and posts
- Update profile picture to something professional
- Remove or hide controversial content
Instagram:
- Consider making account private
- Use professional username if public
- Clean up old posts that don't reflect current you
- Add professional bio if keeping public
Twitter/X:
- Review old tweets for inappropriate content
- Update bio to reflect current status
- Consider using for professional networking
- Follow industry leaders and engage professionally
TikTok/Snapchat:
- Keep separate from professional identity
- Use different username than professional accounts
- Be mindful of content that could be screenshot
Building Positive Digital Presence:
- Consistent Branding: Same photo and username across platforms
- Professional Content: Share industry articles, insights, projects
- Engage Thoughtfully: Comment meaningfully on others' posts
- Show Personality: Be professional but authentic
Content Strategy for Professional Growth
Building Thought Leadership as a Student
Content Ideas for Students:
- Learning Journey: Share what you're studying and discovering
- Project Showcases: Break down your development process
- Industry Insights: Comment on tech news and trends
- Tutorial Content: Teach others what you've learned
- Career Reflections: Share internship experiences and lessons
Student Content Calendar Template:
Weekly Content Schedule:
Monday - Motivation Monday:
- Share career goals or learning objectives
- Motivational quotes about technology or learning
- Weekly learning plan or project kickoff
Wednesday - Work in Progress:
- Behind-the-scenes of current projects
- Challenges you're facing and how you're solving them
- New tools or technologies you're exploring
Friday - Feature Friday:
- Showcase completed projects or features
- Share interesting articles or resources you found
- Highlight other students' or professionals' work
Monthly Themes:
- January: New Year learning goals
- February: Networking and relationship building
- March: Spring break projects
- April: Internship search and applications
Engagement Best Practices:
- Be Authentic: Share genuine experiences and thoughts
- Add Value: Every post should help or inspire others
- Use Hashtags: Research relevant hashtags for visibility
- Engage Back: Respond to comments and engage with others
- Stay Consistent: Regular posting builds audience
Networking Through Digital Platforms
Building Professional Relationships Online
LinkedIn Networking Strategy:
- Connection Requests: Always include personalized message
- Alumni Network: Connect with JMU graduates in your field
- Industry Groups: Join relevant professional groups
- Content Engagement: Like, comment, and share thoughtfully
- Follow-Up: Continue conversations beyond initial connection
Networking Message Templates:
LinkedIn Connection Request Templates:
Alumni Connection:
"Hi [Name], I'm a current CS student at JMU and noticed you're also a Duke! I'm really interested in [their field/company] and would love to learn about your career journey. Would you be open to connecting?"
Industry Professional:
"Hi [Name], I came across your profile while researching [their company/field]. As a student passionate about [relevant area], I'd love to connect and learn from your experience in the industry."
Event Follow-Up:
"Hi [Name], Great meeting you at [event name]! I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic]. I'd love to stay connected and continue learning from your insights."
Follow-Up Message Templates:
Informational Interview Request:
"Hi [Name], Thank you for connecting! I'm currently exploring career paths in [field] and would greatly value your insights. Would you be available for a brief 15-20 minute call to share your experience? I'm happy to work around your schedule."
GitHub Networking:
- Open Source Contributions: Contribute to projects you use
- Follow Developers: Follow people whose work you admire
- Star and Fork: Show appreciation for others' projects
- Issue Discussions: Participate in project discussions
- Code Reviews: Provide helpful feedback on pull requests
Twitter/X Professional Networking:
- Follow Industry Leaders: Stay updated on trends and insights
- Join Conversations: Reply thoughtfully to tweets
- Share Resources: Retweet valuable content with your insights
- Use Hashtags: #TechTwitter, #100DaysOfCode, #LearnInPublic
Homework
Optimize your LinkedIn headline and summary using what we covered. Then add or update at least one GitHub repo — make sure it has a clear README that explains what it does and how to run it.
Not mandatory, but recruiters are checking. A strong LinkedIn and an active GitHub are two of the highest-ROI things you can do right now.
Submit through the Homework tab when done.
💼 Week 1, Days 4-5: LinkedIn Profile Mastery
What to do: Create compelling LinkedIn profile and connect with 25 professionals
How to do it:
- Take professional headshot (use phone with good lighting)
- Write headline using formula: Role | Skills | Goal
- Write summary using the 5-part structure from lesson
- Add all experience with detailed bullet points
Example submission:
"LinkedIn Headline: 'Computer Science Student at JMU | Python & React Developer | Seeking Summer 2025 Software Engineering Internship'"
"Summary: 'Passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems and create meaningful user experiences. Currently pursuing Computer Science degree at JMU with focus on full-stack development. Built personal finance tracker using React and Node.js. Seeking summer 2025 internship in software engineering. Always happy to connect with fellow students and professionals!'"
"Connections Made: 25 new connections including 8 JMU CS alumni, 5 software engineers at local companies, 12 classmates and professors."
💻 Week 1, Days 6-7: GitHub Portfolio Development
What to do: Create professional GitHub with 5+ well-documented projects
How to do it:
- Create GitHub profile README using template from lesson
- Upload your best projects with comprehensive README files
- Pin your 6 best repositories
- Ensure all code is clean and well-commented
Example submission:
"GitHub Profile README includes: Bio as CS student, current learning goals (React, Node.js), tech stack with icons, GitHub stats widget, and contact links."
"Project 1: Personal Finance Tracker - React frontend, Node.js backend, MongoDB database. README includes live demo link, feature list, installation instructions, and screenshots."
"Project 2: Weather App - Python Flask app with API integration. Includes error handling, responsive design, and deployment on Heroku."
🌐 Week 2, Days 8-10: Personal Website Creation
What to do: Build professional portfolio website with case studies
How to do it:
- Choose platform: GitHub Pages (free), Netlify, or website builder
- Include sections: About, Projects, Skills, Experience, Contact
- Write detailed project case studies showing your process
- Purchase professional domain (yourname.com or yourname.dev)
Example submission:
"Website: johnsmith.dev - Built using HTML/CSS/JavaScript, hosted on Netlify. Includes hero section with call-to-action, about page with my story, 4 detailed project case studies with process and outcomes, skills section with proficiency levels, and contact form."
"Project Case Study Example: 'Personal Finance Tracker - Problem: Students struggle with budgeting. Solution: Built web app with expense tracking and budget alerts. Process: User research → wireframes → development → testing. Result: 50+ users, 4.8/5 rating.'"
📱 Week 2, Days 11-12: Content Strategy Implementation
What to do: Create content calendar and publish 3 pieces of valuable content
How to do it:
- Plan 3-month content calendar using template from lesson
- Write LinkedIn post about your learning journey
- Share project on social media with insights
- Engage meaningfully with 50+ posts from professionals
Example submission:
"LinkedIn Post: 'Just finished building my first full-stack web application! 🚀 Key learnings: 1) Planning the database schema upfront saves hours later, 2) User feedback is invaluable - changed my entire UI based on 5 user tests, 3) Deployment is harder than development. Next up: learning Docker for better deployment. #WebDevelopment #Learning'"
"Engagement: Liked and commented on 52 posts from software engineers, shared 3 valuable articles with my insights, responded to 8 comments on my posts."
📊 Submission Requirements
What to submit:
- Before/After Analysis: Screenshots of Google search results before and after cleanup
- LinkedIn Profile: Link to optimized profile + summary of improvements made
- GitHub Portfolio: Link to GitHub profile + list of projects uploaded
- Personal Website: Link to live website + explanation of design choices
- Content Examples: Screenshots of posts created and engagement received
- Network Growth: Summary of new connections made and networking activities
Format: Submit as organized document with links and screenshots, showing clear before/after progress.
Homework
Optimize your LinkedIn headline and summary using what we covered. Then add or update at least one GitHub repo — make sure it has a clear README that explains what it does and how to run it.
Not mandatory, but recruiters are checking. A strong LinkedIn and an active GitHub are two of the highest-ROI things you can do right now.
Submit through the Homework tab when done.