Recently, I conducted LinkedIn training for participants in the Change Makers program through the University of Colorado Denver. The time with them flew by, as they had so many questions about LinkedIn. This wonderful experience energized me.

The participants in the semester’s program are 56 to 74 and looking for what to do next. Some are currently in the workforce, and some have retired relatively recently.

The folks I spoke to are in the 10th week of this 14-week program, which involves twice-a-week classes. The program is structured to provide the participants with plenty of opportunities for self-reflection. It also brings in a wide variety of individuals to help them see what direction they want to take next.

Quoting from the program’s website: “The CU Denver Change Makers program is designed for experienced professionals who are nearing or at the end of their primary careers and are navigating transitions in work and life.

“Change Maker fellows have the unique opportunity to come to CU Denver for a semester to explore possibilities, reset, and renew their purpose.

“Through expertly guided cohort discussions, seminars with practitioners, opportunities to audit CU Denver classes, and assistance identifying volunteer opportunities in a nonprofit or social enterprise, Change Maker fellows investigate areas of interest and growth and develop an actionable plan for using their wisdom in a new, fulfilling context.

“They are making change – in themselves and in their communities.”

Learn more about this wonderful program, developed by Anne Button of CU Denver and facilitated by Rachel Cohen of Aging Dynamics, at this link.

Pictured with this blog post are the participants just as we were wrapping up our time together with me and Rachel at the front of the room. Photo credit: Karen LeFever.

Ways for Change Makers to Use LinkedIn

There are many ways that people in this stage in life can use LinkedIn – for themselves and to help others. Examples include:

  • Updating their LinkedIn profile to reflect where they want to go professionally or personally. Areas to update could include their profile headline, and the about, experience, volunteering, projects, skills, and recommendations section.
  • Sharing information about the field in which they want to work or volunteer. They can share this information via their own posts or articles, or by commenting on others’ posts.
  • Identifying people who work in these fields through the search function of LinkedIn and connecting with them. Then, they could ask for an informational interview with selected connections.
  • Reviewing their existing list of connections to find people in the fields they are considering pursuing. They could also ask them for an informational interview.
  • Sharing tips from articles, books, podcasts, or videos by experts in the fields they are considering.
     

About Joyce

Joyce Feustel helps people, especially those age 55 and up, become more effective users of social media, especially LinkedIn and Facebook. She works with business owners, business development professionals, business consultants, job seekers, and others. Find her at www.boomerssocialmediatutor.com.