What to put in LinkedIn industry as a student
If you’re a student staring at LinkedIn’s “Industry” dropdown menu, wondering if you should click Higher Education (spoiler: don’t) you’re not alone. This single field is one of the most overlooked levers in how recruiters, algorithms, and opportunities find you.
Let’s break down exactly what to do, how to pick the right industry, and how not to shoot yourself in the foot when you’re still building experience.
Quick answer: what to put in linkedin industry as a student
Here’s the TL;DR upfront:
Pick the industry you want to work in (aspirational), not “Higher Education” unless you target university roles
Your industry is a signal. If you want to be in tech, pick Computer Software or Information Technology & Services. If you’re aiming for consulting, select Management Consulting. Don’t waste it on your current reality (Higher Education) unless that’s truly your goal.
Choose the closest umbrella term if your niche isn’t listed; clarify with your headline and About
LinkedIn’s industry list is broad, not surgical. If your dream is crypto gaming startups, you won’t find “Web3 gaming.” Pick Internet or Computer Software, then use your Headline and About sections to specify.
You can change it anytime as your goals evolve
Industry isn’t locked in blood. As you gain clarity, internships, or switch directions, update it. Think of it like your LinkedIn clothes wear the outfit that matches where you want to be seen.
Why your LinkedIn Industry choice matters for students
You might think: “It’s just one dropdown, how big of a deal can it be?” Big.
How recruiters filter and find you by industry
Recruiters don’t type “random student.” They filter by industry when sourcing. If your profile says Higher Education, you won’t show up when they filter for Financial Services candidates.
Impact on job recommendations and feed personalization
LinkedIn’s algorithm recommends jobs and content based on your industry. Pick wrong, and you’ll drown in irrelevant job alerts. Pick right, and your feed starts training you like an insider.
Signal your professional direction before you have experience
Students often lack “work history.” Industry fills that gap by signaling intent. It tells anyone scanning your profile: “Here’s where I’m heading.”
How to choose the right industry: a step-by-step decision path
Here’s the mental decision tree I use with students:
If you have a clear target role: match the most common industry for that role
Software engineer? Computer Software. Investment banker? → Financial Services.
If you’re undecided: pick a broad umbrella aligned to your top interest
Still exploring tech? → Information Technology & Services is safer than a hyper-niche pick.
If you have two interests: choose the one tied to your next internship target
Your first role matters more than your 10-year vision. Prioritize what recruiters for that role expect to see from you.
International students: choose the U.S. industry matching your OPT roles
U.S. recruiters don’t know your home system align to U.S. industry categories.
Career changers / bootcamps: use the target industry immediately
Don’t confuse LinkedIn by listing your past (e.g., Retail). Set your new direction (e.g., Computer Software).
Example: If you wish to be a Product manager focusing extensively on your web design might not be a good choice but showcasing your product sense and ability to solve bottlenecks is valued
High school students: pick the intended field or broad umbrella
Avoid Primary/Secondary Education. That reads like “I want to be a teacher,” not “I’m a student.”
Graduate students (MS/PhD/MBA): align to post-grad target sector, not current lab/department
If you’re a PhD in molecular biology but want biotech, pick Biotechnology, not Higher Education.
Major-to-industry mapping: common student choices (with examples)
Students always ask: “Okay, but what’s my industry?” Here’s a cheat sheet:
| Field of Study / Major | Common LinkedIn Industry Choices (Examples) |
|---|---|
| Computer Science / IT | Computer Software; Information Technology & Services; Internet; Computer & Network Security; Semiconductors |
| Data Science / Analytics / Statistics | Information Technology & Services; Financial Services; Biotechnology; Management Consulting |
| Electrical / Mechanical / Civil / Industrial Engineering | Mechanical or Industrial Engineering; Electrical & Electronic Manufacturing; Civil Engineering; Automotive; Aerospace |
| Design / Product / UX / HCI | Design; Computer Software; Consumer Electronics; Internet; Industrial Design |
| Business / Finance / Accounting / Economics | Financial Services; Banking; Accounting; Management Consulting; Venture Capital & Private Equity |
| Marketing / Communications / PR | Marketing & Advertising; Public Relations & Communications; Internet; Media Production |
| Biology / Biomedical / Life Sciences | Biotechnology; Pharmaceuticals; Hospital & Health Care; Research |
| Public Health / Health Administration | Hospital & Health Care; Public Policy; Nonprofit Organization Management; Research |
| Social Work / Psychology / Sociology | Individual & Family Services; Mental Health Care; Civic & Social Organization; Nonprofit Organization Management |
| Environmental Science / Sustainability | Environmental Services; Renewable Energy & Environment; Civil Engineering; Research |
| Arts / Media / Film / Journalism | Media Production; Entertainment; Publishing; Online Media; Graphic Design |
| Law / Policy / Government | Legal Services; Government Administration; Public Policy; International Affairs |
| Education / Teaching | Primary/Secondary Education; E-Learning; Higher Education (only if targeting university roles) |
| Architecture / Urban Planning / Real Estate | Architecture & Planning; Real Estate; Construction; Civil Engineering |
| Hospitality / Tourism / Sports | Hospitality; Leisure, Travel & Tourism; Sports; Restaurants |
| Agriculture / Food Science | Food & Beverages; Farming; Consumer Goods; Biotechnology |
If your exact industry isn’t listed: pick the best umbrella and signal the rest
LinkedIn’s industry list hasn’t been updated in years. You won’t see “AI Safety” or “Climate Tech.” That’s fine.
Use your Headline to specify role + niche
Example: “CS Student | Aspiring Security Engineer.”
Clarify in About: target roles, sectors, and interests
Write: “I’m passionate about fintech security and currently building skills in…”
Add Skills, Projects, and Keywords tied to the niche
Let LinkedIn’s search pick up your specifics.
Follow companies and groups in the specific sub-industry
Signal interest through who you follow.
Best practices:
Try making your entire profile align to your chosen industry
Industry isn’t standalone - it’s the foundation. Build around it.
Headline templates for students and career changers
- “Marketing Student | Aspiring Brand Strategist | Open to Internships”
- “Data Science Grad Student | Machine Learning Enthusiast | Seeking Summer 2025 Roles”
About summary formula: present, past, proof, purpose
- Present: What you’re studying and targeting.
- Past: Relevant coursework, clubs, or side projects.
- Proof: Showcase measurable work (projects, competitions).
- Purpose: Why you’re drawn to this field.
Experiences:
Relevant coursework, projects, labs, clubs, volunteering
Open To Work and Job Preferences:
Set target titles and locations
Skills and endorsements:
Prioritize industry-specific skills
Engage:
Follow companies, join groups, comment on industry topics
Real-world examples: choosing an Industry in common student scenarios
- CS student with no experience → Computer Software or Information Technology & Services
- Product design student → Design or Computer Software (for UX/Product)
- Social work student → Individual & Family Services or Mental Health Care
- Public health student → Hospital & Health Care or Public Policy
- Undeclared major → choose the top target interest (e.g., Marketing & Advertising)
- MBA pivoting to consulting → Management Consulting
- International STEM student targeting startups → Internet or Computer Software
Common mistakes to avoid with the Industry field
- Selecting “Higher Education” just because you’re a student
- Using your part-time job’s industry if it’s not your career target
- Choosing an ultra-niche label when a broader umbrella improves discoverability
- Leaving the field blank or changing it every week
FAQs: student questions about LinkedIn Industry
Can I select multiple industries?
No one only. Use your Headline/About to expand.
Does Industry affect ATS or only recruiter search and recommendations?
Both. Recruiters use it as a filter; LinkedIn uses it for job recommendations.
Should I match the industry of my current employer or my target field?
Target field, unless you want to stay in your employer’s space.
Can I write my own industry?
Nope. You’re stuck with LinkedIn’s list.
Will choosing the wrong industry hide me from recruiters?
Yes, if they filter you out. Better to be aspirational than irrelevant.
What should high school students pick?
Your intended field not Primary/Secondary Education.
Resources: find the right industry and validate your choice
- Where to view LinkedIn’s industry list: during profile edit.
- Research method: scan 20 job posts for your target role, note common industries.
- Use the Alumni tool: search your university’s alumni by job title and see their listed industries.
Summary and next steps
Your LinkedIn Industry is one dropdown, but it controls how recruiters, jobs, and opportunities see you.
- Choose aspirational, not literal.
- Pick the umbrella that matches your goals.
- Align the rest of your profile to reinforce it.
- Revisit quarterly as your direction sharpens.
You don’t need everything figured out today. You just need to signal where you want to go next.
