LinkedIn Day™ — Student Workbook & Facilitator Manual

Houston ISD · Career & Technical Education

LinkedIn Day™
Student Workbook

Step Into Who You're Becoming

ProgramArts / AV · CTE Practicum

YearSpring 2026

Student Name

Campus

Created by

Marilyn Haynes · Scholar-Practitioner & Instructional Leader

Page 02 · Welcome

A Message to You

Today is about more than
creating a profile.

It is about learning how to introduce your work, your ideas, and your potential to the world.

You have been doing real work. You have built real things. You have earned certifications, completed projects, and developed skills that employers are looking for.

What often goes missing is not the work itself — it is the language to describe it. The confidence to share it. The space to practice presenting it.

Today, that changes.

"Your career does not start at graduation. It starts the moment you decide to introduce yourself — boldly and honestly — to your future."

Marilyn Haynes · Creator, LinkedIn Day™

Page 03 · Overview

What Is LinkedIn Day™?

A Guided Experience Built for You.

LinkedIn Day™ is not a class. It is not a test. It is a structured, supportive experience where you build, practice, and leave with something tangible that represents who you are professionally.

You Will

Develop Your Professional Identity

Reflect on your strengths, experiences, and the story only you can tell.

You Will

Build Your Digital Portfolio

Upload your projects, certifications, and skills to a professional LinkedIn profile.

You Will

Practice Networking

Introduce yourself to industry professionals with confidence and clarity.

You Will

Connect With Professionals

Meet real industry partners who are here specifically to support your future.

You Will

Define Career Direction

Leave with clearer language about where you're headed and how to get there.

Most Importantly

You Will See Yourself Differently

As capable. As professional. As ready. That shift in how you see yourself — that is the real work today.

Page 04 · The Gap

The Workforce Gap

The talent exists.
The translation gap remains.

Students graduate every year with certifications, portfolio-level projects, and real technical skills. What many leave without is the professional infrastructure to communicate that value to the world.

"Skills open doors. Language gets you through them."

What LinkedIn Day Bridges

Without LinkedIn Day

Portfolio work with no platform to share it
IBCs not translated into employer language
Real experience without professional vocabulary
Networking skills assumed — not practiced
Confidence gap at the first professional interaction

With LinkedIn Day

Professional LinkedIn profile — headshot, headline, projects
Certifications translated into employer-facing language
Structured networking practice with real professionals
A clear professional story — in your own voice
Confidence that comes from preparation, not luck

Page 05 · Event Flow

Event Flow Map

Five Zones. One Transformation.

You will move through each zone with your workbook. Each station is supported. There is no wrong answer. There is only practice.

1

🪞

Identity Center

→

2

📸

Presence Studio

→

3

💼

Portfolio Lab

→

4

🤝

Networking Corner

→

5

✉️

Future-Self Lounge

Zone 1

Identity Center

Reflect on your strengths, story, and professional identity before any writing begins.

Zone 2

Presence Studio

Professional headshot capture. Presence and posture coaching included.

Zone 3

Portfolio Lab

Headline, summary, project upload, skills — your full LinkedIn profile built today.

Zone 4

Networking Corner

Practice introductions with industry professionals. Make real connections.

Zone 5

Future-Self Lounge

Write your future self a letter. Make three professional commitments. Receive your Certificate of Completion.

From Certification to Career — In One Day.

Page 06 · Preparation

Before LinkedIn Day

Your Preparation Checklist.

Complete these steps before the event. Your teacher will confirm readiness. Students who arrive prepared get more out of every zone.

Student Pre-Event Checklist

Teacher Sign-off:

Create or locate your LinkedIn account. You can create one during the event, but having your email ready speeds things up.

Select 1–2 projects you're proud of. Know the title, tools used, and what problem it solved. You don't need to bring the file — just know it.

Draft your professional introduction. Use Page 8 of this workbook. Practice saying it out loud at least twice.

Know your IBC or certification. Check your transcript or ask your teacher. This is a LinkedIn-ready credential.

Bring a charged device with internet access. School-issued or personal. You'll need it at the Portfolio Lab.

Complete the Career Identity Reflection. Page 7 of this workbook. Takes 10 minutes. Makes the whole day more focused.

Practice one AI interview question. Use Google Interview Warmup or ChatGPT (see Page 11). Record yourself. Watch it back.

Teacher Confirmation Teachers: review this page with students 3–5 days before LinkedIn Day. Sign when the student has completed the minimum required steps (items 1–4). Items 5–7 are strongly encouraged.

My Pre-Event Goal — What do I want to accomplish on LinkedIn Day?

Page 07 · Identity

Career Identity Reflection

Before the Profile — Know Yourself.

Your LinkedIn profile should sound like you. Before you write a single word, answer these questions honestly. There are no wrong answers.

What career field or industry interests you most?

What problems do you want to help solve in your career?

List your top 3 skills — be specific, not generic.

What type of work environment do you thrive in?

In one sentence: describe the professional you are becoming.

Page 08 · Introduction

Communication Skills

Writing Your Professional Introduction.

You will use this introduction at the Networking Corner and in job interviews for the rest of your life. Learn the formula. Practice it. Make it yours.

The Formula: Name → Career Focus → Skill Strength → Goal "Hi, my name is [Name]. I'm a [career focus] student focused on [specific skill or area]. I'm interested in opportunities in [industry or field]."

Example — Arts / AV

"Hi, my name is Maya. I'm a digital media student focused on video editing and visual storytelling. I'm interested in opportunities in sports broadcasting and media production."

Example — Health Science

"Hi, I'm Jordan. I'm a health science student with experience in patient communication and clinical documentation. I'm working toward a career in nursing or healthcare administration."

My Pathway / Career Interest — Fill in before writing your intro

Your Draft Introduction — Version 1

Your Refined Introduction — Final Version

Practice Rule Say your introduction out loud 5 times before LinkedIn Day. In front of a mirror. To a friend. To your phone camera. The voice in your head is not the same as your spoken voice. Practice bridges the gap.

Page 09 · Portfolio

Portfolio Development

Selecting Your Portfolio Project.

You will upload at least one project to your LinkedIn profile today. Complete this page before you arrive. Having it ready saves time and makes your profile significantly stronger.

Project Title

Course or Program

Tools or Technology Used

What Problem Did This Project Solve?

What Was the Outcome or Result?

Employer-Facing Description (write this in action-verb format)

Weak vs. Strong Language Weak: "I edited a video." Strong: "Produced and edited a promotional video using Adobe Premiere Pro to increase engagement with the school athletics program." The difference is specificity. Employers respond to specificity.

My Strong Description — Rewrite your project using the Strong format above

Page 10 · Storytelling

Project Storytelling

Practice Explaining Your Work.

Most students can do the work. Fewer can explain it well. This page is the most important practice you'll do before LinkedIn Day. Spend real time here.

The 60-Second Rule Can you explain your project clearly in 60 seconds? That's what an employer or college interviewer will give you. Use this structure: What did you make? What problem did it solve? What tools did you use? What was the result?

Practice: Say it in 60 seconds — then write it here word for word

Write Your 60-Second Explanation Here

What made this project challenging?

What would you do differently if you had more time?

Teacher Tip Have students pair up and take turns explaining their project to each other. The listener asks: "What did you actually make?" If the answer is vague, the speaker tries again. 3 rounds. This is the most effective 10 minutes you can spend before the event.

Page 11 · AI Tools

Technology Integration

Using AI to Prepare.

AI will not replace professionals. But professionals who use AI effectively will have an advantage. These tools help you practice before the real opportunity arrives.

🎤

Google Interview Warmup

grow.google/certificates/interview-warmup

Simulates real interview questions, records your answers, and provides feedback on communication patterns. Practice: "Tell me about yourself" · "Describe a project you worked on" · "How do you solve problems?"

✏️ Your Notes

🤖

ChatGPT (Free Version)

chat.openai.com

Ask it: "Give me five interview questions for a beginner video editor." or "Help me write a professional description for my photography project." Practice your answers out loud — don't just type them.

✏️ Your Notes

🎯

Yoodli (AI Communication Coach)

yoodli.ai

Gives feedback on pacing, filler words ("um," "uh"), clarity, and confidence. Records and analyzes your speaking. Free basic version. Use it to record your professional introduction.

✏️ Your Notes

💼

LinkedIn AI Profile Assistant

linkedin.com (built into your profile)

Suggests improvements for your headline, summary, and skills section. Recommends job-related keywords. Use during the Portfolio Lab zone to strengthen language in real time.

Which AI tool will I try first — and what question will I practice?

Page 12 · AI Practice

AI Interview Practice Log

Practice. Record. Improve.

Complete at least one AI practice session before LinkedIn Day. Use Google Interview Warmup, ChatGPT, or Yoodli. Record your results below.

Practice Session 1

Tool Used:

Question Practiced

What I learned about my response

What I will improve next time

Practice Session 2

Tool Used:

Question Practiced

What I learned about my response

Page 13 · Case Study

Case Study 1

The Quiet Portfolio.

Read this scenario with a partner. Discuss the questions. Then complete the rewrite exercise. This is about communication — not judgment.

📁

The Scenario

Alex has done the work. The work doesn't know it exists.

Alex is a talented AV student who spent the entire semester producing a documentary about their school's robotics team. The documentary received standing ovations at the school showcase. When an industry professional at the Networking Corner asks about it, Alex says: "I made a video for class." The professional nods and moves on. Alex has no idea what just happened.

Discussion Question 1: What did Alex lose in that moment?

Discussion Question 2: What should Alex have said instead?

Your Rewrite: How would YOU describe the documentary project?

✏️ Your Notes

My Takeaway — What does this case study teach me about my own communication?

Page 14 · Case Study

Case Study 2

The Overconfident Student.

Confidence is essential. There is a difference, however, between confidence and dismissiveness. This case study explores that line.

⚡

The Scenario

Jordan knows the work is good. Everyone knows Jordan knows it.

Jordan is technically skilled and has a strong portfolio. When a professional asks about their work, Jordan immediately talks over the professional's question, says "yeah, I've done all that" to a list of skills they haven't fully developed, and interrupts twice before the professional can finish a sentence. The professional wraps up the conversation early and doesn't offer a follow-up. Jordan thinks it went well.

What did Jordan do right? Be honest — the confidence wasn't wrong.

What cost Jordan the connection?

What does professional confidence WITHOUT dismissiveness look like? Describe it.

The Principle The most impressive people in any professional room are not the loudest. They are the most curious. Ask one great question. You will be remembered more than someone who gave five good answers.

One great question I will ask a professional at LinkedIn Day's Networking Corner:

Page 15 · Case Study

Case Study 3

The Silent Networker.

Silence in a networking setting is not the same as being humble. It communicates something — and rarely what you intend. This page gives you the words.

🤐

The Scenario

Sam is there. Technically.

Sam shows up to the Networking Corner, stands near the edge of the room, and waits to be approached. When a professional finally walks over and asks "What are you working on?", Sam says "Not much" and shrugs. The professional gives a polite smile and moves on. Sam watches other students get business cards and LinkedIn connections and doesn't understand why it's not happening for them.

What is Sam communicating through their body language and response?

Conversation Starters You Can Use Right Now

"Hi, I'm [Name]. I'm studying [pathway] and I'm interested in [industry]. What drew you to your field?"

"I just finished a project on [topic]. I'd love your perspective — is that something that comes up in your work?"

Write your own conversation starter for LinkedIn Day's Networking Corner

Page 16 · Zone 1

Zone 1 · Identity Center

Who are you,
really?

Before you write a headline, before you build a profile — know your story. Answer these prompts honestly. They are the foundation of everything you'll build today.

My career interest is:

One thing employers should know about me:

My top 3 professional skills are:

In three words — describe the professional you are becoming:

These three words become the tone of your entire LinkedIn profile.

Page 17 · Zone 2

Zone 2 · Presence Studio

Your photo is your
first impression.

Your headshot communicates before you say a word. This is not vanity — it is strategy. A professional photo makes your profile 21× more likely to be viewed.

Headshot Checklist

Shirt smoothed and collar checked Shoulders relaxed — not hunched Chin slightly forward and lifted Expression chosen: Friendly / Confident Deep breath taken before the photo

Coaching Lines (Read Before Your Photo)

"Soften your eyes — tell your truth."
"Lift your chin into your future."
"Let your confidence sit in your shoulders."
"This is the version of you that is ready."

✏️ Your Notes

After your headshot, write your file name or note here:

How did you feel walking out of the Presence Studio?

Page 18 · Zone 3

Zone 3 · Portfolio Lab

Build your profile. Tell your story.

Use this page to capture what you build at the Portfolio Lab. The four stations (Headline, Summary, Projects, Skills) are completed here.

Station A · Headline Lab

Your Final LinkedIn Headline:

Station C · Project Upload

Project title uploaded today:

Link or file name:

Station B · Summary Studio

Paragraph 1 — Who I Am

Paragraph 2 — What I Do Well

Paragraph 3 — Who I'm Becoming

Page 19 · Zone 4

Zone 4 · Networking Corner

Your network begins
with hello.

Record the professionals you met during the Networking Corner. Names, industries, and insights — all of it is worth keeping.

Professional 1

Professional 2

Professional 3

What career insight surprised you most today?

Page 20 · Networking

Networking Practice Guide

What to Say. How to Say It.

Networking is not a performance. It is a conversation. These scripts give you a starting point — but the real goal is to make them your own.

In-Person Introduction

"Hi, I'm [Name] — I'm studying [pathway] and building skills in [skills]. I'm interested in [industry]. It's great to meet you."

Your Version:

LinkedIn Connection Request

"Hello [Name], I'm a [pathway] senior developing skills in [skills]. I admire your work in [field] and would love to connect as I grow professionally."

Your Version:

Follow-Up Message Template — Customize This:

The Golden Rule of Networking People remember how you made them feel — not what you said. Lead with genuine curiosity. Ask one great question. Close with sincere gratitude. That sequence works in every industry, at every stage of your career.

Reflection: After practicing — what feels most natural and what still feels awkward?

Page 21 · Employer Feedback

Employer Feedback

What Did You Hear?

Industry partners may complete an Employer Interaction Card for you. Attach it here or record what they shared. Authentic employer feedback is rare and valuable — treat it as such.

📎

Attach your Employer Interaction Card here
(or record feedback in the fields below if no card was provided)

Employer Name & Title (if shared)

Strength They Observed in You

Advice They Gave You

Your reflection: What will you do with this feedback?

Page 22 · Zone 5

Zone 5 · Future-Self Lounge

Write to the person
you are becoming.

Dear Future Me,

My Three Promises

I will stay teachable. I will stay brave. I will keep stepping forward.

Signed

Date

Page 23 · Commitment

Career Commitment

A Promise — To Yourself.

This page is a contract between you and your future. Not a wish. Not a hope. A decision. Write it like you mean it — because you do.

My Professional Commitment Statement

"I will continue developing my professional skills by..."

Signature

Date

One skill I will develop before graduation:

One connection I will follow up with this week:

One action I will take this month:

Page 24 · Passport

Zone Passport

Your Completion Record.

Each zone facilitator confirms your completion. A completed passport means you've engaged with every part of the experience. Gold Star Challenge is optional — but worth it.

Zone

Completed

Facilitator

🪞 Zone 1 · Identity Center

📸 Zone 2 · Presence Studio

💼 Zone 3 · Portfolio Lab

🤝 Zone 4 · Networking Corner

✉️ Zone 5 · Future-Self Lounge

⭐ Gold Star Challenge (Optional)

Introduced yourself to 3 industry professionals Shared one project with a professional Asked one meaningful question and listened to the full answer

Gold Star confirmed by:

Page 25 · Reflection

Post-Event Reflection

What Did You Learn Today?

Reflection turns experience into growth. Take 10 minutes with this page before you leave. It is the most underrated thing you will do today.

What surprised you about today?

What skill or ability improved today?

What will you do next because of today?

One employability skill I still need to strengthen before graduation:

"My skills open doors.
My habits keep them open."

Page 26 · Network

My Professional Network

The Connections I Made Today.

Your network starts here. Record every professional you connected with. Follow up within 24 hours — that window is where opportunities either open or close.

#

Name & Title

Industry

Best Advice / Insight

1

2

3

4

5

Follow-Up Window Send LinkedIn connection requests within 24 hours. Include a personal note referencing something from your conversation. A generic "I'd like to add you to my network" is forgotten. A specific, warm message is remembered.

Page 27 · Action Plan

My Career Action Plan

Your future is not something
you wait for.

It is something you prepare for. This page is your bridge between today and what comes next. Be honest, specific, and brave.

This Month

One professional action I will take:

By when:

This Year

One skill I will develop or certification I will earn:

How I will do it:

After Graduation

Where I want to be in 3 years:

One step I can take now toward that goal:

"Your becoming is beautiful.
Your future is ready for your voice."

Page 28 · Teacher Guide

Facilitator Guide · Teacher Use Only

Three Preparation Lessons.

Deliver these lessons in the 1–2 weeks before LinkedIn Day. Each is 20–30 minutes. No formal lesson plan required — use the prompts and activities below.

Lesson 1

Professional Identity

Objective: Students define their career story in their own words.
Activity: Students write a 30-second introduction. Pair share. Repeat.
Prompt: "If someone asked what you do professionally, what would you say?"

Workbook Pages: 7, 8

Lesson 2

Portfolio Storytelling

Objective: Students learn to explain projects using employer language.
Demo: Weak: "I edited a video." Strong: "I produced a 3-minute documentary using Adobe Premiere Pro."
Activity: Students rewrite their own descriptions.

Workbook Pages: 9, 10, 13

Lesson 3

Networking Simulation

Objective: Students practice introductions in a low-pressure setting.
Setup: Mock networking tables. Students rotate every 3 minutes.
Evaluate: Eye contact · Handshake · Clarity · Confidence

Workbook Pages: 8, 15, 20

AI Practice Lab (Optional · 30–45 min)

10 min: Introduce AI tools (Page 11) · 15 min: Mock interview practice using Google Warmup or ChatGPT · 10 min: Peer feedback · 10 min: Reflection and improvement. Discussion question: "What did the AI notice about your communication that you did not notice yourself?"

Teacher Notes — My preparation plan and notes for each lesson

Page 29 · Rubric

Professional Skills Rubric · Teacher Use

Facilitator Assessment Tool.

This rubric supports teacher evaluation during preparation lessons and the event itself. Not a grade — a growth indicator. Use it to coach, not to judge.

Skill	1 — Emerging	2 — Developing	3 — Proficient	4 — Advanced
Professional IntroductionCan student introduce themselves clearly?	Unclear or silent	Basic — name only	Confident with field + goal	Polished, memorable, specific
Portfolio ExplanationCan student explain their project?	Cannot describe it	Describes surface-level	Explains process & tools	Explains impact & outcome
Networking ConfidenceHow does student engage with professionals?	Avoids interaction	Participates when prompted	Initiates + asks questions	Leads conversation naturally
Professional PresenceBody language, eye contact, tone	Casual / disengaged	Improving, inconsistent	Professional and aware	Exceptional — commands attention
Career DirectionDoes student articulate goals?	No direction expressed	Exploring, vague	Clear field defined	Strategic — specific plan stated

How to Use This Rubric Score students twice: once after Lesson 3 (before the event) and once after LinkedIn Day. The delta between scores is the evidence of growth. This data can support practicum evaluation, internship readiness assessment, and program impact documentation.

Page 30 · Final Page

Volunteer & Industry Partner Guide

Thank you for being here.

Your presence in this room changes outcomes for real students. Here is how to make the most of your time.

What to Do

Ask about projects. Listen to introductions. Provide honest, warm feedback. Share one real piece of career advice. Offer your LinkedIn connection if you feel moved to.

Questions That Open Students Up

"Tell me about a project you're proud of." · "What skills do you enjoy using most?" · "What do you wish someone had told you at your age?" · "If I could give you one piece of advice..."

What to Avoid

Recruiting pressure. Judging by nerves. Discouraging questions. Making the conversation about yourself. Students are practicing — give them room to try.

Resources & QR Codes

🎤

Google Interview Warmup

grow.google

🤖

ChatGPT

chat.openai.com

🎯

Yoodli AI Coach

yoodli.ai

💼

linkedin.com

"Your future is not something you wait for.
It is something you prepare for."

Created by

Marilyn Haynes

Scholar-Practitioner · Instructional Leader