A Day at LinkedIn: The New Wave Excursion Experience
15 October 2024
Have you ever walked into a workplace and thought, "When do they actually find time to work here?" That's exactly what came to mind when we visited LinkedIn's Sydney office during the New Wave Excursion Day. From the buffet spread to the social space equipped with a ping-pong table, karaoke, and even a gym with full-time personal trainers, the office embodied work-life balance. As part of the New Wave program, participants had the opportunity to tour the office and gain valuable insights from Amy Palmer, Principal Customer Success Manager at LinkedIn, on building a personal brand and optimising their LinkedIn profiles for entrepreneurial success!
What is New Wave?
New Wave is an empowering program run by UNSW Founders that supports women entrepreneurs by providing them with the tools and networks they need to succeed. It offers a platform where participants can learn, develop their ideas, and gain valuable experience through mentorship, networking and pitching, all aimed at helping them thrive in the startup ecosystem.
Building Your Personal Brand:
As Amy Palmer said “Your brand is what makes you unique from others—it’s shaped by your experiences, values, and what you aspire to achieve.” This reminds us that our personal brand should reflect not only who we are now—our skills, networks, and experiences—but who we want to be. The future we envision for ourselves plays a crucial role in shaping the message we project to the world.
👉 Pro tip #1 from a LinkedIn expert: Edit your LinkedIn “about me” section using this simple formula:
1-2 sentences about who you are.
3-5 sentences about your top skills, experiences, and passions.
1-2 sentences about your future goals.
By refining our online presence, we learned that we could communicate a compelling narrative that would not only make us stand out but also help us connect with like-minded professionals and decision-makers.
Growing Your Network
Building and nurturing a network is a key aspect of LinkedIn’s value. We were reminded that our posts and outreach shouldn’t only focus on our first-degree connections, but also on 2nd and 3rd degree ones. This wider network is where new opportunities and collaborations often arise.
👉 Pro tip #2 from a LinkedIn expert: When connecting with someone new, always send a message explaining why you want to connect. This simple act of personalising your outreach can lead to meaningful conversations and, eventually, lasting professional relationships.
Sharing Your Voice
LinkedIn is a platform that rewards authenticity and helpfulness. We were taught how to structure posts using the “What, Why, Next” formula—share a story, explain why it matters, and provide a clear call to action.
When we share our experiences and insights on LinkedIn, we’re not just broadcasting information—we’re contributing to the growth of our community. Every post is an opportunity to inspire, educate, and connect with others who might benefit from our knowledge.
👉 Pro tip #3 from a LinkedIn expert: The algorithm loves valuable content that gives back to your network
Final Reflections
As one of the participants expressed: “The New Wave program continues to inspire me with its sessions and opportunities. The visit to LinkedIn was an incredible insight into how we can leverage our personal brands and grow our networks to make an impact.”
By the end of the visit, participants walked away with more than just LinkedIn profile tips, they left with a deeper understanding of how to shape their professional identities, grow their networks, and share their stories in a way that resonates with their audiences. It was a day filled with actionable insights.
After weeks of learning, hands-on workshops, field trips, and mentoring sessions, the New Wave participants are ready to pitch their innovative ideas to a live audience. This is your chance to witness the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey. Don’t miss out on the excitement—if you haven’t grabbed your tickets yet, reserve your spot at the showcase night here: Get Tickets.
