Jade Walters: Empowering Students of Color on LinkedIn [+ Gen Z Tips]

Welcome to Exploring New Frontiers — a blog series that delves into the unique opportunities and challenges faced by underrepresented business owners. Discover how these individuals have grown their businesses, ventured into entrepreneurship, or developed successful side projects to inspire your journey to success.

Jade Walters is Creating Opportunities for Students of Color on LinkedIn by empowering young professionals through her dynamic platform, The Ninth Semester. This resource is easily accessible via Instagram, TikTok, Apple Podcasts, and LinkedIn. Jade is passionate about making early career opportunities more accessible, especially for first-generation students of color.

With dedication, Jade Walters harnesses LinkedIn to create visibility for young professionals, particularly those historically marginalized in career spaces. Her goal is to transform LinkedIn’s landscape for Gen Z students of color, offering vital advice on internships, networking, and overcoming rejection. This article explores insights from my engaging conversation with Jade, diving into her successful strategies that others can adopt for their career journeys. Let’s delve deeper into the transformative opportunities Jade offers.

Jade Walters’ Strategy: Empowering Gen Z on LinkedIn

“When no one provided a seat at the table, I built my own,” declares Jade Walters, describing her driven mission to get Gen Z hired. Her experiences and challenges have shaped her vision of an inclusive career space. With her unique background from Howard University in Maternal and Child Health, Jade crafted a niche by blending personal narratives with recruitment expertise.

Her observations are reflected in the Class of 2025 Report by Handshake, where 63% of soon-to-be graduates express concerns over job competition. With inspiration from her growing LinkedIn community of 90,000 followers, she recognized a gap in resources for early career seekers. Jade’s determined resolve has led her to take significant strides in creating paths for other aspiring professionals.

How to Discover Career Opportunities with LinkedIn

When discussing career opportunities, Jade emphasizes the importance of active LinkedIn engagement. Unlike passive updates, she recommends interacting and posting content beyond job changes. Engaging in conversations around industry trends and sharing personal insights helps cultivate meaningful connections. This method resonates with young individuals eager to integrate their unique voices into the professional landscape.

Utilize Available Educational Resources

To bridge knowledge gaps, Jade advocates leveraging platforms like LinkedIn Learning and other educational resources. Resources such as Extern and Parker Dewey offer valuable real-world experiences. These opportunities are vital for underrepresented students, providing an edge in a competitive market.

Optimize LinkedIn for Networking and Securing Roles

Jade further advises using LinkedIn for networking and job searches effectively. She encourages connecting with industry professionals, including recruiters, to access the hidden job market. Building connections in this community can open up unexpected professional avenues.

Fostering Gen Z Success on LinkedIn

LinkedIn has become a central platform for Gen Z, especially for those navigating systemic barriers. By embracing its features and learning to maneuver strategically, young professionals, particularly students of color, can unlock doors to rewarding career possibilities. Jade Walters exemplifies how unconventional paths can lead to fulfilling career trajectories.

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