No matter what your current employment status, LinkedIn is now crucial for a successful professional career. Think you don't need to be on LinkedIn? Even if you are a student or already have a job, LinkedIn is crucial! Read on for some great things LinkedIn can do for you.

1. It isn't just a place to find a job

LinkedIn currently has over 180 million members- not all of them are actively seeking work. Using a professional social networking website does not mean that you are looking for a job, but rather just that you are networking and making connection with new people.

2. You need to network

Just because you are a student now does not mean that you don't need to be on LinkedIn until you graduate and start a job! Making connections, both online and in person, is crucial to getting that job right after graduation. Start your LinkedIn profile early and update it often- if you suddenly start adding hundreds of people to your network, they will wonder why. Gradually build to your network over time so you have those resources when you need a new job or are looking at switching professions. Being active and prepared and providing value to your network will lead to reciprocity in the future.

3. Groups can lead to new connections

Joining groups you are interested in provides valuable and engaging forums for discussion. LinkedIn has groups for virtually every professional interest- joining these and interacting online with like-minded people is a huge asset. These groups can expose you to new ideas as well as an opportunity to comment and discuss on professional tips from people in your related field. These open communications can lead to connections in unlikely places.

4. Stay up to date on news

Joining groups also give you the unique opportunity of customized news depending on who is in your network and the groups you are in. Keeping up to date on tips and information in your related field, whether you are a student or are already employed, is crucial. Employers want proactive educated staff, and LinkedIn provides one resource to keep on top of industry news. There is also the opportunity to read articles that others in your network are reading, thus providing a further connection to discussion and engagement.

5. Keeps your resume current

If you are a student and don't yet have a resume, you need to get one! And if you already have a resume and a job, it is likely that it hasn't changed in a while. Resumes are often static: when you are looking for employment you quickly put your experience down on paper, then forget about it. LinkedIn keeps your employment history and other information accurate and recent, so when you need to update your resume, all the information is readily available. It is much easier to check a website than go back through your organizer to figure out your start and end dates for a job 3 years ago.

Start your LinkedIn profile now!