"Future Trainee Solicitor at ..." on LinkedIn

Hey guys,

Let's be honest, let's not lie, we all see students change their title on LinkedIn to "Future Trainee Solicitor at ..." and envy them.

But, is this something that is a bad thing to do once you secure a TC? I assume these TC holders are not looking for other work, so is it just to highlight their achievements? Would their law firm look on this badly?

I am probably overthinking it and just coming from a place of intense envy.. haha

But I am curious to see what are people's opinions on putting this up once you have a TC? Can't wait to do it yourself, or think they are being a bit showy?

Everyone does it, there's nothing wrong with having it on your LinkedIn.

Posted from TSR Mobile

My question is more what's the point?

In that vein I can't see anyone within the industry being bothered by it in the slightest

Apart from me

Yeah, well, there's always one

Though why, out of interest, would you think it's a wanky thing to do? *

I find it crass and somewhat premature - there are plenty of things that can intervene between TC offer and TC day one, so the mere fact someone has an offer doesn't mean they will actually go on to take up post.

I think the likely motivation is bragging rather than networking (although I suspect there is some real networking potential there), and that gives me an impression of someone who doesn't exhibit the sort of behaviour I would want in a future member of the profession(s).

On a totally separate note, why do your posts end with a * ? are you disclaiming something?

I have to say I'm with Ethereal (5 PQE solicitor). I didn't even make a LinkedIn account until I had qualified and I don't see the point in students having them at all. So they can tell the world they are Captain of the University Frisbee Team, LPC student and future trainee at Sloane & Co?*

Overall I think I am not alone in the view LinkedIn is fairly pointless despite my firm and many others insisting we maintain a presence on it and share all the inane posts our marketing team come up with.

Completely disagree with you wondering why a student has it at all?! Linkedin is an incredibly valuable tool for a student and for those who are doing internships and networking with people in the profession. I've used it frequently to find professionals who I have some kind of connection or something in common with which has been valuable in reaching out to them and furthering opportunities and it typically contains information that you can't find through another source.

While I can sympathise with the view that too many people use it improperly, I can't agree with the view that it's pointless nor that students shouldn't use it. If you use it correctly it can be one of the most valuable tools toward securing an internship or job in my view - how can that be pointless?!

This is exactly why I find it irritating I'm afraid. LinkedIn is a valuable tool for recruiters (as demonstrated by JSP) but few others. I would not appreciate a student "reaching out" to me on LinkedIn. On that note, I refer you to this graphic:

*If a student were to contact me on LinkedIn, I would advise them to apply for a vac scheme along with everyone else. In the legal industry at least, LinkedIn is very unlikely to get you a training contract or an internship. (Different for qualified roles, I accept.) I can't comment on other industries.*