Your LinkedIn summary introduces you to your entire LinkedIn community, including current and former colleagues, potential employers, and family and friends. LinkedIn provides a platform to share what makes your accomplishments and relevant skills unique, and the summary is the perfect place to showcase this from the start. Displayed on your profile under the “About” header, you can tailor your summary to your particular niche in the public health field.
The purpose of your LinkedIn summary is to:
- Demonstrate your passion for your niche in the field of public health.
- Emphasize the unique value you bring to your role.
- Give your reader an idea of who you are as a professional.
Essentially, you are communicating your professional brand in your LinkedIn summary.
The format for your LinkedIn summary is flexible, so it’s up to you how you’d like to present yourself. Feel free to use first-person pronouns since you are writing your personal narrative, and consider including an invitation to connect with you at the end.
You can get more detailed advice about developing your professional brand in our Professional brand guide and a closer look at LinkedIn in our LinkedIn profile guide.
Expert advice
“LinkedIn is a powerful tool to show potential employers what you are capable of doing, your passions and interests. Use your summary to [highlight] your achievements and your level of expertise. Use this section to engage your reader and get them excited about knowing you.”
– Arlette V., career expert at edX
LinkedIn summary samples
Example 1 — Public health educator
Public health educator with strong outreach and communication skills refined during two years working at a nonprofit. Earned a degree in public health from [school name] to develop research, analysis, and relationship-building skills. Passionately engages the community regarding pressing health concerns, including healthy eating, exercise, and smoking cessation. Dedicated to community immersion, creating large-scale health programs, and measuring success to ensure impactful programs.
Example 2 — Public health emergency management specialist
Public health emergency management specialist leveraging extensive experience in business and supply chain, transitioning to procedural and planning work in preparation for public health emergencies. Earned Master of Public Health degree from [school name] to prepare for tackling public health issues and eradicating health inequities. Consulted the local government on emergency planning preparedness, particularly how to create an equitable communication strategy in the event of another pandemic. Excited to blend detail-oriented background in logistics and analysis with evidence-based emergency management best practices to help prepare for and protect against public health catastrophes.
Example 3 — Health policy researcher
Health policy researcher bringing ten years of experience to the next level by earning a Master of Public Health degree from [school name]. Extensive background leading behavioral health studies, developing research questions, and writing technical reports. Sharpened quantitative analysis skills during an academic research study about the effects of lead poisoning in the geriatric population. Well-versed in managing multidisciplinary research teams, communicating complex health topics to the public and research communities, and consulting as a public health subject matter expert.
Additional resources
Your LinkedIn summary is great for letting your professional brand shine and can kick-start many networking opportunities.
Check out the Professional brand guide, LinkedIn profile guide, and Networking guide for more in-depth information about similar topics.
Curious about what LinkedIn summaries look like in other related industries? Check out these samples:
