From classroom to career empowering Immunology students with LinkedIn 2256

Description Social media has significantly impacted both personal and professional spheres. Among social media platforms, LinkedIn is particularly well-suited to professional development and networking. This study aims to evaluate the impact of LinkedIn as a pedagogical tool within immunology education, leveraging a blended-learning approach grounded in experiential learning (“learning by doing”) to prepare students for professional engagement in the field. The study involved 105 undergraduate students in an immunology program. A pre-test and post-test design assessed LinkedIn’s impact on students’ professional readiness, engagement with immunology-related content, and interaction with peers and faculty. Results demonstrated significant improvements in students’ professional profiles, engagement with the immunology field, and networking skills. LinkedIn facilitated increased class engagement and provided a platform for meaningful interactions. LinkedIn effectively promoted content relevant to immunology and fostered connections with industry experts. These findings suggest that LinkedIn can play an essential role in preparing future immunologists to actively participate in the professional community and stay connected with emerging trends in the field. Educators in immunology are encouraged to incorporate LinkedIn as a pedagogical resource to support students’ career development and facilitate continuous learning. Topic Categories Immunology Education and Communication (EDU)