By: Samantha Hogsett

Fernando Mendoza holds the Heisman Trophy in Times Square

Photo from: heisman.com

On Dec. 13, 2025, Fernando Mendoza, quarterback for Indiana University, became the 91st winner of the coveted Heisman Memorial Trophy. Though you likely aren’t the projected #1 pick in the NFL draft, I’m sure you and Mendoza share something in common: LinkedIn. According to “Fox Sports’” 2025 article “Career Update: Fernando Mendoza Posts Heisman Win,” Mendoza is receiving lots of media attention surrounding his frequent use of LinkedIn. During the college football season, LinkedIn is the only form of social media he keeps on his phone to keep himself focused on his academics and team. His well-developed profile showcases his brand deals, awards, and many internships. After receiving the Heisman trophy, he took to LinkedIn to celebrate his win and thank voters. 

I met with Lee Svete, the director of Salem College’s Lucy Rose Center, who has created a guide for Students on how to make their LinkedIn as successful as Fernando Mendoza’s. It is never too early or too late to create your LinkedIn profile featuring yourself as an aspiring professional pursuing a degree at Salem College!

Photo From:@elitecollegefootball on Instagram

Why LinkedIn?

If the projected #1 pick of the 2026 NFL Draft is still using LinkedIn, you should too. LinkedIn provides networking opportunities and chances to build personal connections. Many online applications submitted by students are processed through applicant tracking servers that filter resumes, looking for keywords. Online applications often lack personal connections, making it a challenge to stand out. By seeking connections on LinkedIn, you can talk to hirers directly.

Connections

The ability to make connections is what makes LinkedIn so valuable. An opportunity can be just one request away, so having more connections means having more opportunities. A good place to start is connecting with alumni and people who work in your desired field. Leaving a note when you request a connection can help you stand out. State why you are interested in connecting, what you wish to learn, and you can even leave your email address for them to contact you. Leaving a note also shows you are serious about building a relationship.

Once you gain a new connection, you can also message their network. These “connections of connections” are called second-degree connections. You can message these people through LinkedIn without having to send a request. This means you can email about interviews and internships without waiting for a connection approval.

Another beneficial part of connections is endorsements. Your direct connections, or “first-degree” connections, can endorse your skills. This means your connection recognizes your abilities and recommends you to their network. If you are looking to improve your profile, ask someone from your network to endorse you.

Building Your Profile

  Though a strong LinkedIn profile takes time to develop, there are four components that you can build now: your headshot, headline, “about” section, and your posts.

The Headshot:

Mendoza’s LinkedIn Headshot

Photo from: LinkedIn

When selecting your LinkedIn headshot, remember it is your first impression. Your photo is a chance to market yourself to hirers. It is a great way to make your profile more personal. Make sure you appear both professional and friendly.

For example, Mendoza used a high-quality photo and is wearing professional clothing. The goal is to make viewers see you as a potential candidate and employee. 

The Headline:

                             Mendoza’s “Headline” section 

Photo from: LinkedIn

Your headline is found below your name and profile picture. This is where you should list your high-impact statements. It is important to include your status as a student, and/or current job title, and your strengths.

Mendoza’s headline reads: “Student-Athlete @ Indiana University, Bloomington | HAAS School of Business Graduate.” 

In just a sentence, he listed his status as a student and athlete at Indiana University and his degree from Berkeley University. It is direct and summarizes his education and current position at Indiana. When building your profile, follow Mendoza’s lead and showcase who you are in your headline.

About

Mendoza’s “About” section on his LinkedIn profile.

Photo from: LinkedIn

The “About” section is a place to pitch yourself to employers. There, you can highlight relevant experience, strengths, education, future career pathways, or career goals. You should also explain how these experiences will make you a valuable asset to the hirer’s company.

Here are highlights from Mendoza’s profile to inspire your writing:

• “As a quarterback for Indiana Football, I apply a strong foundation in leadership, time management, and communication to excel both on and off the field.”
• “I take pride in fostering positive team culture, adapting to new environments, and driving success through preparation, accountability, and collaboration.”

Notice how Mendoza uses strong action verbs like “apply,” “excel,” “fostering,” and “collaboration.” These verbs help show off accomplishments and grab the reader’s attention. You should also use these verbs when creating your resume. Be thoughtful while writing this section and consider the qualities that employers in your desired field are searching for.

Posts

Mendoza’s LinkedIn post describing his Hesiman Trophy win.

Photo from: LinkedIn

LinkedIn posts are chances to share awards, accomplishments, projects, internships, jobs, and leadership roles. When you post, you connect with your network and grow connections. If a connection likes or comments on your post, it can spread it to their network, helping get your name out to employers. Include pictures to bring your post to life and grab the attention of the viewers. It is also beneficial to describe what skills or abilities you developed or used during your described position.

Mendoza created a post to share his Heisman win, which showcases him as a strong and dedicated leader. However, he also posts about charity work, academic milestones, and conferences. All his posts foster an image of an active and dedicated student-athlete.

LinkedIn is often depicted as a high-stakes portal that leads to the depths of adulthood. But the truth is, LinkedIn is a tool that can get you closer to your desired career. And you don’t have to navigate it alone. Salem College’s Lucy Rose Center is here to help you. Schedule an appointment and see how you can develop your profile. And watch the 2026 NFL draft in April to see where Fernando Mendoza goes next!