Noor Al Kharusi, University of Edinburgh

Working toward a Master's in International Relations and International Law at the University of Edinburgh, Noor Al Kharusi is currently doing an exchange program at American University in Washington, DC. The Omani student has created an exceptional LinkedIn account, meaning a strong, professional online presence. She shares her insights on the importance of the platform and tips on building a strong profile.

IO: At what point did LinkedIn start to feel like more than just an online CV? Was there a moment when you realized, “Oh, this is actually opening doors for me”?

Noor: It clicked after I posted about my first major event—a conference I attended on energy transition in 2024. The traction that post gained made me realize that LinkedIn isn’t just a static CV; it’s a way to engage with professionals and shape my identity in the field. I’ve also found that it helps me stay engaged with what’s happening in the sectors I care about: foreign policy, sustainability, and global governance. The more I engaged in the platform, the more I started attending events not just to learn, but also to reflect and share my insights afterward. I always carry a small notebook with me to these events, where I jot down things that stand out—key insights, memorable quotes, or even just moments that made me think. When I get home, I use those notes to craft my LinkedIn posts. That habit has made me more intentional about listening and participating. For me, LinkedIn is a mix of real life with online magic. 

IO: How long did it take you to grow your profile? Did you have a specific strategy for posting, sharing, and expanding your network, or was it more trial and error?

Noor: I started focusing on my LinkedIn last summer, growing my network by around 400–500 connections, primarily university students, professors, and professionals related to my field. I dedicated about 30 minutes to an hour each day, sending connection requests and engaging with posts. The strategy was simple: be intentional about who I connected with and make sure my posts reflected my interests and growth. I also learned that people only know what you show them—a small event can feel significant if you frame it around why it mattered and how it shaped you.

IO: A lot of people struggle with LinkedIn because they don’t want to sound like they’re bragging. How do you balance showcasing your achievements while keeping your posts engaging and useful?

Noor: I try to focus on the experience rather than the achievement. People connect more with reflections and takeaways than with just a list of accomplishments. Also, adding a personal touch helps—whether it’s sharing a challenge I faced or a surprising insight from an event. For example, I attended a European Energy Transition Summit hosted by DLA Piper in London, where I knew no one and didn’t have much background in the sector. I brought my notebook with me, wrote down key points from the panel discussions, and later shaped my post around what I found most surprising about the role of legal frameworks in renewable energy. That post sparked engagement from professionals in both law and energy, which led to some meaningful follow-ups. Personal insights create authenticity and make people more likely to engage.

IO: If high school students want to start building their LinkedIn now, what are the first things they should do?

Noor: Start with the basics:

• A clear, professional profile picture with a backdrop that reflects your interests or industry

• A concise but engaging bio that captures who you are and what you’re working toward

• Start posting early, even if it’s just reflections on school projects or events you’ve attended

• Don’t overthink it—your first few posts don’t need to be perfect. Authenticity matters more than polish.

• Don’t be afraid to connect with people. Most professionals are happy to accept connection requests from students who show genuine interest in their field.

Once the profile is set up, stay engaged! Follow people and organizations in the fields you're interested in. For example, I follow diplomats, think tanks, and organizations focused on sustainability and foreign policy. That’s helped me stay informed and also made it easier to comment thoughtfully on posts, which boosts visibility and builds credibility.

IO: Your major–International Relations and International Law–has many career possibilities. Has LinkedIn helped?

Noor: Absolutely. LinkedIn has helped me discover new career paths that I hadn’t even considered. I’ve gained insight into the intersection of diplomacy, international law, and sustainability. It’s also helped me realize how broad my field is, and that’s been encouraging rather than overwhelming. I’ve connected with people working on Oman’s green transition, legal advisors at international organizations, and even youth ambassadors involved in multilateral negotiations. Engaging with their work has helped me sharpen my focus on where I want to make a difference—particularly in Oman's foreign policy and sustainability efforts.

IO: If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of LinkedIn advice, what would it be?

Noor: Don’t be intimidated by what other people have accomplished. When I first started with LinkedIn, I’d see these polished profiles with incredible experiences, and I felt like I could never measure up. But LinkedIn is like any other social media platform—it’s all about how you present yourself. Everyone has their own unique voice and path; it’s just about finding and refining yours.