LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that allows users to connect with other professionals in their industry. Over the years, LinkedIn has become an invaluable resource for networking, finding jobs, showcasing skills and experience, and building a professional brand.
For black professionals, LinkedIn can provide additional benefits beyond the usual networking and career opportunities. Specifically, black users can join LinkedIn groups dedicated to black professionals to find mentors, connect with other black professionals in their field, share opportunities and insights, and discuss issues affecting the black community.
The Official LinkedIn Black Professionals Group
The largest and most active LinkedIn group for black professionals is simply called “Black Professionals Network (Official BPN)”. This group was created in 2008 and has over 640,000 members as of October 2023. It is an open group, meaning anyone on LinkedIn can join.
The goal of the Black Professionals Network group is to connect black professionals from all industries, build community, foster mentoring relationships, share knowledge and opportunities, and celebrate successes. Members frequently post open job positions, career advice articles, profiles of successful black professionals, and discussions on topics impacting black employees. There are also opportunities to join subgroups within the main BPN group based on specific industries, interests, and geographic regions.
Membership Policies
To join the Black Professionals Network group, users simply need to request to become a member, which the group moderators will approve. All members must comply with LinkedIn’s User Agreement and Professional Community Policies. Abusive, offensive, or discriminatory posts and behaviors can result in being banned from the group.
The group moderators encourage all members to actively participate by commenting on discussions, posting open opportunities, and sharing knowledge. However, overly self-promotional or commercial posts are discouraged and may be removed by the moderators.
Benefits of Joining
There are many potential benefits for black professionals who join the BPN group:
- Connect with fellow black professionals in diverse industries
- Find mentors who can provide career advice and guidance
- Access job openings and career opportunities posted in the group
- Get advice on navigating workplace challenges as a black employee
- Read inspirational stories of successful black leaders and executives
- Join subgroups focused on specific interest areas like MBAs, Engineers, Women, etc.
- Promote your own expertise, accomplishments and open roles at your company
- Give back by mentoring other black professionals just starting out
Essentially, the Black Professionals Network provides the benefits of networking, mentoring, peer support, and opportunity sharing specifically for LinkedIn’s black user base. Members can participate as much or as little as they like based on their needs.
Other Notable Groups for Black Professionals
In addition to the main Black Professionals Network group, there are dozens of other LinkedIn groups created either for black professionals specifically or for diversity and inclusion generally. Here are some of the largest and most active additional groups black users may wish to join:
Blacks in Technology (BIT)
With over 100,000 members, Blacks in Technology aims to connect, inspire, and empower black tech professionals. It provides a forum to celebrate accomplishments, find mentorship opportunities, and foster allyships.
African American Professionals Network
Similar to the BPN group, this network of over 50,000 members provides networking and community for black professionals across all industries. There are also specific sub-groups for careers such as consulting, engineering, and entrepreneurship.
Black Women in Tech
This group recognizes the unique challenges facing black women in the tech world. It provides black women in STEM fields a space to connect, get advice, and share opportunities with over 17,000 members.
Professionals of Color
With a goal to advance professionals of color, this group takes a more inclusive approach with over 100,000 members of diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds. Topics focus on workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion.
African Diaspora Professionals
This fast-growing group unites professionals from the African diaspora worldwide, creating a Pan-African network. It provides members with over 10,000 connections and opportunities globally.
Black Excellence Coaches Corner
In addition to networking, this small but active group provides training, workshops, and coaching to black professionals seeking to advance their careers and performance. The focus is on professional development and achieving excellence.
How to Get the Most from LinkedIn as a Black Professional
To fully utilize LinkedIn to benefit your career as a black professional, here are some tips beyond just joining groups:
Complete your Profile
Be sure to thoroughly complete your profile highlighting your skills, accomplishments, education, volunteer work, and recommendations. This gives people an understanding of your expertise right away.
Follow Companies
Follow companies you aspire to work for to learn about open positions, company culture, and important news updates.
Build Your Network
Connect with other professionals you meet at conferences, events, through mutual contacts, or even cold messaging those you would like to connect with.
Engage Regularly
Comment, post, like, and share content to build your brand and increase your visibility. Being actively engaged boosts networking potential.
Share Content
Post your own updates, articles, projects, and accomplishments to highlight your skills, perspectives, and thought leadership.
Utilize LinkedIn Groups
Join and participate in groups for black professionals, your industry, skills, employer, school, and interests.
Stay Up to Date
Follow LinkedIn’s newsfeed, influencers, and topics to find relevant opportunities, content, and insights.
Use Advanced Search
Leverage LinkedIn’s advanced profile search to find connections, groups, and opportunities matching your specific professional needs and goals.
Conclusion
For black professionals, LinkedIn provides a powerful platform to build an influential network, accelerate your career, and connect with a supportive community. By actively engaging on LinkedIn and joining groups like the Black Professionals Network, black users can access mentorship, job opportunities, advice, and solidarity. While racism and discrimination still exist in society and business, black professionals are utilizing LinkedIn to amplify their voices, celebrate their excellence, and open doors for future generations.