WAVE YPN: Leveraging LinkedIn for Career Growth

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM) (CST)

Description

At this month’s WAVE Young Professionals Network event, we’re breaking down how employers actually use LinkedIn—what they look for, what makes you stand out, and what not to stress about. Then our panel of pros will answer your burning questions.

And (spoiler alert) this event isn't just for those looking to pivot in their industry or career. This session will show you how to use LinkedIn to its full potential. Come learn, connect, and leave feeling 10x more confident in your online presence.

Upgrade your profile, get noticed by the right people, and/or finally understand how LinkedIn works behind the scenes!

This event is FREE for WAVE Members. Guests are $25.


Key Takeaways

  • Get insider expert advice from a live Q&A to answer your real-world LinkedIn questions and challenges.
  • Walk away knowing how to leverage the platform for career growth, personal branding, or just professional presence.
  • Discover what to post, how often, and how to interact so your profile works for you.



Schedule

12:00 – 12:15 AM // Check-in & Lunch
12:15 – 12:30 PM // Icebreaker & Introductions
12:30 – 1:30 PM // Panel Discussion

1:30 – 1:45 PM // Open Q&A
1:45 – 2:00 PM // Wrap-up



Meet the Panel

I am a strategy and marketing expert with more than two decades of experience in the financial and healthcare industries. In addition, I have served on a number of Boards and Leadership Committees for area non-profit organizations that align with my personal passion. But most importantly, I am a wife, mom, friend, follower of Christ, and outdoor enthusiast!


I am a Sourcing Specialist with Essentia Health. I have been in my role for 2 and a half years. I have been with Essentia for about 5 and a half years. I started as an Employment Rep where I would assist new hires with their paperwork and help them feel prepared to start their career. In my current role I do a lot of resume mining and reaching out to candidates who are qualified for the roles I source for. I also attend a lot of school events where I can assist students with career questions and help with resume building and LinkedIn set up. When I am searching for candidates on LinkedIn, one of the first things I notice is if their profile is complete. Ensuring that their profile has been set up lists their qualifications. Ensure that the profile is professional looking and easy to read. I like LinkedIn for finding and connecting with people who are maybe not interested in career opportunities at the time but to help keep them up to date on our current openings in the event that they are interested or looking in the future. 


Kris Olson serves as the Senior Director of Physician and Professional Services at Essentia Health, where she leads with purpose and unwavering dedication to the organization’s mission: "making a healthy difference in people's lives." With a firm belief that every individual in the organization has the power to contribute meaningfully to this mission, Kris brings vision, strategy, and heart to her role. She oversees the recruitment, onboarding, and employment of all credentialed clinicians, manages professional staffing (locums), and ensures a seamless employment process—all with a focus on excellence and impact.

 A passionate advocate for health and well-being, Kris draws inspiration from her personal journey as an eight-year breast cancer survivor and her experiences as a mother. Her daughter, a first-year medical student, and her autistic son have shaped her perspective, deepening her empathy and drive to make a difference in the lives of others. These experiences fuel her commitment to fostering strong relationships and creating meaningful change.



What is WAVE Young Professionals Network?
WAVE YPN is a NEW networking and professional development program for individuals aged 18-39 in the Brainerd Lakes Area. This program is organized by the Brainerd Lakes Chamber and led by a team of young individuals representing a wide variety of industries across our community.



Thank You Sponsors!
WAVE is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors. 
Become a sponsor and view sponsor benefits on our website.

Pricing

WAVE Members: FREE
Guests: $25

Essentia Health Brainerd Lakes
523 North 3rd Street
Brainerd, MN 56401 United States
Event Contact
Ali Beste
(218) 822-7121
Send Email
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM) (CST)
Categories
Education
Brainerd Lakes Chamber Event
Registered Guests
37
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