Developing a personal brand can be a powerful way for you to showcase your distinct identity in academic and professional settings. Your personal brand is an authentic, professional image that reflects your strengths, values, and the meaning that you want to convey in your work. It can be daunting to think about creating a brand; Here are 5 tips you can use to begin crafting your unique image!
- Identify Your Strengths
If you haven’t already, take the Clifton Strengths assessment or access your report with your Villanova credentials (“Sign into your account using your Single Sign On (SSO) credentials (your Villlanova username and password) https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/” ). Reflecting on your Clifton Strengths will help you define what sets you apart and how you work best on a team. Think about how your strengths synergistically work together to make YOU unique! Also consider which topics, ideas or projects inspire you and how you want to build on them. Ask yourself….
How do I want to impact others and contribute to my community?
How can I leverage my strengths in my career aspirations?
If you want additional resources on cultivating your strengths, check out this master workbook!
- Define Your Professional Goals
The next step is to define some professional goals for which you can align your personal brand. Imagine yourself post-graduation… where do you want to make a difference?, how do you want to learn and grow?, what do you want your daily routine to be like? Whatever your goals may be, developing a general direction will help you create a personal brand that aligns with your professional aspirations.
- Curate Your Online Presence
Online platforms are a useful tool you can leverage to communicate your personal brand. LinkedIn, Handshake and Nova Network are all online platforms where you can begin sharing your personal brand. Here are a few ways to curate your online presence on these platforms:
- Highlight coursework, research experiences, projects, volunteer work, or relevant experience.
- Consider adding your CliftonStrengths to your headline or About section.
- Think about colors and themes that match your personality and use them to curate your LinkedIn profile. Be sure that it is consistent throughout your page.
- Regularly update your profiles, sharing accomplishments, insights, or articles that align with your values.
- Interact with other professionals and alumni and show that you’re engaged!
- Engage with Your Field
Creating connections is a huge part of personal branding – It’s about interacting with professionals, faculty/staff, and peers who inspire you. Consider attending workshops and joining campus organizations and industry-specific circles. Any way that you can actively engage in your field of interest will be an asset to your personal brand and show others what you’re all about.
Start reaching out to alumni, professors or employees with similar interests. Forging connections now with professionals will allow you to build strong working relationships that will be an asset to your future career. You can also reach out to connections about setting up an informational interview to learn more about a job or organization via LinkedIn, Nova Network or email. Remember – networking can happen anywhere! Always invite the opportunity to meet professionals and share your personal brand.
- Be Authentic
Create a personal brand that truly reflects you as a person. You want to be genuine and share your unique journey and be honest and open in talking about challenges and learning moments. After all, your personal brand is about YOU and staying true to yourself is key in telling your unique story.
If you would like more guidance in developing and refining your personal brand, you can make an appointment with one of our awesome peer career coaches or professional development staff members on Handshake. We are here to help you succeed!
